03/03/2025
This is just the beginning. Let us explain.
Stop. Listen. You’re sat in a cocktail bar, nice shoes on, smoke in the air, tinted mirrors. An attractive stranger approaches and touches your elbow. “Excuse me, I couldn’t help but notice your nice shoes.” You thank them. Clearly compelled by your elegant demeanor, they ask what you do for a living. You smile, expensively: “I work at NATO.”
Just a fantasy? Not for long.
What is an IGO?
First things first, what is an IGO, and what does that have to do with NATO? Well, an intergovernmental organization (IGO) is a group that’s mainly composed of sovereign states or other intergovernmental organizations. These groups are—most of the time—formally created by treaties and serve nations who work together on matters of mutual self-interest. There are lots of IGOs, including the United Nations, the World Bank, the European Union and, of course, NATO. The G7 isn’t a legal entity but does also qualify as an IGO.
IGOs bring world powers together to handle complex matters. This can include drafting agreements, resolving disputes and handling international tribunals.
While we’re at it, let’s touch on NGOs. NGO stands for non-governmental organization and is a term for a non-profit, voluntary citizens’ group. NGOs organize mostly humanitarian functions—think human rights, the environment and health. NGOs aren’t formally attached to governments, but governments often fund them. Got it? Great.
What does NATO do?
So, what does NATO do? According to their website, “NATO’s purpose is to guarantee the freedom and security of its members through political and military means.” Politically, it promotes democratic values and fosters cooperation on defense and security to solve problems, build trust and prevent conflicts. Militarily, NATO focuses on peaceful dispute resolution, but if needed, it has the power to undertake crisis-management operations. This is done via its founding treaty’s Article 5 or a United Nations mandate.
NATO’s decisions are made by consensus among its 32 member nations, with officials and experts consulting to address security challenges and respond to emerging threats.
The 32 members of NATO include Belgium, Italy, United States, United Kingdom and France. You can find the full list of NATO countries here.
And, finally, what does NATO stand for? North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Or “Organización del Tratado del Atlántico Norte” for our hispano-hablante friends who call it “OTAN”.
How can I work at NATO?
Getting a job at NATO is competitive but not impossible. You’ll be facing stiff competition from some of the brightest minds in the world. So, with such high standards, how can you get your résumé on top of the pile?
At IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs, we aim to demystify the process for all of our graduates and set them up for success. That’s why we hosted our IGOs day on January 29th, giving students the chance to connect with recruiters from the world’s top IGOs.
The day also included a panel discussion with experts from International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Asian Development Bank (ADB), UNICEF and, of course, NATO.
In the case of NATO, represented by Thibault Jacobs, there were key points for candidates to bear in mind: “We’re living in a fast-changing world with shifting priorities,” said Thibault. “While hard skills are essential for specific roles, soft skills are just as important. Often, students overlook these in their resumes or cover letters, but those soft skills—like communication, problem-solving, and adaptability—are key to standing out during the hiring process. Neither can we ignore the bigger, global challenges we’re facing, like climate change, rapid technological progress and rising political tensions. These issues are reshaping the skills and expertise we need.”
Digital skills are a great example of something every candidate should have, as they’re transferable across nearly all roles.”
“The truth is that NATO is looking for a wide range of profiles,” Thibault continued. “We’re not just looking for experts in military or geopolitical affairs. We’re also interested in people with backgrounds in things like logistics, human resources, diversity and inclusion, policy writing and even building management. But beyond technical expertise, what NATO values most is talent that can adapt to both external challenges and internal changes. Resilience is a big factor we assess during recruitment, as well as alignment with NATO’s core values.”
Making your profile stand out for NATO careers
So, first steps when you’re applying to work at NATO, do your research. “For students and recent grads, it’s important to really understand what NATO is about,” Thibault said. “Get to know the organization, talk to people working here, and make sure you align with its values.”
You also need to demonstrate adaptability. “We encourage mobility within NATO,” said Thibault. “Which means moving from one department to another or taking on new roles. Be open to learning new skills and staying flexible to opportunities as they arise. There’s a huge opportunity for new positions within NATO. Right now, for example, we’re hiring a lot of cyber specialists to help shape new policies that focus on things like AI.”
“And this isn’t just for full-time roles; we also have programs for interns and others looking to get involved. That’s part of what I work on, and it’s pretty exciting.”
Finally, make sure you’re a fit for a diverse workforce. “At NATO, diversity is absolutely key,” Thibault said. “There are 32 nations in NATO, and each one has an equal say. Every nation’s voice carries the same weight, and the spirit of consensus is really at the core of how we work. But while diversity is a strength, it also presents challenges, and I think that’s part of what makes working at NATO so interesting. Navigating those challenges and embracing diversity is what gives the organization its beauty.”
Get a NATO job with IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs
After the panel discussion, IE students enjoyed a jobs fair with recruiters from top IGOs, including representatives from ECB, UNSSC, UNWTO, IOM, ITU, INL, EUIPO, NATO, ADB, UNU, NATO NCIA, UNICEF, UNHCR, SATCEN and IDB. And we were able to get some exclusive tips from Thibault.
“NATO is always looking to recruit talent from all 32 of our member countries,” he told us. “That’s why we’re here today—to explain what we’re doing, what skills we’re looking for, and how we can attract the future workforce for NATO in the years ahead.” He also highlighted IE University’s role in shaping talent. “It’s one of the largest and most well-known universities in Europe,” he emphasized. “We have a long-standing relationship with IE, and we’ve organized visits to NATO for students. The university’s diverse offerings really align with what NATO needs.”
“It’s not just about looking for one specific type of profile; it’s about drawing from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. IE University provides this.”
For those who have job fairs approaching, Thibault has some sound words of advice. “Ask questions,” he advised. “And don’t be afraid to apply for a job at NATO, even if the process might take some time. Really dive into the experience and enjoy it. Before you even apply, make sure you know what you’re getting into and be clear with yourself about what you’re looking for. And once you’re through the process, stay curious. Keep growing and continue developing new skills and competencies—it’s all part of the journey.”
Study with us
If you want to work at NATO, consider studying with us at IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs. We combine cutting-edge education with real-world experience, giving you the tools to make change happen. With connections to top organizations like NATO, the UN, and the EU, you’ll get hands-on experience and insight from policymakers and experts.
Remember, working at an IGO is for those who want to make a difference. It also sounds really cool. And you’ll almost definitely get to wear nice shoes.
