Information on revised
Contract Policy for new entrants

The Secretary General has approved a revised contract policy (.PDF/141 KB) for new entrants to the NATO International Staff (IS) in Brussels.  It is applicable to future staff who apply for an international civilian post in the IS advertised on or after 1st September 2007.

Serving staff and others who applied for posts advertised before 1st September 2007 remain subject to the previous contract policy.

This is to provide additional information on the procedure which will apply for the award of indefinite duration contracts in the IS under the revised policy.

A grades

Occupants of A grade Generalist posts who are offered a further definite duration contract will have the possibility during that contract to apply for conversion to an indefinite duration contract.  Their applications will be considered by a Tenure Board which will make recommendations to the Secretary General.

In arriving at its recommendation the Tenure Board, which will be chaired by the Deputy Secretary General, will take the following elements into consideration:

• the staff member's performance while in service with the Organization;
• the utility of the staff member’s knowledge, skills and competencies with respect to the future needs of the Organization;
• the number of staff applying at that time for conversion to an indefinite duration contract;
• the relative balance which is considered to be required in the future between rotation, continuity and internal mobility, taking into account future Organizational objectives and staff demographics.

The Board will base its considerations on a number of elements including supporting material submitted by the staff member, appraisals under the Performance Management system, results of an Assessment Centre or related competency tests, and evidence of professional development during the period of appointment with the Organization.  It is also necessary to have passed the standard NATO language test in the other official language.

Applicants will have a maximum of two opportunities to apply for conversion to an indefinite duration contract during their second definite duration contract. If not awarded an indefinite duration contract their appointment will end at the end of the second definite duration contract.

L, B and C grades

L grade, B grade and C grade staff who are not serving in Specialist posts are appointed on a three year initial contract.  On completion of their initial contract, they may be offered an indefinite duration contract.  In deciding on the award of such a contract the primary considerations are the interests of the service, the quality of work and contribution of the staff member, and the continued requirement for the post or functions.