Head, Office of the DIANA Chair
Brussels, Belgium
JOB DETAIL
Open to NATO International Civilians.
Only applications from NATO Staff Members will be considered for this post.
1. SUMMARY
The Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) is NATO’s newest body. From across the Alliance, DIANA brings together innovators and operational end users to foster a transatlantic ecosystem supporting dual-use ground-breaking innovation in deep technologies. DIANA is now in the process of building up, with the aim to reach Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in 2023 and Full Operational Capability (FOC) in 2025. DIANA is an independent NATO body comprised of a management team – the DIANA Executive (DX), operating out of regional offices in Europe and in North America -, and an Allied Board of Directors (BoD).
The Office of the DIANA Chair (ODC) supports the BoD in exercising its governance responsibilities. The ODC is embedded in the Emerging Security Challenges (ESC) division of the International Staff (IS), which is the NATO Headquarters’ focal point for innovation and Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDTs). Under the direct guidance of the national Chair of the BoD, the H/ODC advises the Chair, the Board and subordinated bodies on nations’ oversight responsibilities and supports informed decision-making, including through close coordination with the DX and NATO’s innovation communities.
Under direction of the Chair, but largely on her/his own initiative with a high degree of autonomy, the incumbent is responsible to manage the day-to-day activities of the ODC and its staff. The incumbent also acts as secretary to the BoD and its subordinate bodies. S/he may perform any other duties as directed by the Chair.
Key challenges during the DIANA stand-up phase are:
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To advise Chair and Allies on the development of governance and cooperation frameworks for DIANA, based on the DIANA Charter, to include the Board’s internal rules and adherence to applicable NATO policies and procedures, in order to help make the BoD and its subordinate bodies fully operational.
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To support the development of strong linkages at governance level between DIANA and NATO’s innovation communities, e.g. with Allied Command Transformation (ACT), the Science and Technology Organisation (STO), the Conference of National Armaments Directors (CNAD), the Advisory Group on EDTs, the NATO Support and Procurement Organisation (NSPO), the NATO Communications and Information Organisation (NCIO), including through close coordination with the DX.
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To serve as focal point for DIANA governance across NATO in support of the Chair and the BoD, including through close coordination with the DX and relevant offices in the International Staff.
2. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL
The candidate must:
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possess a university degree from an institute of recognised standing;;
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have at least 10 years of relevant experience, with a focus on governance and administrative procedures for boards and committees, as well as security policy and/or international relations, for a national administration or in an international environment;
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have a very good understanding of NATO’s organisational structure and political-military priorities;
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have a good understanding of the role and mission of DIANA;
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have excellent analytical and communication skills;
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be able to draft quickly, clearly and concisely;
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be able to give convincing presentations to various stakeholders and negotiate at senior level;
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be able to chair committees and task forces in a result-oriented manner;
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be familiar with Allied innovation ecosystems and the broader EDT landscape across the Alliance, including a good knowledge of innovation from the strategic and technical levels;
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possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages: (English/French): V (“Advanced”) in one and IV (“Upper-Intermediate”) in the other.
DESIRABLE
The following would be considered an advantage:
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further educational qualification (Master’s, PhD) in business or public administration, law or related field;
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relevant work experience with NATO governance bodies, assessing and processing relevant NATO HQ decisions, policies, procedures and other committee (e.g. policy, finance, resource) and staff work for awareness or action;
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experience with the provision of committee secretarial support.
3. MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES
Expertise Development
Advise and support the Chair and BoD with governance-related enterprise-wide NATO interactions and on all responsibilities under the DIANA Charter, the BoD’s internal rules & procedures and other relevant documentation or decisions. Provide advice to the Chair and BoD on Alliance’s political-military priorities and capability development as well. Remain abreast of developments in key areas of the Alliance that are relevant to DIANA. Keep senior management informed of these developments.
Planning and Execution
Support the Chair and Board, in coordination with the DX, with the creation and functioning of DIANA’s governance processes, structures and frameworks in line with the DIANA Charter, Board guidance, and applicable NATO policies.
Knowledge Management
Draft clear and concise background briefs and speaking notes for the BoD. Compile information and communicate regular updates on progress, current programmes, projects etc. Prepare and circulate agendas, decision sheets and reports resulting from DIANA governance meetings as approved by the Chair. Initiate the necessary, relevant and appropriate follow-up action and their supporting bodies. Ensure that all stakeholders, with equities and national representatives in various fora are kept informed on all relevant work strands, as appropriate. Prepare presentations for the Chair, on specific topics related to DIANA governance.
Stakeholder Management
Liaise with national delegations at NATO HQ and other bodies, as required. Support the Chair and BoD in building and maintaining liaison and relationships with the International Staff (IS) and International Military Staff (IMS) at NATO HQ, with Allied Command Transformation (ACT), the Science & Technology Organisation (STO), the Conference of National Armaments Directors (CNAD), the Advisory Group on Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (AG EDT), on DIANA’s pathway towards Full Operational Capability by 2025.
Financial Management
Handle the administrative and financial tasks that derive from managing the office.
Policy Development
Provide technical advice, support and recommendations to the formulation of International Staff advice to the DIANA BoD and inform management on matters arising from Allied governance decisions. Actively participate in Lessons Learned activities of the Organizations, seeking to exploit the information gathered.
Project Management
Work with the DX to enhance DIANA’s contribution to NATO’s political priorities and deliverables, support the planning and capability development processes, and identify key risks, issues as well as solutions.
Representation of the Organization
Represent the Chair, as appropriate, and participate in relevant committee and staff meetings, and at meetings and events with related external bodies in the field of DIANA.
People Management
Assist the Organization in developing career and development programmes tailored to the specific organisational context. Provide advice and guidance in sensitive cases. Provide in-depth mentoring, coaching and training opportunities and be available to offer guidance at critical moments. Ensure that all staff under her/his responsibility are clear on their objectives. Provide regular and fair feedback on performance, informally as appropriate and via the HQ Performance Review and Development (PRD) system. Identify possible development and mobility opportunities for team members. Promote integrity, professionalism and accountability through a sound and inclusive leadership culture.
Perform any other related duty as assigned.
4. INTERRELATIONSHIPS
The incumbent directly supports the national BoD Chair but reports administratively to the Deputy Assistant Secretary General (DASG) Emerging Security Challenges (ESC) Division. S/he is considered a focal point for DIANA governance coordination across NATO in support of the Chair. In addition, s/he is required to work with and to seek out close collaboration and cooperation with the DX, as well as relevant DIANA stakeholders, in addition to supporting coordination and synergy-building efforts with other institutions and organisations.
Direct reports: 2
Indirect reports: N/A.
5. COMPETENCIES
The incumbent will demonstrate the following competencies:
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Achievement: Sets and works to meet challenging goals;
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Change Leadership: Personally leads change;
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Conceptual Thinking: Clarifies complex data or situations;
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Developing Others: Provides in-depth mentoring, coaching and training.
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Impact and Influence: Uses indirect influence;
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Initiative: Plans and acts for the long-term;
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Leadership: Positions self as the leader;
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Organizational Awareness: Understands organizational politics;
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Self-Control: Stays composed and positive even under extreme pressure.
6. 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, during which the incumbent may apply for conversion to an indefinite duration contract.
Contract clause applicable:
In accordance with the contract policy, this is a post in which turnover is desirable for political reasons in order to be able to accommodate the Organisation’s need to carry out its tasks as mandated by the Nations in a changing environment, for example by maintaining the flexibility necessary to shape the Organisation’s skills profile, and to ensure appropriate international diversity.
The maximum period of service foreseen in this post is 6 years. 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. However, according to the procedure described in the contract policy the incumbent may apply for conversion to an indefinite contract during the period of renewal and no later than one year before the end of contract.
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. The maximum period of service in the post as a seconded staff member is six years.
Serving staff will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Régulations.
7. RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that we can only accept applications from NATO International Civilians.
Applications must be submitted using e-recruitment system, as applicable:
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For NATO civilian staff members only: please apply via the internal recruitment portal (link).
In addition to the application form, candidates are expected to submit a Word or pdf document summarising their views on the key challenges and how they would address them if selected for the position (1-2 pages per key challenge). This essay will be evaluated as part of the longlisting assessment.
Please note that at the time of the interviews, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of their education and professional experience as relevant for this vacancy.
Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance (provided by the national Authorities of the selected candidate) and approval of the candidate’s medical file by the NATO Medical Adviser.
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).
8. 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.
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