Introduction
The NATO Quality Assurance Pool of Experts (QA POE) was established to enhance the capacity of the HQ SACT NATO QA Team of Experts (QA TOE) by leveraging shared expertise, supporting professional collaboration, and increasing transparency within the NATO QA programme. Membership is voluntary, limited to experienced QA practitioners who meet defined criteria, and is by invitation from the HQ SACT QA TOE.
Benefits of Membership in the Pool of Experts
Membership in this prestigious cadre of professionals benefits the individual, their organization, and HQ SACT. These benefits include:
- Provides the QA TOE with a different and practical perspective during on-site visits (OSVs).
- Facilitates execution of a demanding QA Programme of Work (POW).
- Increases transparency in the institutional accreditation process.
- Serves as evidence of contribution to NATO—a requirement for reaccreditation.
- Enhances the prestige and visibility of the education and training facility (ETF) and its nation.
- Improves networking with other ETFs and HQ SACT.
- Provides professional development opportunities.
- Enables the sharing of best practices.
Key Requirements for Membership
1. Willingness to Join
Interested candidates must clearly express their willingness to join the QA POE and actively contribute to the QA TOE’s mission of maintaining high standards in NATO education and individual training (E&IT). QA practitioners who meet the criteria below may express their interest by contacting the HQ SACT QA TOE—participation in the Annual QA Forum provides an excellent opportunity to do so.
2. Appropriate Level of Expertise in Quality Assurance
Candidates are expected to demonstrate appropriate expertise in NATO QA within E&IT. This is typically achieved by the following:
Completion of the NATO QA in E&IT Course.
Be currently appointed as a QA manager or equivalent position in assigned responsibilities within a NATO-accredited ETF.
Have undergone a first time accreditation or re-accreditation of an ETF.
These qualifications ensure that QA POE members possess both foundational knowledge and the practical competence required to support the QA TOE during OSVs and/or the NATO QA in E&IT Course.
3. Readiness to Support QA TOE Across the Programme of Work
Applicants must confirm their availability to support QA TOE activities throughout the annual POW. This includes participation in OSVs and the QA Course. There should also be a reasonable expectation that the applicant’s chain of command will approve such involvement. In general, members are requested to support one or two activities per year.
Support Costs
HQ SACT covers transportation (economy class), while the sending organization is responsible for per diem and accommodation during OSVs. Support to the NATO QA in E&IT Course is typically funded through the subject matter expert (SME) support budget.
Conclusion
Becoming a member of the NATO HQ SACT QA Pool of Experts (QA POE) is both a privilege and a responsibility. It offers the opportunity to directly contribute to NATO’s mission of excellence in QA within E&IT, while also promoting professional growth in a unique multinational environment.