Senior Press Officer (Editor)

Job Description

Ref: 241795

Location: Brussels, Belgium

Deadline: 12-Jan-2025

Salary (Pay Basis): 8,754.21 EUR Monthly

Grade: G20

Contract: three years; possibility of renewal

SUMMARY

NATO’s Public Diplomacy efforts serve a vital function within the Alliance by communicating its purpose and priorities to audiences worldwide. In fulfilling this role, the Public Diplomacy Division (PDD) actively strengthens NATO’s public image, thereby fostering trust in and support for the Alliance. The Division also acts as coordinator for strategic communication activities across all NATO civilian and military bodies and commands. The Press and Media Section is the principal point of contact for all media-related issues at NATO Headquarters.

The Senior Press Officer (Editor) supports the work of the NATO Spokesperson and the Head of Press and Media/Deputy Spokesperson. They help to coordinate the work of the Press Officers on a daily basis, including by overseeing the drafting of media products for the NATO Secretary General and the Deputy Secretary General, the handling of journalists’ queries, and the organisation of media engagements.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL:

The incumbent must:

• have a university degree from an institute of recognised standing or equivalent
• level of qualification;
• have at least 6 years’ experience in a communications environment or
• equivalent qualifying experience;
• have excellent drafting, editing and communications skills;
• have a proven ability to engage effectively with media;
• have experience coordinating teams;
• demonstrate sound political judgement;
• have a good knowledge of security issues and international relations;
• be able to operate in a multinational, culturally diverse, political environment where various interests are at stake;
• be a strong team player and be able to manage multiple deadlines under pressure;
• have the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): VI (“Proficiency”) in one; I (“Beginner”) in the other;
• be able to travel and work outside normal office hours.

DESIRABLE:

The following would be considered an advantage:

• in-depth knowledge of the press and media in at least one NATO member country;
• familiarity with the press corps in Brussels;
• experience working in an international organisation;
• knowledge of additional NATO Allied and/or partner nation languages;
• familiarity with other international institutions and the military.

MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES

Expertise Development

Working with the Spokesperson and Head of Press and Media/Deputy Spokesperson, oversee and contribute to the drafting and editing of media products. Deal with media queries, corrections and rebuttals in a proactive and accurate way within the news cycle following guidance from the Spokesperson and the Head of Press and Media/Deputy Spokesperson. Demonstrate an ability to convey complex or technical issues in a clear, accessible and newsworthy way. Keep up-to-date with NATO’s political agenda and key messages to be pushed to the media. Keep on top of breaking news stories and provide media handling advice as required. Support the organisation of press conferences, briefings and media interviews. Ensure timely and accurate transcripts of media engagements by the Secretary General and other NATO officials. Support and advise on the planning, execution and assessment of media tours and other public events.

Contribute to PDD communications campaigns and the implementation of NATO’s Annual Communication Strategy.

Stakeholder Management

Coordinate with relevant internal and external stakeholders, including NATO International Staff divisions, the military chain of command and Allies, to ensure message coherence and accurate media messages. Establish and maintain contact with journalists and opinion makers. Advise the Spokesperson on the management of interview requests. Ensure the timeliness, quality, consistency and newsworthiness of media products for Ministerial meetings, Summits, other high-level meetings and interviews. Liaise with journalists ahead of interviews and draft messages for those interviews. Brief on media issues and travel with the Secretary General, Deputy Secretary General and the North Atlantic Council as required.

Knowledge Management

Draft and review press conferences and statements for the Secretary General, Deputy Secretary General and the Spokesperson demonstrating sound political judgement, organisational awareness and newsworthiness. Draft and review media lines and narratives on key issues and for media engagements. Draft briefing materials. Prepare and deliver presentations for internal and external audiences. Write and review products and updates for the NATO website and relevant social media channels. Contribute to PDD’s communications plans.

Representation of the Organisation

Brief journalists, visitor groups and other audiences on NATO’s policies, responsibilities and activities. Represent the Press and Media Section in internal and external meetings, including exercises, committee meetings, workshops, seminars and other public events.

Project Management

Support the daily and long-term planning of the work of the Press and Media Section. Provide editorial guidance on the development and distribution of NATO audiovisual products to the media. Perform any other related duty as required.

INTERRELATIONSHIPS

The Senior Press Officer (Editor) reports the Head of Press and Media/Deputy Spokesperson. They help to coordinate the daily activities of the Press and Media Section. They work in close cooperation with the rest of PDD, as well as with the other NATO divisions and bodies, the military chain of command and national delegations. They may also coordinate with staff members of NATO Agencies, government departments, and non-governmental organisations. They regularly engage with journalists.

Direct reports: N/a

Indirect reports: N/a

COMPETENCIES

The incumbent will demonstrate:

• Achievement: Creates own measures of excellence and improves performance;
• Analytical Thinking: Sees multiple relationships;
• Change Leadership: Expresses vision for change;
• Impact and Influence: Uses indirect influence;
• Initiative: Is decisive in a time-sensitive situation;
• Organisational Awareness: Understands organisational politics;
• Teamwork: Solicits inputs and encourages others.

For more information on how to apply, please click the Apply button.

About the Organization

Working for peace, security and freedom for one billion people.
#NATO #WeAreNATO


NATO is a military alliance established by the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty on 4 April 1949. NATO’s essential purpose is to safeguard the freedom and security of its members through political and military means.

POLITICAL - NATO promotes democratic values and encourages consultation and cooperation on defence and security issues to build trust and, in the long run, prevent conflict.

MILITARY - NATO is committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes. If diplomatic efforts fail, it has the military capacity needed to undertake crisis-management operations. These are carried out under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty - NATO’s founding treaty - or under a UN mandate, alone or in cooperation with other countries and international organizations.

Source: http://www.nato.int/nato-welcome/index.html and http://www.nato.int/history/nato-history.html