Political Warfare SME

Political Warfare SME (LC 6) – Onsite at NATO ACT Norfolk Location :

• HQ SACT, Norfolk, VA Position Type : Full-time, Onsite Clearance Requirement : Active NATO or National SECRET (or higher) security clearance Role Overview Ironclad Defense Works (IDW) is seeking professionals to join NATO ACT as Political warfare subject-matter experts analyzing hybrid threats and adversary influence.
• These roles are central to NATO’s transformation and warfare development efforts.
• Successful candidates will combine creativity with rigorous analysis, ensuring outputs that inform NATO leadership and multinational strategy.
• This is a unique opportunity to contribute to NATO’s Warfighting Capstone Concept (NWCC), Warfare Development Agenda (WDA), and digital transformation initiatives.
• Key Responsibilities
• Plan, coordinate, and execute NATO projects at operational and strategic levels.
• Design processes, objectives, and supporting mechanics aligned to ACT needs.
• Develop scenarios and injects reflecting NATO challenges.
• Facilitate multinational workshops, wargames, and seminars.
• Integrate political, military, and technological perspectives into outputs.
• Collaborate with SMEs and specialists to enhance product realism.
• Incorporate adversary perspectives and red teaming approaches.
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses of outcomes.
• Prepare reports, briefings, and recommendations for leadership.
• Coordinate with NATO Centers of Excellence and partner nations.
• Support experimentation campaigns and concept development processes.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to professional development.
• Represent NATO at external conferences and events.
• Contribute to doctrine, policy, and strategy through lessons learned.
• Promote innovation and foresight in project design and delivery.
• Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field; Master’s preferred.
• 5–7 years of relevant professional experience.
• Proven ability to deliver results in multinational contexts.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
• Understanding of NATO’s Warfare Development Agenda and NWCC.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and collaboration tools.
• Ability to meet demanding timelines and work under pressure.
• Knowledge of emerging methodologies in the role’s domain.
• Fluent English (STANAG 6001 proficiency required).
• Eligible for NATO or National SECRET clearance.
• Citizenship of a NATO member nation.
• Desired Skills
• Experience conducting foresight or horizon scanning.
• Familiarity with influence operations or cognitive security.
• Practical knowledge of emerging technologies relevant to the role.
• Track record of facilitating workshops in multinational contexts.
• Familiarity with Agile, Design Thinking, or similar methods.
• Ability to synthesize technical, political, and operational perspectives.

Application Instructions Apply directly through the posted job ad and link.

Candidates may also send a cover letter and NATO-format forward résumé, emphasizing NATO and multinational experience, to :