Protocol Specialist
Spektrum have a wide range of exciting opportunities in several global locations.
We are always looking to add great new talent to our team and look forward to hearing from you.
Spektrum supports apex purchasers (NATO, UN, EU and National Government and Defence) and their Tier 1 supplier ecosystem with a wide range of specialist services. We provide our clients with professional services, specialised aerospace and defence sales, delivery, and operational subject matter expertise. We are looking for personnel to join our team and support key client projects.
Who we are supporting
Allied Command Transformation (ACT) is NATO’s leading agent for change: driving, facilitating, and advocating the continuous improvement of Alliance capabilities to maintain and enhance the military relevance and effectiveness of the Alliance. The main objectives of ACT are: providing appropriate support to NATO missions and operations; leading NATO military transformation; and improving relationships, interaction and practical cooperation with partners, nations and international organisations. ACT therefore leads Alliance concept development, capability development, training and lessons-learned initiatives and provides unfettered military support to policy development within NATO.
The program
Capability Development & Management Support (CDMS)
DCOS Capability Development (CAPDEV) acts as the Supreme Allied Commander Transformation's Director for guidance, direction and coordination of the activities and resources of the Capability Development Directorate.
The Requirements Division will execute all tasks and activities needed to support requirements management for NATO capabilities
The Capability Requirements (CR) Branch will develop the Capability Requirements Brief and recommended courses of action to resolve issues through the life cycle management of requirements using matrixed, cross-functional project-specific Requirements Management teams.
The Requirements Forward Branch (Mons) is responsible for conducting requirements development and management representation and engagement-related functions in Europe.
The Capability Division coordinates the development of capabilities from capability planning through acceptance and then disposal with management entities, NATO Headquarters staff and the NATO Governance Structure
The Capability Forward Branch (Mons) coordinates with ACO, NCIA, NSPA, NATO HQ, territorial Host Nations, and NATO Centres of Excellence (COEs) to support the development of capabilities.
Strategic Plans and Policy (SPP) supports Allied Command Transformation in formalizing military advice to shape future military strategy, political guidance, and other policy documents supporting NATO’s strategic objectives.
Role ID: ACT-CDMS-26-02-B-48
Role Duties and Responsibilities
- Acting as focal liaison point with Local Authorities.
- Developing and maintaining the VIP database.
- Planning, preparing, and executing all conferences, exercises, seminars, ceremonies, and VIP visits to HQ SACT.
- Personally meeting and escorting visitors and dignitaries (as required) on their arrival and accompanying them through various phases of their visits.
- Preparing and executing an effective and comprehensive DV programme. Responsible for creating schedules of events, including briefing arrangements, luncheons, ship and base tours, accommodations, transportation, and all details.
- Providing advice and training on matters relating to the customs and regulations governing diplomatic formality, precedence, and etiquette.
- Supporting the execution of numerous National Day Flag Raising Ceremonies, including coordination of Marine Corps and Band support, guests of honour, gifts, and various other details.
- Maintaining alphabetical biography books of NATO officials and all DVs.
- Serve as SME on all matters regarding protocol planning software applications inside the Protocol Branch and for events in support of HQ SACT mission requirements.
Essential Skills and Experience
- Experience in an international military or governmental agency protocol environment.
- Experience on major joint or international military staff that includes planning of high-level events such as: Conferences, Exercises, Seminars, Ceremonies and high-level visits (Preferably within NATO).
- Familiarity with NATO Protocol standards.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills.
- Experience in managing complex schedules.
- Experience in Management of electronic registration using Cvent.
- Experience in Management of protocol software i.e. SocialTables.
- Experience in Management of electronic seating plan drawing tools i.e. Autocad.
- Experience on Database managing tools (Microsoft Access).
- External of NATO Protocol Course Certificate desired, NOT essential. Other Considerations
- Ability to work independently, proactively, and resourcefully on several tasks at one time with minimum supervision.
- Present a mature, professional appearance; interact well with others in international environment.
- Advanced knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, project management, and graphics software.
- Protocol Officer Course or equivalent formal training.
- Portfolio, Programme and Project management (P3) course is desirable.
- Previous experience working with Flag/General Officers or equivalent is desirable.
- Ability to work outside of normal working hours to include weekends and evenings, often on short notice; and frequent travel.
- Attendance at the NATO Protocol Course, NATO School of Oberammergau is mandatory in the first six months. Tuition and travel shall be provided and therefore not included in the bid price.
- Interested will be required to submit a video if shortlisted as a candidate.
- In the first part present themselves and why do they think they are the best choice for the place two (2) minutes. In the second part answering the three (3) questions four (4) minutes.
Education
- College degree or similar national academic qualification is required. 5 years of equivalent military or professional experience in a protocol or similar environment can be used as a substitute(s) for a university degree.
Language Proficiency
- Advanced Proficiency in English
- French is desirable
Working Location
- Norfolk, VA, USA
Working Policy
- On-Site
Contract Duration
- July 2026 – December 2030
Security Clearance
- Valid National or NATO Secret personal security clearance
We never know what new opportunities might be just over the horizon. If this opportunity isn't for you please feel free to send us your resume anyway and be the first to know if something suitable for your skills and experience comes up.