Strategic Thinker ; SALT

Norfolk, United States | Posted on 10/14/2025

Sandy Mac Evolution LLC is a Veteran‑Owned company dedicated to connecting top talent with meaningful opportunities.

This opportunity is open only to individuals who currently hold an active U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) or NATO security clearance at the required level. Engagement will be under a 1099 / Business‑to‑Business (B2B) contractual arrangement — not a W‑2 employment position.

As this is a B2B / 1099 engagement, benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans are not provided. Contractors are responsible for managing their own taxes, insurance, and other business obligations in accordance with federal and state requirements.

A seasoned strategist with postgraduate education in political science, international relations, or defense studies and extensive NATO or multinational policy experience. The ideal candidate is skilled in futures analysis, foresight, and red‑teaming, providing strategic insights to support NATO’s Strategic Analysis and Long‑Term (SALT) initiatives.

They must demonstrate the ability to conduct horizon scanning, analyze emerging threats, and provide policy recommendations that align with NATO’s long‑term vision. Strong experience in multinational environments and the ability to brief senior leaders are essential.

Search Focus: NATO policy advisors, strategists, or foresight specialists with long‑term planning expertise.

• Attend weekly SALT meetings, both scheduled and unscheduled, at the direction of the Branch head
• Support implementation of LTMSS PoW
• Travel to attend relevant external meetings/workshops/events
• Facilitate and prepare workshops and other related events such as wargames
• Provide valuable input on NWCC and WDA and offer ideas and related analysis
• Interpret military, political, economic, sociocultural, and technological trends and develop alternative ways of assessment
• Conduct research and data analysis to inform strategic decisions, especially on China and the Sino‑Russian relationship
• Understand and shape the NATO’s/ACT’s strategy and mission
• Develop plans to materialize long‑term strategy and analyze development proposals
• Conduct research to identify threats and opportunities
• Construct forecasts and analytical models
• Monitor and analyze global trends (cognitive topics, international relations, global security environment, industry and market changes, etc.)
• Be available to ACT leadership for NWCC/WDA related requirements
• Collaborate as required with HQ SACT cross‑functional teams to provide strategic thoughts and inputs
• Provide feedback about their work clearly and concisely
• Fulfill other specific WDA and LTMSS related tasks as directed by the SALT Branch Head

• Demonstrated experience in corporate, government, or academic environment in analysis in the area of international relations, security or strategic studies
• Experience in strategic analysis of China and the Sino‑Russian relationship
• Staff experience at operational and/or strategic level
• A basic understanding of Strategic Foresight, Strategic Planning and Execution, Strategic Gap Analysis, Strategy Implementation, Futures Thinking, Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence
• University degree in international relations, business administration, economics, public administration, operations research or related discipline
• A solid background in policy/strategy analysis or strategic planning (at least 7 to 10 years recommended)
• Previous experience in an international organization / governmental organization, preferably NATO experience
• Proficiency in the use of the Microsoft Office Tool suite and collaborative software
• An extensive network within the academic and governmental community working on China and Sino‑Russian related topics
• An ability to build cooperative relationships with academia and governmental partners
• The capacity to work under general direction within a clear framework of accountability with substantial personal responsibility
• An ability to effectively multi‑task and prioritize in a fast‑paced environment, delivering requested products/tasks in due time
• The capacity to work effectively as the member of a multinational and multi‑disciplinary team
• Execute a broad range of complex professional or technical work activities in a variety of contexts
• An ability of disciplined and systematic approach to problem solving
• An ability for a comprehensive approach based on credible evidence, the most probable counterarguments and risks
• Excellent ability of using contemporary office tools, including MS Office and communications systems