Russia Subject Matter Expert (SME) – NATO Allied Command Transformation

NORFOLK, VA
Full Time
Senior Executive
Location: Norfolk, VA
Position Type: Contract 
Clearance Requirement: Secret 
Language Requirement: English required; French and Russian proficiency preferred

About the Role
Ironclad Defense Works is seeking an experienced Russia Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support NATO Allied Command Transformation (ACT). This role involves providing high-level strategic analysis, policy recommendations, and expert insights on Russian defense, security, and geopolitical dynamics to enhance NATO’s strategic planning and deterrence posture.
As part of the Strategic Plans and Policy Division, the selected candidate will contribute to NATO’s military strategy, force development initiatives, and intelligence-informed decision-making processes. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in Russian military strategy, foreign policy, hybrid warfare tactics, and NATO-Russia relations.

Key Responsibilities
  • Conduct in-depth assessments of Russian military doctrine, force posture, strategic objectives, and hybrid warfare tactics.
  • Provide actionable insights on Russia’s geopolitical maneuvers, deterrence strategies, and regional security concerns affecting NATO operations.
  • Analyze Russian influence operations, cyber threats, and disinformation campaigns impacting NATO member states.
  • Develop reports, policy recommendations, and briefings for NATO leadership and decision-makers.
  • Contribute to NATO’s strategic deterrence and defense policy initiatives concerning Russia.
  • Support wargaming exercises, scenario planning, and force structure analysis in response to evolving Russian security challenges.
  • Work closely with NATO’s strategic planners, intelligence analysts, and operational forces to enhance situational awareness and policy alignment.
  • Participate in high-level NATO workshops, conferences, and working groups focused on Russian defense strategy.
  • Engage with academic institutions, think tanks, and allied governments to exchange intelligence and policy insights.
Required Qualifications & Skills
  • Master’s degree in International Relations, Security Studies, Political Science, Russian Studies, or a related field.
  • Minimum 7 years of experience in strategic policy analysis, military intelligence, or Russian geopolitical research.
  • Expertise in Russian military doctrine, force posture, hybrid warfare, and deterrence strategy.
  • Experience working with NATO, U.S. DoD, EUCOM, or intelligence agencies on Russian security threats.
  • Strong research, writing, and analytical skills, with experience drafting policy papers, intelligence briefs, and strategic reports.
  • Ability to present findings to senior leadership in NATO and allied defense organizations.
  • Active Secret clearance 
Preferred Qualifications
  • Prior experience working with NATO HQ, SHAPE, ACT, or strategic-level defense organizations.
  • Familiarity with wargaming, scenario planning, and force structure analysis methodologies.
  • Published research or policy contributions related to Russian security strategy, energy warfare, or cyber operations.
Why Join Ironclad Defense Works?
This opportunity allows you to contribute directly to high-impact NATO initiatives that shape transatlantic security policy. As part of a dynamic team, you will collaborate with top defense strategists, intelligence professionals, and military leaders, providing critical insights that influence NATO’s strategic posture and response to Russian security challenges. 

Ironclad Defense Works is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds who meet the security and qualification requirements.
 
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