NATO's International Staff

This group is an advisory and administrative body that supports the work of the national delegations at different committee levels and assists in implementing their decisions.

Worldwide, there are about 5,500 civilians working for NATO among different agencies and strategic and regional commands.

What are its authority, tasks, and responsibilities?

The International Staff supports the process of consensus-building and decision-making as well as follows up on the decisions of NATO committees.

Who participates?

The International Staff consists of personnel from member countries, either recruited directly by the Organisation or seconded by their governments. The IS is responsible to the Secretary General, who decides who is appointed to the staff. Members of the IS owe their allegiance to the Organisation throughout the period of their appointment.

Only nationals of NATO’s 26 member nations can apply to work for the International Staff. All vacancies are announced on NATO’s website.

How does it work in practice?

The new structure of the International Staff, created in 2003, comprises the Office of the Secretary General, six divisions, each headed by an Assistant Secretary General, and the NATO Office of Security, headed by a Director. The divisions of the IS are: The Division of Political Affairs and Security Policy, The Operations Division, The Division of Defence Investment, The Division of Defence Policy and Planning, The Division of Public Diplomacy, and The Executive Management Division.

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How did it evolve?

The International Staff was created in NATO's reorganisation of 1951 to play an effective role in supporting the North Atlantic Council (NAC). The IS was made responsible for the preparation and follow-up of action in all matters of the Council. The 'Agreement on the Status of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation defined its status, which National Representatives and International Staff negotiated and signed in September 1951.

The IS has been restructured many times throughout the years, with the most recent restructuring in 2003.