Are you Denmark's new defence adviser in Washington?

Are you passionate about security and defence policy, and would you like to contribute to strengthening cooperation between Denmark and the USA? Do you have international outlook and an interest in promoting Danish positions in the defence policy area? And do you enjoy working with dynamic and dedicated people in a professionally strong environment? Then you should consider applying for the position as defence adviser in Washington D.C.

About us

Europe and Denmark stand in a tightened security policy situation, and the Danish Defence is undergoing a comprehensive strategic change that involves a historic strengthening. Security for Denmark in an increasingly complex threat landscape means there is a need to speed up the buildup of the Danish Armed Forces’ combat power, procure materiel worth billions, strengthen international alliances – not least NATO – and strengthen defence in the Arctic and the North Atlantic.

The close defence- and security-political cooperation between Denmark and the USA takes place across all military domains, and it is continually developing in step with the security policy situation and technological development. In these years, the cooperation focuses particularly on the Arctic and the North Atlantic, defence industry and acquisitions, as well as NATO’s efforts to ensure credible deterrence and defence, where new technologies play a crucial role.

The Danish embassy in Washington plays a central role in the cooperation between Denmark and the USA in the security- and defence-political area.

About the position

As defence adviser you will work closely with the Defence Department as well as the Foreign and Security Policy Department at the embassy. Your main tasks will be to:

• Keep the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Command and other Danish authorities informed about current defence- and security-political issues in the USA, including positions and expectations ahead of meetings within NATO and other multilateral fora.
• Further develop defence cooperation between Denmark and the USA and build close working relationships with key figures in the American Department of War and other relevant authorities, defence-industrial actors, think tanks and research environments.
• Monitor relevant defence- and security-political agendas, likely with particular focus on innovation, new technologies and acquisitions.
• Provide support for planning and conducting various visits, meetings, courses and similar, including ministerial visits.
• Contribute to advising the Danish ambassador and the Danish defence attaché in Washington on defence- and security-political matters in coordination with the defence department and the embassy’s political departments.
• Support processes related to acquisitions, defence-industry cooperation, etc.

The position is based at the Danish embassy in Washington D.C.

About you

We expect you to have a relevant academic background and experience in the security- and defence-political area. It would be advantageous if you have insight into the intersection between defence policy and new technology.

To be considered for the position we attach importance to the following qualities

• Broad knowledge of international affairs, including preferably knowledge of and experience with cooperation with the USA and/or NATO.
• Overview and ability to handle complex situations.
• Holistic view and strong analytical abilities.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in Danish and English.
• Strong diplomatic skills and cultural understanding.
• Interest in and/or experience with technology-driven agendas within the defence- and security field.

As defence adviser you will contribute to maintaining the existing cooperation with one of Denmark’s most important allies at both political and strategic levels. You should also have an eye for development opportunities and potential new collaborations in the defence field that may arise as a result of changes in the general security policy situation and shifting American priorities. It would be an advantage if you also have insight into technological developments in areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud/digital infrastructure, robotics, unmanned systems and cyber.

Personally you are proactive, outgoing and have the ability to solve large and small tasks independently, quickly and efficiently. The position places great demands on your flexibility and adaptability. You also have a talent for building networks and can collaborate with people across different professional and cultural backgrounds.

You are able to handle complex political issues and operate diplomatically. It is also an advantage if you have experience from the Ministry of Defence’s department, the Mof for Defence or the Defence Command or from previous international work.

Terms of employment

You are a university-educated professional and will be employed as a special consultant or chief consultant under the currently applicable academic-employee agreement between the Ministry of Finance and academics in the public sector. Depending on qualifications there is also the possibility to negotiate allowances. There is an employer-financed pension scheme attached to the position at 18.07%.

During the deployment you will be posted under a special attaché arrangement and be subject to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ instructions and receive a tax-free overseas allowance.

You will be posted for 3 years with the possibility of extension.

As an employee under the Ministry of Defence you are subject to certain special terms. This means, among other things, that you must be security cleared and maintain this clearance throughout your employment period. In addition, you must be able to document that your physical health and your teeth are sound prior to deployment in international service. You must be able to document language proficiency in English corresponding to the Defence Academy’s language test in English level STANAG 3-3-3-3.

If you are selected for an international mission, please indicate this in your application.

Contact and application

If you want to know more about the position, you are welcome to contact the head of the Office for International Relations, Nikolaj Juncher Wædegaard, at tel. +45 2022 6308 or [email protected] or the defence attaché to the USA, Major General Karsten Fledelius Jensen, at tel. +1 202 967 9838 or +45 4032 9221.

If you have questions about salary and terms of employment, you can contact Personnel Command, HR consultant Rikke Frandsen at tel. +45 32 66 57 36.

The position is available from March 1, 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The application deadline is October 31, 2026. We expect to hold interviews in week 45.

In the Ministry of Defence’s organisation we believe that diversity improves task execution. Therefore we encourage qualified candidates from across the realm to apply for the position, regardless of personal background.

Applications with relevant attachments are sent electronically via the link. We look forward to hearing from you!

Application deadline: October 31, 2026

Department: Holmens Kanal 9 1060 Copenhagen K

Location: Abroad