Staff Officer (Audience Research

Post Context

Headquarters Allied Joint Force Command Norfolk (JFCNF) provides a resilient, static Joint headquarters to plan, prepare and conduct operations across all domains in peacetime, crisis and conflict, in order to support NATO's three core tasks, at the Joint Operational level, as directed by SACEUR.

The Communication Directorate is responsible for the management of information activities and capabilities in support of JFCNF policies, operations and activities to advance the aims of the Command.

The Information Environment Assessment Branch is responsible for conducting systematic, data-driven analysis and assessment of the Information Environment to support understanding, decision-making and the application of capability in the engagement space.

The incumbent provides expert design, analysis and interpretation of mixed-methods audience research in support of Information Environment Assessment and Strategic Communications. This role contributes to the development of evidence-based insights, enabling effective audience segmentation, messaging and engagement strategies, and supports informed decision-making across ACO.

• 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.

• 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.

English - SLP 4343 - (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing)

• Masters/PhD degree in in sociology, behavioural science, psychology, political science or a related discipline, with demonstrated coursework in research methods.
• 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.
• Participation in previous NATO training and exercises.
• Previous…