YPP, Data Science & Innovation

The Young Professionals Programme

Through times of crisis and peace, NATO has safeguarded our freedom and security for 75 years and counting. Threats evolve every day and NATO is continuing to adapt to keep us safe. Together we will make sure our Alliance remains ready today to face the challenges of tomorrow.

We are launching an accelerator for your international career – the second cycle of our Young Professionals Programme (YPP). Through this global three-year programme, you will experience the frontline of a political and military alliance and start a journey of personal and professional development in a diverse and inclusive work environment. Together, we will enable NATO to:

• Address existing and emerging global challenges with security implications;
• Facilitate political consultation and dialogue between nations;
• Leverage innovation, science and technology to support peace and security;
• Stay ahead in cutting-edge domains such as cyber defence and aerospace;
• Support multiple operations on land, at sea and in the air around the world;
• Contribute to the global effort to combat terrorism, piracy and human trafficking; and,
• Run crisis-management exercises that mobilize thousands of people and items of equipment.

Do you want to make a difference and help protect close to one billion people across 32 NATO member states, including your own? If you are ready to take on this challenge, and are a national of a NATO member state, hold a Master’s degree and have at least one year of work experience, then apply for the YPP.

With you, we are stronger.

#WeAreNATO

Your role

During the three years of the programme, you will be assigned to three different NATO bodies:

Year 1 - NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) - (The Hague, The Netherlands)

Year 2 - Allied Command Transformation (ACT) - (Norfolk, United States of America)

Year 3 - NATO International Military Staff (IMS) – NATO HQ – NATO Standardization Office (NSO) - (Brussels, Belgium)

For more information, please see the path narrative here. You can also find more information about the NATO bodies here & the NATO Young Professionals Programme here.

This is an opportunity for you to apply your knowledge and skills in the broader area of Data Science & Innovation. As you gain experience, you will be given increasing responsibilities, such as:

• Developing, implementing and promoting the use of data science and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in support of NATO policy development and NATO’s digital transformation;
• Working on data science projects that contribute to better decision-making and multi-domain military operations;
• Researching and employing research and analysis techniques (e.g. modelling, simulation, war gaming, Analyses of Alternatives);
• Supporting the development of joint analysis of operations, training, exercises and experiments, based on technical requirements defined within the NATO enterprise;
• Constantly scouting for new ideas, adoption of innovation and technological developments of relevance to the Alliance;
• Coordinating and collaborating with stakeholders across NATO, Allies, partners and Industry in support of achieving allied objectives;
• Informing the Strategic Level about military implications of Technological Innovation; and,
• Researching new trends within the areas of responsibilities of Data Science & Innovation.

Who we are looking for

The changing pace of the world demands that NATO and its people remain flexible, eager to learn and able to work effectively with a variety of stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. For a YPP position, we are looking for candidates with at least 1 year of professional experience.

For the YPP Data Science & Innovation path, we are generally interested in the following educational backgrounds:

• A Masters’ degree in the field of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics);
• Any other degree that you believe can be useful to the area of Data Science & Innovation – let us know how your knowledge and skills can be applied!

Any of the following experience or skills would be considered as an asset:

• Academic knowledge or professional experience in the fields of Data Science, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Operational Research & Analysis;
• Understanding of AI and data science, including but not limited to technology and policy matters, particularly as applicable to security and defence;
• Experience with writing policy reports on technology topics, preferably in the areas of AI and data;
• Genuine interest in Technology Innovation topics in international and multi-disciplinary contexts;
• Experience with at least one data analysis tool (such as Power BI, Matlab, KNIME, Python, VBA) preferably in the context of a project;
• Experience with Natural Language Processing, machine learning engineering, or computer vision;
• Knowledge of NATO, its agenda, policies, military posture, and/or partnerships;
• Prior professional experience or internship with other International Organizations, National Administration, research or tech industry;
• Any additional training/certification(s) related to Data Science & Innovation and project or program management certification;
• A curious & innovative mindset;
• Strong analytical & drafting skills;
• Proactivity, can-do attitude and a willingness to learn and share information; and,
• Teamwork, excellent communication, facilitation and interpersonal skills.

What we offer

NATO will offer the Young Professionals:

• An experience of a lifetime at the forefront of an international organization where you’ll have the opportunity to develop your skills and expand your professional network;
• A diverse and stimulating work and personal experience where you will be assigned to three different NATO bodies around the globe, one each year; and,
• A competitive salary and other benefits, including excellent health insurance and a generous annual leave package of 30 days.

Are you interested in being part of NATO and the YPP? Apply by 27 October 2024 [23:59 – CET Brussels]

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that we can only accept applications from nationals of NATO member countries. Applications must be submitted using e-recruitment system, as applicable:

• For NATO civilian staff members only: please apply via the internal recruitment portal (link);
• For all other applications: www.nato.int/recruitment

Please note that at the time of the interviews, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of their education and professional experience as relevant for this vacancy.

Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance (provided by the national Authorities of the selected candidate) and approval of the candidate’s medical file by the NATO Medical Adviser.

More information about the recruitment process and conditions of employment, can be found at our website (http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/recruit-hq-e.htm)