Pending Budget Approval

Please note that the Operations Division is currently also recruiting for a Head, Planning and Assessment (230937), which can be found on our website.

1. SUMMARY

The mission of the Operations Division of the International Staff is to prepare NATO for the defence of Alliance territory, to respond to crises at home and abroad, and to strengthen the capabilities of partners. The Operations Division advances the core tasks of the Alliance (Defence and Deterrence, Crisis Prevention and Management, Cooperative Security) by providing situational awareness, advance planning, well-exercised and executed crisis response, and outcome-oriented defence and related security cooperation programmes.

Within the Operations Division, the Defence and Security Cooperation Directorate (DSCD) facilitates political-military decision-making and programme implementation with partner nations. The directorate does this to strengthen resilience, promote integrity, transparency, accountability and good governance in the defence and security sector of partner nations. They enhance the institutional and defence capabilities of partner nations so that they can better respond to crises at home and abroad.  As the focus for NATO defence and related security cooperation initiatives, the Directorate uses an integrated set of planning and programme implementation tools to develop effective and efficient state defence institutions  under democratic control that comply with international norms and practices, and to develop forces and capabilities that can operate effectively with NATO forces when appropriate.

The Directorate leads on developing Individually Tailored Partnership Programmes (ITPP) with partners to ensure strategic, coherent and efficient programme planning and implementation. The directorate does this by collaborating closely with the Political Affairs and Security Policy (PASP) Division as well as other stakeholders across NATO, nations and partners.

The Delivery Section is responsible for developing programmes and projects in partner countries.  These programmes deliver practical tailored support, including capacity building, education and training for partner personnel. These programmes promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in the defence and related security sector. They aim to enhance the institutional and defence capabilities of partner nations so that they can better respond to crises at home and abroad. 

The Head of the Section will be responsible for leading a given number of staff members and VNCs working together in sub-teams to develop and deliver their given programmes. As the leader of the Delivery section the incumbent will be giving strategic direction to the work of the Section in all its aspects, in order to deliver programmes in a creative way thereby maximizing their impact and synergies; as well as by supporting the workload balance and competing demands of the section as needed. Additionally the incumbent will be responsible for ensuring full coordination with other Sections in the DSCD, across OPS, and throughout the wider NATO enterprise. 

The key challenges facing the Head of Section during the next 2-3 years will include but are not limited to:

1.  Working with Allies and other stakeholders, develop strong political prioritisation for programme work in partner countries, within the constraints of limited budgets.
2. Move the programme teams away from a structure of implementing projects, to a model where the teams focus on strategic design, monitoring and evaluation of programmes.
3. Lead change in the teams to ensure that the section becomes agile and adaptable, and ready to respond to new challenges.

2. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE 

ESSENTIAL 

The incumbent must: 

• have a university degree or equivalent level of qualification in a field relevant for this position;
• have at least 10 years of relevant professional experience in progressively responsible positions;
• have at least 5 years’ of experience leading, and developing a diverse team of professionals in a complex and multicultural environment;
• have extensive experience as a senior level manager in programme planning, implementation and monitoring, including experience of financial management and programme budgeting;
• have experience in international security or defence policy matters working in an International Organisation, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a Ministry of Defence, or relevant NGO/company; 
• have a proven track record in the development, planning, implementation and assessment of defence and security cooperation programmes;
• possess strong political judgement and analytical skills to define and present complex strategies in a compelling manner;
• have a proven track record in creating high level vision, particularly in the area of change management and applying such policies;
• have experience in developing and maintaining a network of stakeholders from International Organisations, national administrations, the private sector, as well as from academia, NGOs and civil society;
• possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): V (“Advanced”) in one; I (“Beginner”) in the other.

DESIRABLE

• master’s degree or equivalent level of qualification in a field relevant for the position;
• Experience of work in or with key NATO partner countries;
• Knowledge of partner languages.

3. MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES

Vision and Direction

Develop, communicate and implement a vision for the future development of the section to face the challenges of the future in an ever-changing working environment. Champion change and federate the team around common objectives, ensuring that vision guides its mid and long-term programme of work. Act as a role model of inclusive leadership and promote resilience and flexibility. Support ASG/OPS, DASG/OPS and Director/ DSCD in fostering a “One team, One mission” approach across the division. Lead the decision-making process on the development, planning, implementation and assessment of NATO’s defence and security cooperation programmes and contribute to the development of NATO’s overall partnership policy. Advise senior management on the desired changes and reforms to relevant policies and programmes and how those changes would further the Alliance’s overarching objectives.

Policy Development

Assist and provide advice to the Assistant Secretary General (ASG) Operations and Deputy Assistant Secretary General (DASG) Operations as well as the Director DSCD on defence and security cooperation  and related NATO policies.

Planning and Execution

Set the annual objectives and plans for the Section in coordination with other DSCD Sections. Oversee the management of the delivery of NATO’s defence and security cooperation programes with partners, including planning, delivery and assessment; support the roll out and implementation of ITPPs for partners;  ensure that programmes are integrated horizontally within the Directorate, as well as with the other HQ Divisions and the IMS;

People Management

Lead a large and diverse team of international staff, VNCs, temps and interns (as appropriate) in three sub-teams.  Set objectives and establish priorities.  Encourage the professional development of all Directorate staff. Coach and mentor relevant staff to improve and develop their managerial skills. Work towards a true team spirit, and a positive, productive and inspiring work environment. Be an active listener and provide constructive feedback. Put particular focus on fostering day-to-day staff decisions that account for the equities of the entire Directorate, not just single programs.

Stakeholder Management

Coordinate closely with other Divisions of the International Staff (IS), the International Military Staff (IMS), Allied delegations, and partner nations on matters related to defence security and cooperation, promoting collegial and productive working relationships. Foster networking with relevant NATO-wide or external interlocutors and partners, including NGOs, national and/or international organizations. Facilitate dialogue, cooperation and decision-making by chairing relevant NATO Committees as required.

Expertise Development

Apply knowledge and experience to support OPS management of NATO defence and security cooperation.  Present clearly, concisely and effectively to senior NATO and national officials. Motivate subject matter experts within the Directorate to enhance and share their knowledge across the Directorate, the Division and beyond, and steer the team to keep the Directorate abreast of wider developments. Stay abreast of policy and security developments across NATO.

Representation of the Organization

Support OPS management by carrying out representational tasks on their behalf associated with defence and security cooperation. Visit partner countries as necessary. Meet or liaise with NATO and partner officials and senior members of Delegations and Missions, as well as representatives of other (inter)national organizations. Provide briefings and presentations to senior level groups and represent NATO at international conferences and events.

Project Management

In close cooperation with the Director DSCD, ensure that the Directorate meets its objectives through successful preparation for and execution of programmes. Strengthen the sustainability of programme outcomes, align projects and programmes, seek synergies across programmes, and develop strong tools for monitoring and evaluation.

Financial Management

Integrate and endorse the long-term financial plans and the annual budgets of the Directorate under her/his supervision, setting and allocating funding for the strategic priorities, in accordance with NATO Financial Regulations.  Ensure budget priorities are established and followed, and take corrective action as necessary. Identify ways to support programmes and projects when dealing with budget restrictions and hard deadlines.

Organisational Efficiencies

Provide appropriate support to the Directorate and seek further development and improvement in the delivery of advice on capacity building.  Allocate resources efficiently and effectively. Seek to identify innovations to further boost the Directorate’s efficiency.

Perform any other related duty as necessary.

4. INTERRELATIONSHIPS 

The incumbent reports to the Director DSCD and oversees management of the Delivery Team, its programmes and activities.  S/he will maintain close working relationships within the Directorate, and the rest of Operations Division and liaise with other NATO divisions, NATO Military Authorities, NATO delegations, partner nations, and the International Military Staff. The incumbent will also maintain regular contact with officials from other International Organisations, national administrations, the private sector, as well as from academia, Non-Governmental Organisations and civil society. 

Direct Reports: 3

Indirect Reports: 20

5. COMPETENCIES 

The incumbent must demonstrate: 

• Achievement: Sets and works to meet challenging goals;
• Change Leadership: Personally leads change;
• Conceptual Thinking: Clarifies complex data or situations;
• Developing Others: Provides in-depth mentoring, coaching and training;
• Impact and Influence: Uses indirect influence;
• Initiative: Plans and acts for the long-term;
• Leadership: Positions self as the leader; 
• Organisational Awareness: Understands organisational politics;
• Self-Control: Stays composed and positive even under extreme pressure.