Special Advisor; International Affairs Job Belgique Missouri USA,Government

Position: Special Advisor (International Affairs)
Location: Belgique

Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) delivers a unified strategic framework that supports NATO's full spectrum of activities - from routine operations to the highest levels of military effort. SHAPE enables the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) to carry out his responsibilities as directed by the North Atlantic Council (NAC). The Command Group (CG) provides strategic-level command and control to support SACEUR's decision‑making and leadership.

Within the Command Group, the Office of the Strategic and International Affairs Advisor (OSIA) directly supports SACEUR, DSACEUR, COS and VCOS. It provides senior leaders across Allied Command Operations – including deployed NATO commanders – with integrated strategic advice, policy insight, and international affairs expertise related to operations, transformation, defence planning, and partnerships.

The Special Advisor (International Affairs) serves as the principal advisor within OSIA on strategic, political, and military issues affecting Allied Command Operations in Southern Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Black Sea region.

Principal Duties

Strategic Political‑Military Advice – Provide guidance on NATO political‑military issues, especially concerning Southern Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Black Sea.

Regional Expertise – Serve as lead advisor on security, policy, and operational matters in the East/South Mediterranean, North Africa, the Middle East, and the Black Sea region.

Policy Development Support – Contribute to major NATO policy and planning initiatives, shaping Command decisions with expert political‑military insight.

Integrated Air & Missile Defence Advice – Provide political‑military guidance related to NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence.

Maritime Policy Expertise – Advise on maritime security issues, policies, and initiatives relevant to NATO operations.

Strategic Environment Analysis – Assess European and global political‑military developments and identify implications for ACO and ongoing NATO operations.

Partnership & Regional Engagement – Serve as principal advisor on NATO's relationships with MD, ICI, AU, and other global partners; coordinate directly with regional General Staffs.

High‑Level Coordination & Representation – Represent OSIA in engagements with NATO HQ, national missions, governments, and subordinate commands to harmonize strategic military advice.

Operational & Crisis Support – Support ACO political‑military engagement, lead negotiations when required, contribute to crisis management, and develop strategic assessments and recommended courses of action.

Strategic Communication & Diplomacy – Draft high‑level briefs, maintain diplomatic and military networks, and support senior level visits and outreach across NATO and partner nations.

Special Requirements and Additional Duties

The incumbent may be required to undertake deployments in support of military operations and exercises, and/or TDY assignments, both within and without NATO boundaries up to 180 days. The employee may also perform a similar range of duties elsewhere within the organization at the same grade without a change to the contract.

Essential Qualifications a. Professional/Experience

Advanced political‑military and international affairs expertise:
Experience analysing complex geopolitical environments, advising senior leaders, and developing policy in areas such as defence, diplomacy, security studies, or international cooperation.
High‑level policy development and strategic planning experience:
Demonstrated ability to shape policy, produce strategic assessments, and support decision‑making at senior government, intergovernmental, or organisational levels.
Diplomatic engagement and stakeholder coordination:
Experience representing an organisation in international or intergovernmental settings, negotiating, and maintaining relationships with governments, international organisations, or regional partners.

b. Education/Training

University Degree in political science, public administration, international relations or related discipline and 6 years post‑related experience, or Higher Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training in…