Publications

The purpose of this NATO report is to identify best practices related to recruitment and retention ofearly-career civilian scientists for senior leadership in defence science and technology organisations.The approach taken was to review potentially related NATO work and to gather and summarisechallenges, best practices and strategies from within participating organisations. Common challengesacross organisations were identified, such as lengthy hiring times, competition from the private sector, adesire for increased diversity, and aging workforces. Best practices included the need to developrelationships with universities and employ students to attract them following graduation, marketing ofthe organisation to target audiences through a variety of methods, targeting diverse groups and activelyreducing barriers, reducing the hiring time by empowering managers, offering mentoring anddevelopmental opportunities to new scientists, and regular monitoring of the workforce. Leadership wasidentified as having a critical role to play. Emotional intelligence, effective communication skills,leading by example, and the ability to lead and value diverse workforces are among key managementcompetencies to empower a positive and diverse workplace culture. The best practices and insights inthis report can be used to improve recruitment and retention strategies for early-career civilian scientists.