NATO Liaison Officer to US Congress

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division (JOID) provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

SPA's NATO Allied Command Transformation Group, within JOID, provides capability development, portfolio management, program management, quality management, cost estimation analysis, standardization, reporting, software solutions and information management, and capability management support. We also provide an improved capability requirements capture process, including the generation, documentation and tracing of user requirements, with appropriate technical scrutiny, over the entire lifecycle of the requirements from capability definition through capability realization and capability usage.

We have a near-term need for a NATO Liaison to US Congress to act as an Allied Command Transformation forward presence in Washington, D.C.

The Liaison Officer will contribute directly to NATO ACT Liaison Office to the Pentagon. This includes the following tasks: monitor and analyze the U.S. defense budget process from planning to execution, highlighting implications for NATO; track ongoing Congressional defense reforms and assess their impact on NATO transformation; provide strategic reporting on Congressional debates and decisions concerning Ukraine and broader Euro-Atlantic security; assess budget issues linked to U.S. troop presence in Europe, with specific attention to burden-sharing debates; analyze the political dynamics of defense-related legislation, identifying key influencers and agendas; plan and conduct informal engagements (dinners, meetings) with legislators and staffers to promote ACT visibility; monitor legislative initiatives, hearings, and committee activities with relevance to NATO; manage relationships with Members of Congress and provide tailored briefings on ACT and NATO priorities; coordinate with U.S. executive agencies, NATO missions, and Allied embassies to ensure message coherence; produce regular reports for SACT and POLAD on congressional trends, risks, and opportunities; support ACT delegations, visits by SACT and Flag Officers, and interactions with Congress; contribute to NATO's wider engagement strategy with think tanks, academia, and policy communities in Washington; facilitate ACT's participation in hearings, conferences, and networking events; and perform additional duties as directed by the POLAD in support of NATO's political-military engagement. May involve travel within the U.S. and to NATO headquarters as required (up to 30 days/year). Establish and maintain positive working relationships with appropriate personnel in assigned Congressional and Federal administrative and regulatory agencies through regular contacts. Keep abreast of rulings and rulemaking proceedings and prepare analyses and/or statements on these matters.

Required:

• Master's degree (or higher) in Political Science, International Relations, Economics, Law or a related field.
• 2+ years working with or within the U.S. Congress, particularly on defense, appropriations, and foreign policy issues.
• Experience working within NATO Enterprise (preferred); or other International Organization (in a defense or security-related position); or within a national mission, delegation, or embassy to an IO (in a defense or security-related position).
• Proven track record of success in a government relations position, with a demonstrated ability to manage a legislative portfolio, understand and communicate complex policies, and successfully navigate the legislative process.
• Excellent communication skills, particularly the ability to interface effectively with elected officials, policy makers, and key Congressional and Federal staff verbally, in writing, and through professional interpersonal skills to inform, educate, and persuade for support of ACT initiatives.
• Ability to work and communicate with colleagues in all departments to gather the resources, skills, and expertise necessary to convey NATO ACT's message on Capitol Hill and across administrations.
• Able to develop and implement long- and short-term action plans that lead to the accomplishment of NATO ACT's initiatives on innovation, capability development, and other topics.
• Strong expertise in defense policy, international security, and political-military affairs.
• In-depth knowledge of the U.S. congressional process, including authorization and appropriations cycles.
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex political and budgetary information into actionable recommendations.
• U.S. nationality and fluency in English at C1 level or higher.
• Ability to operate autonomously in a fast-paced environment while contributing to a team-oriented culture.
• Active U.S. or NATO SECRET (or higher) security clearance.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Familiarity with NATO structures, priorities, and transformation agenda.
• Previous experience in liaison, advisory, or diplomatic roles.
• Previous experience in the U.S. Department of State or in the U.S. Department of Defense is considered an asset.