Pending Budget Approval

Please note that the Operations Division is currently also recruiting for a Head, Delivery (230944), 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 related 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 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, member nations and partners.

The Planning and Assessment (P/A) Section leads the implementation of the Ukraine Comprehensive Assistance Package (U-CAP), with long term programmes in a range of areas.  The P/A Section includes a number of defence planners, collectively working to deliver a multi-year interoperability roadmap for Ukraine – a key NATO objective. 

Additionally, the Section coordinates the production of Individually Tailored Partnership Programmes (ITPPs), in coordination with other NATO stakeholders and relevant partners.  The Section focuses particularly in a set of given objectives. Namely: the Strategic Objectives and Goals, and Assessment and Evaluation. The Section also leads on the Planning and Review Process (PARP), where NATO conducts alignment of defence planning requirements with a number of partners.     

The Section Head will be responsible for leading a given number of staff members and VNCs. As the leader of the P/A section the incumbent will be giving strategic direction to the work of the Section in all its aspects, thereby also supporting the workload balance and competing demands 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.  S/he will drive the work on the Ukraine CAP if/as it adjusts over the years.

S/he will be responsible for the production of the first cycle of ITPPs with partners, embedding the process across the International Staff (IS), International Military Staff (IMS), and the NATO Command Structure (NCS) 

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

1. Ensuring the completion of the first cycle of ITTPs, keeping all stakeholders aligned and engaged, and using the cycle to demonstrate the value-added of the ITTPs for NATO’s relationships with partners.
2. Driving the development of a multi-year package of assistance to Ukraine, securing funds from Allies and working with Allies and Ukraine to develop a coherent set of long-term projects to help Ukraine secure deterrence and defence.
3. Manage a team of diverse nationalities and skill sets, maintaining motivation even under times of high pressure.

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 a proven track record in the development, planning, implementation and assessment of multinational cooperation programmes, or defence planning, as well as leading large and complex projects;
• 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;
• 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, implementation and assessment of ITTPs, the CAP including the Ukraine Roadmap; 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 Ukraine, support to partners, and cooperation with partners on defence planning, and related NATO policies. Perform tasks at short notice and under pressure, as required.

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 long-term cooperation programme with Ukraine (CAP), including planning, delivery and assessment; drive the roll out and implementation of ITPPs for partners; ensure the integration of all cooperation programmes into the ITPP framework;  ensure that work is clearly coordinated with the other HQ Divisions, the NCS and the IMS.

People Management

Adhere to and promote sound and inclusive leadership and management principles for the Section. Lead a large and diverse team of international staff, VNCs, temps and interns, who execute a variety of objectives and complex tasks, in different and separate sub-teams. Set objectives and establish priorities. Inspire staff to work creatively and collaboratively with limited resources. 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, with delegated responsibility. Champion diversity and inclusion, provide in-depth mentoring, coaching and training opportunities and be available to offer guidance at critical moments. Ensure that all staff under their responsibility are clear on Organizational, Divisional and Directorate objectives. Provide regular and fair feedback on performance as a staff development tool, throughout every day work, and formally via the HQ Performance Review and Development (PRD) system. Make recommendations for contract renewal or conversion decisions with the best interests of the Organization in mind. Participate in recruitment procedures for vacant posts in the Directorate, in accordance with NATO recruitment guidelines.

Stakeholder Management

Coordinate closely with other Divisions of the International Staff (IS), the International Military Staff (IMS), the NATO Command Structure, Allied delegations, and partner nations on matters related to the development of ITPPs, 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 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 CAP programmes and initiatives. Seek synergies across programmes, and develop strong tools for monitoring and evaluation.

Organisational Efficiencies

Provide appropriate support to the Directorate and seek further development and improvement in the delivery of advice on programme planning with Partners.  Promote new ways of working, to drive efficiencies.  Allocate resources efficiently and effectively. Seek to identify innovations to further boost the Directorate’s efficiency.

Financial Management

Strategise and plan for development of the P/A budget, clearly identifying the priorities of the section and allocate funding accordingly, in accordance with NATO Financial Regulations. Identify ways to support programmes and projects when dealing with budget restrictions and hard deadlines.

Perform any other related duty as necessary. 

4. INTERRELATIONSHIPS 

The incumbent reports to the Director DSCD and oversees management of the Planning and Assessment 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 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.