Deadline Date: Wednesday 2 September 2026

Requirement: Engagement and Communications Consultant

Location: NATO Headquarters in Brussels, BE

Full Time On-Site: Yes

Total Scope of the request (hours): 500 hrs. (Estimate)

Required Start Date: As soon as possible

End Contract Date: 31 December 2026

Required Security Clearance: NATO SECRET

Special Terms and Conditions: The contractor will be responsible for complying with the respective national requirements for working permits, visas, taxes, social security etc. whilst working on site at NATO HQ Brussels, Belgium. No special status is either conferred or implied by the host organisation, NATO HQ Brussels, Belgium to the contractor whilst working on site. The contractor will be responsible for complying with all the respective National Health regulations in Belgium before taking up the position.

1. INTRODUCTION

The Cyber and Digital Transformation Division (CDT) leads NATO's digital transformation, cybersecurity and cyber defence efforts, translating NATO priorities into coherent strategies and coordinated delivery across the Alliance to strengthen interoperability, resilience, cybersecurity and operational effectiveness.

The Division seeks a consultant to strengthen its engagement with industry, academia, NATO stakeholders and Allied public. The consultant will develop and implement targeted outreach, communications and activities that enhance the Division's agenda in implementing Cyber and Digital Transformation for the Alliance.

Working as part of the coherence team, and closely with other section heads and directors, and supporting the division's leadership and relevant NATO communications, policy and technical stakeholders, the consultant will translate complex cyber and digital transformation topics into clear, compelling and audience-appropriate messages.

2. TASKS

• Prepare high-quality communications products, including speeches for leadership, key messages, presentations, briefing materials, web and social-media content, stakeholder packages and event-related materials.
• Develop and maintain an engagement and communications plan for industry, academia, Allied stakeholders and relevant public audiences in order to raise awareness and understanding of cyber, AI and data, and hybrid issues, and CDT developments in these areas.
• Develop a strategic narrative to link CDT efforts in training, exercises, concept development and policy documents.
• Identify, map and describe priority relationships with digital and cyber technology companies, defence industry, research institutions, think tanks and professional networks.
• Support the planning and delivery of conferences, workshops, roundtables, bilateral engagements and public-facing activities, including speaker preparation, audience targeting and follow-up, in cooperation - and with advice - from the Office of Strategic Communication.
• Advise leadership on strategic positioning, stakeholder perceptions, communications opportunities and reputational risks, and provide regular reporting on outreach activities and results.

3. PROFILE

[See Requirements]

4. LOCATION OF DUTY

The service will be executed on-site at the NATO HQ offices in Brussels, Belgium, no teleworking permitted. Limited travels to other NATO bodies and Committee meetings in NATO Countries may be required.

5. TIMELINES

The services of the contractor are required for the period starting as soon as possible until 31st December 2026.

Possible extension of the contract in 2027 and 2028. Contract extensions are subject to performance of the contractor, budget availability and related NATO regulations.

6. REPORTING & SPECIFIC WORKING CONDITIONS

The contractor will be embedded as part of the coherence team and reports to the DASG Strategy and Policy.

The contractor shall comply with all general rules, terms, and conditions applicable to working within the CDT at NATO HQ Brussels. This includes security protocols, data protection guidelines, and any specific operational procedures.

7. LINK TO CDT OBJECTIVES

This work will ensure that CDT has a structured and strategic stakeholder engagement Framework that is aligned with the division's priorities.

Objective O1: Develop a stakeholder engagement Roadmap. KPI: Complete and validated stakeholder mapping and engagement strategy. Timeline: Within 3 months.

Objective O2: Build stakeholder relationships. KPI: Identify and categorised 100% of key internal and external stakeholders by influence, interest and engagement level. Timeline: End of 6th Month.

Objective O3: Develop communication material for the leadership as requested. KPI: Speaking notes and presentation material are available 2 days before the event. Timeline: Ad-hoc and as requested by senior leadership.

8. TRAVEL

Occasional business travel may be required. Travel expenses will be reimbursed to the individual directly (in addition to the hourly rate) under NATO rules. Travel to Shape will not be reimbursed.

9. SECURITY AND NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT

The contractor must be in possession of a NATO SECRET security clearance before being considered as a candidate.

A signed Non-Disclosure Agreement will be required.

Requirements

3. PROFILE

• The candidate holds a university degree in communications, marketing, public relations, political science, international relations, security studies, technology policy or another relevant discipline.
• The candidate has demonstrated senior experience (8+ years) in strategic communication, stakeholder engagement, public affairs, marketing or external relations, preferably in the cyber, digital, defence, security or emerging-technology sectors.
• The candidate has 3 years of experience in a senior or lead communications role, advising management and leading strategic communication initiatives.
• The candidate has strong knowledge of NATO's internal structures, decision-making processes, stakeholder environment and civil-military working practices, gained through relevant professional experience.
• The candidate has excellent written and spoken English (SLP 4/4/4/4), with the ability to communicate complex technical and policy issues clearly to senior officials, specialist audiences and the public.
• The candidate must possess a valid NATO security clearance required for the assignment.

9. SECURITY AND NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT

• The contractor must be in possession of a NATO SECRET security clearance before being considered as a candidate. A signed Non-Disclosure Agreement will be required.