Staff Officer (Audience Research)

The Staff Officer (Audience Research) at NATO's Joint Force Command Norfolk provides expert design, analysis, and interpretation of mixed-methods audience research to support Information Environment Assessment and Strategic Communications. The role enables evidence-based insights for effective audience segmentation, messaging, and engagement strategies to support decision-making across NATO.

Responsibilities

• Design, conduct and commission mixed-methods audience research (including surveys, focus groups, interviews and other qualitative and quantitative methods) to generate robust insights on audiences relevant for NATO in support of Information Environment Assessment.
• Analyse audience research data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques (e.g. cross-tabulation, segmentation, thematic analysis) to identify behavioural patterns, trends and audience segments.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of target audiences, integrating demographic, psychographic and sociographic profiling to identify behavioural drivers, barriers and influencing factors.
• Provide evidence-based recommendations to improve messaging, targeting and Strategic Communications effects design in order to more effectively engage selected audiences.
• Support the development of tailored communications and engagement approaches by translating audience research findings into practical guidance for planners and practitioners.
• Advise on strategies to effectively engage with target audiences, based on rigorous audience research and analysis.
• Provide strategic-level briefs on designated aspects of audience research and the Information Environment to senior staff and decision-makers, when required.
• Maintain awareness of emerging audience research methodologies, tools and best practices, and contribute to their appropriate application within NATO.
• Undertake additional duties and assume other responsibilities as directed by the Chain of Command.

Requirements

• University Degree in sociology, behavioural science, psychology, political science or a related discipline, with demonstrated coursework in research methods and 2 years function related experience, or Higher Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training in that discipline leading to a professional qualification or professional accreditation with 4 years post related experience.
• A minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in social or behavioural sciences, audience research, or a closely related field, with a strong focus on research design, data collection and analysis.
• Proven ability to synthesise and interpret audience research findings to produce clear, evidence-based insights and recommendations relevant to strategic communications, engagement or behaviour change.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with a proven ability to present complex research findings in a clear, structured and logical manner to both specialist and non-specialist audiences, with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated experience designing, conducting and analysing qualitative and/or quantitative audience research, including surveys, focus groups and interviews, and applying appropriate analytical techniques (e.g. cross-tabulation, segmentation, clustering, thematic analysis).
• Experience working with externally commissioned research, including acting as a technical interface with research providers or commercial contractors, overseeing commissioned data collection, and assuring methodological quality and relevance of outputs.
• Proficiency in relevant research and analysis software including the ability to manage, analyse and visualise audience research data.
• Desirable: Masters/PhD degree in sociology, behavioural science, psychology, political science or a related discipline, with demonstrated coursework in research methods.
• Desirable: Experience conducting audience research in strategic communication, influence or behavioural change context, including evaluation of communication or engagement activities to assess effectiveness and derive actionable audience insights.
• Desirable: Participation in previous NATO training and exercises.
• Desirable: Previous professional experience in NATO or in an international environment comprising both military and civilian elements, with exposure to multinational stakeholder coordination.
• Desirable: Familiarity with behavioural science frameworks (e.g. capability, opportunity and motivation models) and their application to audience analysis or communications planning.

Skills

• Research Design
• Data Collection
• Data Analysis
• Audience Research
• Qualitative Research
• Quantitative Research
• Survey Design
• Focus Group Facilitation
• Interview Techniques
• Cross-tabulation
• Segmentation Analysis
• Clustering Analysis
• Thematic Analysis
• Research synthesis
• Evidence-Based Insights
• Strategic Communications
• Behaviour Change Analysis
• Research Software Proficiency
• Data Visualization
• Commissioned Research Management

Languages

English