Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.  

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division (JOID) provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

SPA's NATO Allied Command Transformation Group within JOID provides capability development, portfolio management, program management, quality management, cost estimation analysis, standardization, reporting, software solutions and information management, and capability management support. We also provide an improved capability requirements capture process, including the generation, documentation and tracing of user requirements, with appropriate technical scrutiny, over the entire lifecycle of the requirements from capability definition through capability realization and capability usage. 

We have a near-term need for two Deterrence Analysts to provide onsite support out of HQ SACT in Norfolk, VA.

The candidate will work within the Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate under Deterrence Integrated Project Team working on the development of the Influence and Power Projection Warfare Development Imperitives Line of Delivery, Multi-Domain Escalation Dynamics (MDED) in support of the implementation of the NATO Warfighting Capstone Concept (NWCC). The main effort in 2025 will be the development of the MDED Deterrence Principles Guide for publication by SACT at the end of 2025 and the identification and development of the DCoI and, for 2026, integration of the MDED Deterrence Principles Guide into the ‘business as usual’ space through exercises, wargaming and continued academic research and revision of the Guide, based on new insights and stakeholder feedback.The candidate will also help in daily work coordination and collaboration efforts, by provision of the deterrence input to associated SPP and ACT outputs.

• Based upon the findings of the 4SQ Study Report and other literature, lead the scoping work related to the development of the MDED Principles Guide.
• Populate the framework with through in depth, ‘risk informed, adversary informed’ analysis of deterrence principles, to produce a MDED Deterrence Principles Guide to be used as a document to inform strategic decision making.
• Improve integration of the deterrence work into existing ACT and Alliance activity through stakeholder engagement and, in particular the identification of and development of a DCoI.
• Develop and deepen ACT and SPP’s understanding of deterrence theory and practice against globally diverse strategic challenges, beyond the Euro Atlantic Area.
• Develop StratCom messaging and methodologies to share deterrence issues, new findings and other relevant information with the DCoI and other identified target audiences.
• Attend weekly SPP PLP and Deterrence IPT meetings, both scheduled and unscheduled, at the direction of the BH/IPT Head. Currently there is one scheduled SPP PLP and one Deterrence IPT meeting per week, with
  impromptu meetings called when required.
• Provide feedback about their work clearly and concisely, and provide input on NWCC and WDA and offer ideas and related analysis.
• Understand and shape the NATO’s/ACT’s strategy and mission.
• Share ideas with multiple stakeholders and gain alignment from them.
• Be available to ACT leadership for WDA related requirements.
• Collaborate as required with HQ SACT cross-functional teams to provide strategic thoughts and inputs.
• Fulfil other specific WDA related tasks directed by SPP PLP/Deterrence IPT Head.
• Look beyond 2026 to develop further plans to progress deterrence thinking and understanding across the ACT and the Alliance.
• Contribute to strategic planning efforts that satisfy long-term needs of Warfare development.
• Interpret political, economic, sociocultural, technological and military trends and develop alternatives ways of assessment.
• Develop plans to materialize long term strategy and analyze development proposals.
• Conduct research to identify threats and opportunities, and construct forecasts and analytical models.

Required:

• Master’s degree OR a Bachelor’s degree and appropriate level of experience in fields linked to
  deterrence theory and the formulation of deterrence advice and principles at the military strategic level
• Must be a citizen of a NATO Nation with a valid National or NATO Secret Clearance or higher
• Demonstrated experience in government, military, or academic environment in the analysis of deterrence and defense against threats within and beyond the Euro Atlantic Area, military forces, posture, planning or operations
• Demonstrated experience in researching and analyzing international relations and security studies, deterrence and defense, and the Instruments of Power, with focus on the MIoP
• Demonstrated experience and understanding in the application of deterrence principles and the provision of deterrence advice at the military strategic level and the nexus of Military, Political, Economic, and Information Instruments of Power
• Demonstrate experience working at a military headquarters, or similar environment, at staff level on policy development, gap analysis, strategic planning, policy development procedures, and associated staff work on the operational and strategic levels of military activities
• Valid Passport with NO Travel Restrictions

Desired:

• Master’s degree or higher in political science, international studies, or security studies
• Ability to build cooperative relationships with academia and governmental partners
• Capacity to work under general direction within a clear framework of accountability with substantial personal responsibility
• Ability to effectively multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced environment
• Capacity to work effectively as the member of a multinational and multi-disciplinary team
• Execute a broad range of complex professional or technical work activities in a variety of contexts
• Ability of disciplined and systematic approach to problem solving
• Ability for a comprehensive approach based on credible evidence, the most probable counterarguments and risks
• Excellent ability of using contemporary office tools, including MS office and communications systems
• Excellent written and oral skills, and creative and innovative thinking