Frequently Asked Questions

Our selection process has been designed to assess your technical and behavioral competencies and will usually consist of a remote written and oral part.

• Technical competencies also known as hard skills, describe the application of knowledge and skills needed to perform specific tasks in a specific job. Those can be taught in a classroom, and can be defined, evaluated, and measured. In other words, this is the "know-how" needed for successful performance. Examples include project management or knowledge of a specific weapon system or software. 
• Behavioral competencies, also known as soft skills, describe the combination of abilities, motivations and personality traits required to perform effectively in a role. Examples include interpersonal skills, decision making, communication and leadership skills.

Different jobs require different competencies. You will find all relevant job-specific skills in the job description.

The selection criterias – in terms of qualifications, professional experience, technical skills and competencies required for the post – are clearly outlined in each vacancy notice.

Once a candidate is officially selected for a post, certain administrative formalities must be completed before a final offer letter can be sent to a candidate. These include:

1. Obtaining security clearance, which is requested by NSPA's Office of Security from the candidate's national authorities. The clearance process can take from several months up to one year, depending on various factors beyond NATO's control.
2. Completion of a medical file. The successful candidate is required to fill in a medical questionnaire, and provide the results of routine medical checks and a doctor's overall assessment of health to the NATO Medical Service. While a pre-existing medical condition is not in itself grounds for refusal of employment by NATO, it may lead to certain exclusions from the NATO medical insurance. 

Candidates are strongly discouraged from taking any action to give notice or terminate their current employment until they have received a final offer letter confirming full completion of the NATO file (including the security and medical aspects). It is by this letter that the candidate is requested to indicate the earliest date when he/she can take up duties at NATO.