Audience Researcher

Primary Location
Belgium-Mons

NATO Body
Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE)

Schedule
Full-time

Application Deadline
18-Dec-2025, 11:59:00 PM

Salary (Pay Basis)
6,467.30

Grade
NATO Grade G15

*Post Context/Post Summary*
Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) provides an integrated Strategic Effects framework, employing a multi-domain and multi-region focus to create a 360-degree approach, with the flexibility to enable, upon direction, a seamless transition from Baseline Activities and Current Operations (BACO) up to the Maximum Level of Effort (MLE). SHAPE supports SACEUR in fulfilling his terms of reference, as directed by the North Atlantic Council.

The J10 StratCom Directorate is responsible for the implementation of an AOR-wide cognitive campaign in support of ACO vigilance activities and AOR management and the delivery of strategic effects in the cognitive dimension that support SACEUR's strategic objectives, during peace, crisis, and conflicts

The Information Environment Assessment (IEA) Branch conducts systematic, data-driven analysis and assessment of the Information Environment to support understanding, decision-making and the application of capability in the engagement space.

The Information Fusion Section (IF) is responsible for centralised coordination and distribution of analysis and assessment to key stakeholders.

The Staff Officer (Audience Research) conducts research projects to gather insights into audiences, and their behaviours, and guide the development of StratCom Effects within specific audiences.

*Principal Duties*

• Conduct in-depth analysis of Target Audiences, including demographic, psychographic and sociographic profiling to identify behavioural drivers and barriers.
• Undertake research projects to gather insights on NATO's audiences.
• Utilise research findings to assist and guide in the development and implementation of tailored communications plans.
• Analyse research data, reaching logical and methodical reasoning to provide recommendations on how NATO can improve the effectiveness of Strategic Communications to reach selected audience segments.
• Segment and link audiences to assist and guide the development of StratCom Effects within specific audiences.
• Conduct target audience analysis.
• Provide Cognitive analysis of target audiences, including Capability Opportunity and Motivation to drive behavioural change.
• Advise on strategies to effectively engage with target audiences.
• Provide recommendations on how to improve messaging, targeting, and StratCom Effects design.
• Support ACO's broader Information Environment Assessment capability development by advising on data integration into existing analysis processes.
• Analyse audience behaviour to identify patterns and trends.
• Provide strategic level briefs on designated aspects of the Information Environment, when required.
• Undertake additional duties and assume other responsibilities as directed by the Chain Of Command

Special Requirements And Additional Duties
The incumbent may be required to undertake deployments in support of military operations and exercises, and/or TDY assignments, both within and without NATO boundaries up to 30 days.

The employee may be required to perform a similar range of duties elsewhere within the organization at the same grade without there being any change to the contract.

The risk of injury is categorised as No risk / risk might increase when deployed.

Essential Qualifications
*a. Professional/Experience*

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant post-related experience relating to social or behavioral sciences, with a focus on research and analysis.
• Proven experience conducting qualitative and quantitative research in the social and/or behavioural sciences, including data collection (e.g., survey design, focus groups, interviews) and analysis (e.g., cross tabulation, clustering, thematic analysis)
• Experience in coordinating research projects and managing relationships with external research partners or commercial contractors, including overseeing commissioned data collection.
• Proficiency with data analysis software (e.g., R, SPSS, or similar) relevant to social and behavioural science research.

*b. Education/Training*
University Degree in sociology, behavioural science or related discipline, and 2 years function related experience, or Higher Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training in that discipline leading to a professional qualification or professional accreditation with 4 years post related experience.

In case of ambiguity the required job specific experience has priority over the standard education and training levels and experience described here.

*c. Language*
English - SLP Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing)

Desirable Qualifications
*a. Professional Experience*

• Experience in conducting audience research and analysis (e.g., through mixed-methods approaches) within a strategic communication or behavior change context, and to evaluate communication campaigns to assess effectiveness and derive audience insights.
• Previous work experience in NATO or in an international environment comprising military and civilian elements

b. Education /Training
A Masters Degree in sociology, behavioural science or related discipline.

*c. Language*

• Knowledge of other NATO languages, and/or Russian or Chinese or Arabic, would be an asset.

*Attributes/Competencies*

• Personal Attributes: The incumbent will need to display a high degree of professionalism, organisation, coordination and communication skills in the performance of their duties. The post requires strong analytical and technical abilities, conceptual thinking, and problem-solving skills. A collaborative mindset, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team are essential.
• Professional Contacts: It is desirable that the incumbent has a wide range of professional contacts with personnel within NATO organisations and agencies, civilian academia and industry.
• Contribution To Objectives: Strategic Communications is an integral and essential part of NATO operations, missions, exercises and vigilance activities, and is of utmost importance for DDA and AOR Management. This post provides critical analysis capabilities towards achieving effects in the cognitive dimension either in support of military operations or as a primary objective, by providing baselining and analysis on which to plan activities. The incumbent additionally leads assessment of military strategic communications effect, including deterrence of hostile actors, towards overarching Military Strategic Objectives.

REMARKS:

*Duration of contract:*
Serving staff members will be offered a contract according to the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations (NCPR). Newly recruited staff will be offered a definite duration contract of three years normally followed by an indefinite duration contract.

The salary will be the basic entry-level monthly salary defined by the NATO Grade of the post, which may be augmented by allowances based on the selected staff member's eligibility, and which is subject to the withholding of approximately 20% for pension and medical insurance contributions.

NATO is committed to diversity and inclusion, and strives to provide equal access to employment, advancement, and retention, independent of gender, age, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, cultural background, sexual orientation, and disability. NATO welcomes applications of nationals from all member Nations.

Building integrity is a key element of NATO's core tasks. As an employer, NATO values commitment to the principles of integrity, transparency, and accountability in accordance with international norms and practices established for the defence and related security sector. Selected candidates are expected to be role models of integrity, and to promote good governance through ongoing efforts in their work.

Applicants who prove to be competent for the post but who are not successful in this competition may be offered an appointment in another post of a similar nature, which might become vacant in the near future, albeit at the same or lower grade, provided they meet the necessary requirements.

We believe that all people are capable of great things. Because of this, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the criteria listed within this job description.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A NATO CIVILIAN POST AT SHAPE:
Applications are to be submitted using NATO Talent Acquisition Platform (NTAP Applications submitted by other means (e.g. mail, e-mail, fax, etc) are not accepted.

More information to be found on these links:

6 Tips for Applying to NATO

Application Process

Shortlisted candidates will be requested to provide original documentary evidence and a set of copies supporting statements in their applications. Appointment is subject to obtaining a NS security clearance and a medical certificate.

Remarks:

• Only nationals from the 32 NATO member states can apply for vacancies at SHAPE.
• Applications are automatically acknowledged within one working day after submission. In the absence of an acknowledgement please make sure the submission process is completed, or, re-submit the application .
• Qualified redundant staff of the same grade interested in this post should inform this office, via their HR/Personnel Office by not later than vacancy's closing date.
• All candidates will receive an answer indicating the outcome of their application.
• NATO will not accept any phase of the recruitment and selection prepared, in whole or in part, by means of generative artificial-intelligence (AI) tools, including and without limitation to chatbots, such as Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (Chat GPT), or other language generating tools. NATO reserves the right to screen applications to identify the use of such tools. All applications prepared, in whole or in part, by means of such generative or creative AI applications may be rejected without further consideration at NATO's sole discretion, and NATO reserves the right to take further steps in such cases as appropriate