Press Officer

Position description

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 primary function of the incumbent is to draft press conferences, messages, statements, media lines and other related products for the Secretary General and the Deputy Secretary General. They regularly engage with international media, and handle queries, following the guidance of the NATO Spokesperson and the Head of Press and Media/Deputy Spokesperson. They also conduct press tours to NATO events and support coordination of communication activities and messages with the military chain of command.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL

The incumbent must:

• possess a university degree from an institute of recognised standing or equivalent level of qualification;
• have 5 years’ experience in a communications environment or equivalent qualifying experience;
• have excellent drafting and communications skills;
• have a proven ability to engage effectively with media;
• demonstrate sound political judgement;
• have a good knowledge of security issues and international relations;
• have in-depth knowledge of the press and media in at least one NATO member country;
• have experience using social media;
• be able to work as part of a diverse, multinational team;
• be able to remain calm in difficult situations;
• possess 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:

• familiarity with the press corps in Brussels;
• experience in broadcast and audio-visual media;
• 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

Support the Spokesperson and the Head of Press and Media/Deputy Spokesperson on designated media issues, especially with drafting media messages, press conferences, statements, and other products for the Secretary General in a way that is clear, concise, and accessible. 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 handling advice as required. Support the organisation of press conferences, briefings and media interviews. Provide 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. Demonstrate a team player attitude in a fast moving and demanding multinational working environment. 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. Assist in the preparation of media products for journalists for NATO Summits, ministerials and other highlevel meetings. 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 Organization

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

Project Management 

Contribute in a systematic and proactive way to the daily and long-term planning within the Press and Media Section. Provide editorial guidance on the development of NATO audiovisual products and facilitate the provision of these products to the media as required. Perform any other related duty as assigned.

INTERRELATIONSHIPS

The incumbent reports to the Head of Press and Media/Deputy Spokesperson. They work in close cooperation with the rest of PDD, as well as with 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.

Application instructions

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