Stockpiles are creaking, vehicles are ailing and ammunition is in short supply. Fortunately, there is one front in the Norwegian Armed Forces that is never neglected: diversity and gender equality.
The Norwegian Armed Forces is now advertising a position as Senior Advisor for Gender Equality and Diversity, with an annual salary of between NOK 850,000 and NOK 950,000. The position is permanent and located in the heart of the Defence Staff – strategically located in the centre of Oslo, with a short distance to both home office and training room.
The tasks involve ensuring “systematic reporting”, contributing to “cultural transformation”, developing action plans and analysing how gender balance and UN resolutions affect the Norwegian Armed Forces’ ability to wage war for Norway.
This entire menu will also be “integrated” into HSE, management, culture and expertise.
Missing bullets and gunpowder
Chief of Defence Eirik Kristoffersen has on several occasions expressed serious concern about the Norwegian Armed Forces’ inability to handle long-term and demanding military operations.
“The defence’s endurance and ability to operate over time is marginal,” he said last year, referring to major deficiencies in ammunition, fuel, personnel and air defence.
In its defence analysis for 2025, the Norwegian Defence Research Institute (FFI) has stated that the Norwegian Armed Forces are facing significant underfunding, and that the long-term plan that has been adopted will cost approximately NOK 78 billion to implement.
PRIDE: It’s not the first time the Chief of Defence has put diversity high on the agenda. Here from when he took part in the Pride parade. Photo: Terje Pedersen / NTB
Cultural transformation
Despite the chief of defence’s concerns, it seems that the agency he leads is very committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality.
Applicants for the position are required to have solid experience of public administration, “management by objectives and analysis”, and preferably be familiar with “risk mapping” – in Excel, if nothing else.
Security clearance is also required.
Security clearance to SECRET and NATO SECRET is also required. What the classified information should entail within “cultural transformation” is not stated in the job advertisement.
The place of work is Akershus Fortress, and the position offers flexible working hours, the possibility of working from home and training during working hours.
Flexible working hours, the possibility of working from home and training during working hours will be provided. The title of the position will be “Senior Advisor”, with salaries ranging from NOK. 850,000 to 950,000 per year (82– 92000 USD or 72–81000 EUR).
The deadline for applying for the position is 25 May.