Russia Subject Matter Expert

Spektrum have a wide range of exciting opportunities in several global locations.

We are always looking to add great new talent to our team and look forward to hearing from you.

Spektrum supports apex purchasers (NATO, UN, EU and National Government and Defence) and their Tier 1 supplier ecosystem with a wide range of specialist services. We provide our clients with professional services, specialised aerospace and defence sales, delivery, and operational subject matter expertise. We are looking for personnel to join our team and support key client projects.

Who We Are Supporting

Allied Command Transformation (ACT) is NATO’s leading agent for change: driving, facilitating, and advocating the continuous improvement of Alliance capabilities to maintain and enhance the military relevance and effectiveness of the Alliance. The main objectives of ACT are: providing appropriate support to NATO missions and operations; leading NATO military transformation; and improving relationships, interaction and practical cooperation with partners, nations and international organisations. ACT therefore leads Alliance concept development, capability development, training and lessons-learned initiatives and provides unfettered military support to policy development within NATO.

The program

Capability Development & Management Support (CDMS)

DCOS Capability Development (CAPDEV) acts as the Supreme Allied Commander Transformation's Director for guidance, direction and coordination of the activities and resources of the Capability Development Directorate.

The Requirements Division will execute all tasks and activities needed to support requirements management for NATO capabilities

The Capability Requirements (CR) Branch will develop the Capability Requirements Brief and recommended courses of action to resolve issues through the life cycle management of requirements using matrixed, cross-functional project-specific Requirements Management teams.

The Requirements Forward Branch (Mons) is responsible for conducting requirements development and management representation and engagement-related functions in Europe.

The Capability Division coordinates the development of capabilities from capability planning through acceptance and then disposal with management entities, NATO Headquarters staff and the NATO Governance Structure

The Capability Forward Branch (Mons) coordinates with ACO, NCIA, NSPA, NATO HQ, territorial Host Nations, and NATO Centres of Excellence (COEs) to support the development of capabilities.

Strategic Plans and Policy (SPP) supports Allied Command Transformation in formalizing military advice to shape future military strategy, political guidance, and other policy documents supporting NATO’s strategic objectives.

Role Responsibilities

• Serve as subject matter expert (SME) on Russia, consultable on Eurasian affairs.
• Coordinate external subject matter expertise on Russia in support of designated projects, ensuring alignment with the Tier approach to leverage knowledge across NATO and relevant external entities, mainly when such expertise is not resident within SACT HQ.
• Assist in developing, coordinating, and advising on the implementations of WDA Lines of Delivery focused on the NWCC timeline and the strategic/operational challenges associated with Russia.
• Conduct in-depth research and analysis on emerging threats, adversarial strategies, and technological advancements to inform the Red Team’s activities and support NATO’s decision-making processes.
• Assist in drafting, reviewing, and finalizing Red Team reports, strategic analyses, and wargame evaluations to ensure high-quality deliverables that meet NATO standards.
• Apply SME level analytic skills in order to recommend the actions required for a variety of ACT programs involving Russia.
• Provide advice and assessments to validate the Russia planning inputs are strategically sound.
• Provide reach back support to NATO HQ and ACT Directorates for planning activities, contingencies and exercise events relating to Russia.
• Act as a liaison between the Red Team and other NATO entities, supporting coordination efforts, sharing intelligence, and ensuring alignment with broader NATO objectives and strategic initiatives.
• Provide specialized operational and analytical support to the Red Team leader, offering insights and expertise to enhance the effectiveness of Red Team activities and outputs.
• Develop and maintain a repository of Red Team knowledge, including best practices, lessons learned, and research findings. This ensures that the Red Team benefits from cumulative knowledge and continues to improve its effectiveness.
• Support the development of Red Team personnel by identifying and sharing emerging trends, adversarial methodologies, and critical thinking strategies that enhance the team’s capabilities
  
  

Essential Skills And Experience

• Nationality of one of the NATO member countries.
• Demonstrated experience working with international teams.
• Demonstrated experience in project management to include complex stakeholder management tasks. A PMP or its equivalent is required.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated research experience in a relevant accredited academic institution or organization, or similar experience, related to the field or expertise.
• Having lived or worked in the area of concentration if a regional caveat applies.
• Possess experience in corporate, government or academic environment in analysis concerning international relations security studies, or similar.
• Published work that demonstrates knowledge of regional political / geopolitical, human, and economical issues.
• Demonstrated fluency in regional field of expertise (Russia).
• Understanding of NATO and its unique structure and work environment.
• Possess experience working in a Strategic Headquarters dealing with complex issues related to Russia.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other collaborative software as applicable.
  
  

Education

• A Master’s Degree in a relevant discipline.
  
  

Language Proficiency

• Advanced Proficiency in English.
  
  

Working Location

• Norfolk, VA, USA
  
  

Working Policy

• On-Site
  
  

Contract Duration

• June 2025 – December 2029
  
  

Security Clearance

• Valid National or NATO Secret personal security clearance
  
  

We never know what new opportunities might be just over the horizon. If this opportunity isn't for you please feel free to send us your resume anyway and be the first to know if something suitable for your skills and experience comes up.