Do you have relevant experience with research vessels or other types of specialist vessels?  Would you like to support planning and coordination of NATO research vessel activities – including scientific deployments and scientific charters? If the answer is yes, this post could be ideal for you!  We are located in La Spezia, Italy, just 80 Km north of Pisa, on the Ligurian Coast, providing the ideal location for year-round maritime research and experimentation. 

The Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) is part of the NATO Science and Technology Organization (STO).  CMRE is an established, world-class scientific research and experimentation facility that organizes and conducts scientific research and technology development, centred on the maritime domain, delivering innovative and field tested Science & Technology (S&T) solutions to address defence and security needs of the Alliance.

The Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) is looking for a Marine Superintendent to join our Maritime Operations Division.  The Marine Operations Division provides cost effective, safe and environmentally sound management and operation of NATO’s research vessels and ancillary craft.  We are looking for key players with the aim to contribute to the surface and underwater capabilities within CMRE and the NATO Nations.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Marine engineering specialist within CMRE for all technical matters concerning the research vessels ALLIANCE and LEONARDO with emphasis on the ships remaining operationally capable to accomplish their missions.
• Ensuring, in consultation with scientific stakeholders, ship’s military crew and the technical support contractor, that NATO’s owned vessels are maintained in accordance with the rules of the Classification society and the requirements of the technical management contract. 
• Being accountable for the maintenance of appropriate ship’s technical data and records, planned maintenance system, drawings and inventory control.
• Coordinating all scientific technical requirements of the vessels.
• Assisting in the management and implementation of the Italian MOD/NATO Memorandum of Understanding for the crewing / flagging of NATO’s owned vessels.
• Monitoring implementation of the technical support activities for the vessels including all modifications, repairs and maintenance works.
• Monitoring and advising on day to day technical issues with regards to ships operations and deployments.
• Developing procedures and providing advice in defining and improving marine operations processes.
• Attending sea trials, docking and maintenance periods, as required.
• Supporting the Head Marine Operations in the planning and coordination of all ship’s activities including charters, scientific deployments, and Italian Navy activities.

1. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND ADDITIONAL DUTIES

1. Flexibility Clause

The incumbent may be required to perform other related duties even in other parts of the organization as directed.

All other related duties should correspond with the required competencies for the job.

2. Deployment/Travel

The incumbent may be required to perform his/her duties onboard Centre or chartered vessels. The incumbent may be required to undertake TDY assignments within and outside NATO boundaries.

2. ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

1. Professional/Experience

• Seagoing background in research or other specialist vessels, with at least 3 years’ experience sailing as First Engineer / Senior Engineer or higher rank;
• Experience leading technical teams;
• Experience working with ship’s Classification Societies;
• Experience in marine budget management;
• Experience in project management;
• Experience in the design, construction, operation and commercial management of ships;
• Strong working knowledge of MS Office suite.

2. Education/Training

• A Bachelor’s degree at a nationally recognised/certified University in Marine Engineering and minimum 5 years post-related experience;
• IMO STCW issued Certificate of Competency Class 1 Chief Engineer (III/2);

3. Language Requirements

A thorough knowledge of one of the two NATO languages (English and French), both written and spoken, is essential and some knowledge of the other is desirable.

English SLP 3333

NOTE:  Work at CMRE is conducted in the English language.

4. Certification

The incumbent needs to hold a fit for sea certificate in line with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Labour Organization (ILO) standards before taking up duty.

3. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• More than 2 years sea going experience sailing as Chief Engineer on research or other specialist vessels;
• Experience working with marine communications / marine IT systems infrastructure;
• Experience in an international environment;
• Knowledge of the Italian Language in order to represent the Centre in doing ship’s business with the Host Nation and the Flag State. (Italian SLP 2222.)

4. COMPETENCIES

The successful candidate possesses the following competencies / personal attributes:

• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written – able to communicate at all levels;
• Very good interpersonal skills. Solicits inputs and encourages others;
• Innovative and driven. Always displaying sound judgement;
• Excellent time management and organizational skills

All CMRE personnel are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the current NATO Code of Conduct agreed by the North Atlantic Council (NAC), and thus display the core values of integrity, impartiality, loyalty, accountability, and professionalism

About Us:

The Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) is part of the NATO Science and Technology Organization (STO).  The mission of the STO is to help position both national and NATO science and technology investments as a strategic enabler and technology advantage for the defence and security posture of NATO Allies and partners.  The Centre conducts scientific research and technology development and delivers innovative field-tested S&T solutions to address the defence and security needs of the Alliance.

CMRE has more than 60 years of experience and has produced a cadre of leaders in ocean science, modelling and simulation, acoustics and other disciplines, as well as producing critical results and understanding that have been built into the operational concepts of NATO and the Nations.

What we offer:

• Salary (Pay Basis): 5.743,74 Euro (EUR) Monthly
• Grade ABCL grade A2/ NATO SSS grade 15
• Salary value as per 2023. Subject to future adjustments in accordance with North Atlantic Council decisions.
• A world class research facility located in the sea port of La Spezia, Italy supported by two specialised research vessels.
• An exciting place in which to work situated at an ideal location, the port of La Spezia, Italy, enabling synergy with regional and global academic institutes and industry.
• Salary and conditions of employment will be in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations (NCPR), which include a rewarding salary and a comprehensive system of allowances, supplements and insurances to support families and, in case of expatriated staff, offers an interesting “expatriate” package.
• A generous annual leave and, (where eligible) home leave.
• The successful candidate will be offered a three years’ definite duration contract, which may be renewed for subsequent periods subject to business needs, satisfactory performance, and the need to rotate skills and talent within the Organization.
• Applicants who prove to be competent for the post but who are not successful in this competition may be offered an appointment to another post of a similar nature, which might become vacant in the near future, albeit at the same or a lower grade, provided they meet the necessary requirements.

Our recruitment process:

Please note that we can only accept applications from nationals of NATO member countries.

• Applications (including the most relevant publications, the diplomas – stating the highest level of education) for this vacancy are to be submitted using the E-recruitment system (TALEO) as attachments;
• 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 CMRE Medical Adviser.

Additional information:

• CMRE values diverse backgrounds and perspectives and is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and talented workforce. We welcome applications of nationals from all Member States and strongly encourage women to apply.
• Selected candidates are expected to be role models of integrity, and to promote good governance through ongoing efforts in their work.