Director, Innovation

Key Skills

Aartificial intelligence, Digital Innovation, Effective communication skills, Leadership Skill, Planning and organization

Job Description

The Innovation, Hybrid & Cyber (IHC) Division provides a coordinated approach for NATO to the emerging security challenges of the 21st Century. It serves as NATO HQ’s focal point for policy development on issues linked to innovation and Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDTs), Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy, cyber, hybrid, energy security, security of critical undersea infrastructure, as well as the impact of climate change on security.

The Division also promotes security cooperation on these challenges through a variety of different programmes, with Allies and with Partner nations, as well as with industry, academia and with other International Organisations (IO).

The Director Innovation supports the Assistant Secretary General (ASG) and the Deputy Assistant Secretary General (DASG) in taking forward policy development in particular on innovation and Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDTs), Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy. S/He plays a key role in enhancing synergies and cross-coordination within the IHC Division, as well as enhancing coherence across the NATO Enterprise on related issues, includes advancing digital transformation for both NATO civilian & military structures and deepening practical engagement with non-NATO stakeholders, particularly the European Union policy-makers and industry experts.

The incumbent also plays a key role in overseeing the liaison function for the newly established NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA), as well as with the independent NATO Innovation Fund (NIF).

Key focus areas for the next few years are:

• Identify synergies between NATO’s EDT agenda and other initiatives, as well as grow NATO’s innovation network across a diverse ecosystem;
• Foster the adoption of emerging and disruptive technologies and protect the Alliance from risks posed in this space;
• Seek out new technology, trends, and innovation opportunities, carrying a bias for action to drive forward NATO’s innovation agenda including measures to protect and foster innovation in the Alliance and enhance NATO’s innovation partnerships with industry, academia, international organisations and partner countries;

In addition to the application form, candidates are expected to submit a Word document (maximum 2 A4 pages) summarising their views on the key focus areas and how they would address them if selected for the position. This essay will be evaluated as part of the longlisting assessment (see full instructions on how to apply at the end of this vacancy notice).

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL

The incumbent must:

• hold an advanced degree in the field of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), international security, business administration, or other related technology/innovation field;
• have a minimum of 15 years of professional experience in fields relevant for this position out of which at least 5 years leading and coordinating large, cross-functional teams;
• be conversant with the Alliance’s political and military consultative processes;
• a thorough knowledge of Alliance policies and procedures as they pertain to the portfolio, with additional in-depth knowledge and expertise in one or more of the fields of innovation and EDTs;
• significant professional experience in senior management positions in an international context;
• have experience working with senior executives and in convening and managing multi-stakeholder partnerships;
• have experience in engaging and negotiating with industrial policy actors, including industry, academia, governments as well as start-ups, accelerators and risk capital;
• have demonstrable experience in delivering and coordinating complex (programmes/projects) reports or strategies;
• possess the following minimum levels of NATO's official languages (English/French): V (Advanced) in one; II (Elementary) in the other.

DESIRABLE

The following would be considered an advantage:

• experience in a similar position, with a focus on industrial and/or innovation policy issues, value chain analysis or similar for a national administration or in an international environment, including working experience with academia, government institutions in NATO Member and partner countries;
• several years' experience in a comparable position within a Ministry for Foreign Affairs, a Ministry of Defence or relevant branch of the armed forces or government or intergovernmental agencies;
• deep understanding and knowledge of the NATO Enterprise to assist with the coordination of implementing NATO’s EDT Strategy and related innovation initiatives;
• publications focusing on one or more of NATO’s identified Emerging and Disruptive Technologies at the strategic policy level;
• knowledge of macroeconomics or trade policies and their applicability to defence and security when merged with emerging technologies;
• a higher level than II (Elementary) in the other official NATO language.

MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES

Vision and Direction

In support of the ASG and DASG, and in concert and cross-coordination with other Section Heads in the division, the Director helps develop and formulate strategic goals and objectives on the range of subjects, linked to innovation and dealt with by the Division, including on enhancing synergies, coordination and effectiveness. S/he motivates colleagues to describe, explain and share their knowledge with others within the Division and across the Organisation, as well as with Committees and senior bodies.

Policy Development

The Director chairs relevant Committees under IHC’s purview, when so designated, and where relevant, in support of ASG/DASG. S/he will develop and implement strategic high-level frameworks and policies to enable NATO to draw value from developments in EDTs, as well as innovation ecosystems and value chains, with an initial focus on Alliance operations and missions. Oversee and provide input to associated policy, strategy and conceptual papers, in coordination with other NATO stakeholders, advocate and coordinate the Alliance’s robust approach towards emerging and disruptive technologies.

Stakeholder management

Work with all stakeholders and seek maximum synergies with other entities playing leading roles in innovation. This includes the private sector, academia and other NATO entities playing leading roles in innovation such as, the newly established NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA), as well as the independent NATO Innovation Fund, the Conference of National Armaments Directors, the Defence Investment Division, Allied Command Transformation, and the NATO Science and Technology Organization.

Organisational Efficiencies

Develop clear lines of communication to facilitate inter-section and inter-divisional collaboration, communication and transparency of activities. Translate the strategy for the management of resources into medium- and long-term plans for the Directorate.

S/he must be prepared to work outside normal office hours and travel extensively when required

Expertise Development

Provide advice and recommendations. Apply and expand professional experience in the innovation and technology fields relevant to defence and security issues. Support decision makers in understanding the opportunities and risks of emerging and disruptive technologies to support political and operational decision making. Motivate colleagues to describe, explain and share their knowledge with others within the Division and across the Organization, as well as with Committees and senior bodies, Ensure that NATO is able to make a significant contribution in broader innovation related discussions beyond the Alliance and in relevant innovation ecosystems.

Representation of the Organization

Represent NATO at international conferences, seminars and workshops. Organise, prepare and give presentations to senior government official, academia, industry and in other international fora. Oversee preparations for relevant conferences and events. In close association with the Private Office, organise seminars, exercises and consultations involving the North Atlantic Council as appropriate.

People Management

The Director will manage and oversee the Innovation Unit, as well as the Data and AI Policy Unit and act as a role model of inclusive leadership and promote resilience, flexibility and innovation. S/he will promote transparency in decision-making, equal access to opportunities for all staff and ensure that all staff under her / his responsibility are clear on Organizational, Divisional and Directorate objectives.

Financial Management

Plan, manage and ensure financial accountability for the budget of the assigned funds. Support the overall development and input into Medium-Term Financial Plans (MTFP) and ensure that such plans are reviewed and updated in light of new developments and aligned with innovation priorities and linked to other programmatic fund requests. 

Perform any other related duty as assigned.

INTERRELATIONSHIPS

The incumbent reports to the DASG for IHC. S/he maintains a close working relationship with NATO’s senior leadership and with other key members of the International Staff and International Military Staff. S/he must also establish and maintain close working relations with national delegations to NATO, including Partner missions, as well as with national officials in capitals who are responsible for the areas of work falling under her/his purview.

S/he she also coordinates closely with the NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA), as well as with the independent NATO Innovation Fund (NIF).

Direct reports: 2

Indirect reports: 16

COMPETENCIES

The incumbent must demonstrate:

• Achievement: Sets and works to meet challenging goals;
• Change Leadership: Champions change;
• Conceptual Thinking: Creates new concepts
• Developing Others: Provides in-depth mentoring, coaching and training;
• Impact and Influence: Uses complex influence strategies;
• Initiative: Plans and acts for the long-term;
• Leadership: Communicates a compelling vision;
• Organisational Awareness: Understands underlying issues;
• Self-Control: Stays composed and positive even under extreme pressure.

 CONTRACT

Contract to be offered to the successful applicant (if non-seconded): Definite duration contract of three years; possibility of renewal for up to three years.

Contract clause applicable:

This is a senior post of specialised political nature in which turnover is required for political reasons. The successful applicant will be offered a 3-year definite duration contract, which may be renewed for a further period of up to 3 years. The maximum period of service in this post is six years.

If the successful applicant is seconded from the national administration of one of NATO’s member States, a 3-year definite duration contract will be offered, which may be renewed for a further period of up to 3 years subject also to the agreement of the national authority concerned.

Serving staff will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations.

USEFUL INFORMATION REGARDING APPLICATION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that we can only accept applications from nationals of NATO member countries. Applications must be submitted using e-recruitment system, as applicable:

• For NATO civilian staff members only: please apply via the internal recruitment portal (link);
• For all other applications: www.nato.int/recruitment

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More information about the recruitment process and conditions of employment, can be found at our website (http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/recruit-hq-e.htm)

Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance (provided by the national Authorities of the selected candidate), approval of the candidate’s medical file by the NATO Medical Adviser, verification of your study(ies) and work experience, and the successful completion of the accreditation and notification process by the relevant authorities.

NATO will not accept any phase of the recruitment and selection prepared, in whole or in part, by means of generative artificial-intelligence (AI) tools, including and without limitation to chatbots, such as Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (Chat GPT), or other language generating tools. NATO reserves the right to screen applications to identify the use of such tools. All applications prepared, in whole or in part, by means of such generative or creative AI applications may be rejected without further consideration at NATO’s sole discretion, and NATO reserves the right to take further steps in such cases as appropriate.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

NATO is committed to diversity and inclusion, and strives to provide equal access to employment, advancement and retention, independent of gender, age, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, cultural background, sexual orientation, and disability. NATO welcomes applications of nationals from all member Nations, and strongly encourages women to apply.

Building Integrity is a key element of NATO’s core tasks. As an employer, NATO values commitment to the principles of integrity, transparency and accountability in accordance with international norms and practices established for the defence and related security sector. Selected candidates are expected to be role models of integrity, and to promote good governance through ongoing efforts in their work.

Due to the broad interest in NATO and the large number of potential candidates, telephone or e-mail enquiries cannot be dealt with.

Applicants who are not successful in this competition may be offered an appointment to another post of a similar nature, albeit at the same or a lower grade, provided they meet the necessary requirements.

The nature of this position may require the staff member at times to be called upon to travel for work and/or to work outside normal office hours.

The organization offers several work-life policies including Teleworking and Flexible Working arrangements (Flexitime) subject to business requirements.

Please note that the International Staff at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium is a non-smoking environment.

For information about the NATO Single Salary Scale (Grading, Allowances, etc.) please visit our website. Detailed data is available under the Salary and Benefits tab.

Additional Information

• Grade: NATO Grade G23
• Post Number: IHC00XX

Compensation

• Pay Basis: Monthly
• Minimum Salary: Euro (EUR) 12,036.52