Operational Research and Analysis Expert

Spektrum•Norfolk, VA

10h•Onsite

About The Position

Spektrum is seeking an Operational Research and Analysis Expert to support NATO capability development work through the Assistance and Advisory Service (AAS). The role supports the Operational Analysis Branch and programme teams within Allied Command Transformation (ACT), providing evidence-based analysis to mature NATO capability requirements and inform programmatic planning and decision-making. The work includes contributing to Course of Action (COA) analysis and Analysis of Alternatives (AoA). This involves understanding programme uncertainties, designing and facilitating stakeholder workshops, gathering or developing evidence on cost, risk, schedule, and operational effectiveness, and comparing options. Analysis may include developing or eliciting Measures of Performance (MoPs) and Measures of Effectiveness (MoEs), evaluating risks, eliciting or assessing schedule estimates, and reviewing cost estimates. Findings inform capability architectures, acquisition strategies, programme structures, and value-for-money decisions. The expert will produce analytical reports and decision briefs, and may brief decision-makers on the rationale, process, and outcomes of the analysis. The position is based onsite in Norfolk, Virginia, USA. Travel to meetings and conferences within and outside NATO boundaries may be required for up to 35 days per year. A valid national or NATO personal security clearance and professional English are required.

Requirements

At least two examples within the last 10 years, each of at least 3 years’ duration, in military Operations Research, Operational Analysis, or Systems Analysis supporting policy development or capability development. With a relevant bachelor’s degree, only 2 years within the last 5 years must be in the listed fields or areas.
Experience designing, leading, and facilitating workshops involving technical and non-technical stakeholders across multiple levels of seniority.
Within the last 5 years, experience determining Operational Analysis requirements, scoping problems for study, developing analysis plans, and delivering high-quality outputs that influence senior decision-makers.
Experience with assessment frameworks, including setting Measures of Performance and Measures of Effectiveness, setting service-delivery KPIs, or supporting programmatic benefits management and planning through analysis.
Experience gathering evidence and scoring effectiveness using analytical methods for defence-domain issues. Methods may include soft systems methods, elicitation of subjective evidence, war gaming, computer modelling and simulation, mathematical modelling, optimization techniques, and process mapping.
Experience in risk identification, assessment, analysis, and management in project and/or programme planning.
Experience producing or working with cost estimates, including cost-estimating methodologies and methods.
Within the last 10 years, experience working in a strategic or operational military command or multinational environment.
A university or equivalent bachelor’s degree in Operations Research, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, another equivalent quantitative discipline, or a subject focused on organizational or group decision-making; alternatively, 5+ years of Operational Analysis or Operations Research experience conducting and leading analytical studies in a relevant military, strategic, political, or international environment.
Valid national or NATO personal security clearance.
Professional English.

Responsibilities

Contribute to Course of Action analysis using Operations Research and Analysis techniques in support of capability development within ACT, to mature NATO capability requirements and set programmatic direction.
Research and establish qualitative and quantitative assessments of operational effectiveness, and undertake cost-effectiveness and risk-benefit studies and analyses.
Where appropriate, interact with NATO and national research entities and industries to establish the impact of alternatives on operational effectiveness.
Where appropriate, attend engagements with NATO, national organizations, and industry to help ensure cost-estimation activities produce outputs of appropriate quality for analysis.
Support the creation of Requests for Information to NATO Nations and non-governmental organizations.
Analyze the potential impact of identified individual and aggregated risks, and propose possible risk-management approaches.
Elicit, review, and assess schedule estimates to ensure appropriate quality and supporting evidence for decisions informed by the analysis.
Review and assess cost estimates provided by others to ensure appropriate quality and supporting evidence for decisions informed by the analysis.
Analyze and document comparative assessments of cost, risk, schedule, and operational effectiveness to inform programmatic decision-making.
Produce decision briefs and presentations describing the rationale and justification for analytical outcomes, and brief decision-makers when appropriate.
Produce written reports of analysis for the CPP evidence package for review with the International Military Staff and International Staff at NATO Headquarters.
Produce summary briefs of lessons identified and lessons learned to support continuous improvement of NATO capability development and Operational Analysis Branch skills and competencies.
Travel to meetings and conferences within and outside NATO boundaries, as required, for up to 35 days per year.
Perform additional labor-related tasks as required by the COTR.