Are you an experienced Innovation Broker?  If so, this position offers you a unique opportunity to support the NATO Alliance at its Capability Development Command.

Post Context

ACT contributes to preserving the peace, security and territorial integrity of Alliance member states by leading, at Strategic Command level, Warfare Development required to enhance NATO’s posture, military structures, forces, capabilities and doctrines.

The Capability Development Directorate (CAPDEV) comprises two Divisions—Requirements and Capabilities. The Directorate supports SACT in his Capabilities Requirement Authority (CRA) role. It is responsible for a holistic through lifecycle Capability Development approach that infuses innovation and transformative efforts that are an integral part of the Warfare Development. This includes responsibilities for elicitation, development, capture and collection, quality review, traceability and visibility of capability requirements.

The Requirements Division executes requirements management for NATO capabilities. It develops capability requirements, provides traceability and quality assurance of capability requirements, performs gap analysis and supports interoperability and implementation options across the DOTMLPFI spectrum.

The Innovation Branch science and technological trends, and contributes to the development of innovative, cost-effective and interoperable capability solutions to current and anticipated capability shortfalls and priorities, thereby contributing to NATO’s military advantage against potential opponents.

He/she acts as Open Innovation Broker and actively manages the NATO Innovation network with the national Innovation Labs of Allies, Partners and COEs. He will establish and cultivate an open innovation “marketplace” for the innovation labs.

Reports to: – Section Head (Innovation Hub).

Principal Duties: His/her duties are:

a.         Support the Section Head and Branch Head in outreaching, influencing and collaborating with the Innovation Labs of Allies, Partners and COEs, acting as primary Point of Contact for the Innovation Branch and ACT representative for the Innovation labs of external entities.

b.         Influence and attend Innovation Lab activities and events of external Innovation Hubs instrumental to the achievement of SACT’s objectives.

c.         Actively manage the NATO innovation network, share best practice and lessons learned with the network. Foster collaboration with other Innovation Labs to exploit opportunities and potential innovation sprung from those entities.

d.         Lead/support collaborative initiatives with other hubs such as workshops, demonstrations, innovation challenges or courses.

e.         Establish an open innovation market place, with NATO and Partners for sharing ideas. Monitor the market place for opportunities for multinational cooperation or collaborative open innovation projects. Share developed solutions with other Labs and inform ACT of available solutions in national innovation labs.

f.          Leverage Open Innovation in support of Innovation within ACT and across NATO by way of developing and exploiting the NATO Innovation Hub.

g.         Support the Innovation Plans by considering external solutions.

h.         Execute tasks and duties as directed by the Section Head Innovation Hub/Lab or his superiors with regards to any other projects, activities, and outputs related to the Branch core tasks in the fields of Science, Technology and Innovation.

Essential Qualifications

a.         University Degree and 2 years function related experience,

b.         Five years’ experience in a scientific, technology and/or innovation environment.

c.         Four years’ experience in leading and managing solution development projects.

d.         High level of organizational, coordination and communication skills.

e.         Able to work effectively as a member of a multi-national and multi-disciplinary team.

Language

English – SLP 3333 – (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing)

Desirable Qualifications

a.         Professional Experience

1.         Experience in project management, particularly in leading open innovation projects.

2.         Demonstrated experience in active presence on various social media channels (i.e., Linkedin, twitter).

3.         Experience in leading online collaboration teams.

4.         Experience in collaborating with start-up companies.

5.         Previous staff experience at large HQ, Joint Command, NATO HQ or MOD.

6.         Staff experience, preferably in a multi-national/multi-ethnic environment.

Attributes/Competencies

•           Personal Attributes: He/she should be able to liaise effectively both within and outside the HQ with military and civilian personnel up to the rank/position equivalent to OF-6. Outside contacts include subject matter experts from NATO HQ, NATO agencies and research centres, national government agencies, academia and industry. His/her personality has to be able to create and maintain a network of innovators, scientists, developers and subject matter experts.

• Contribution To Objectives: He/she provides advice in open innovation to HQ SACT staff that support the development of policy, capabilities, defence planning, training and education. He/she has an influence on the S&T and innovative solutions identified by the Strategic Commands, which, in turn, lead to financial decisions on software, hardware and contractor support commitments. His/her advice and actions have an influence on NATO capability development and transformation. He/she will ensure that the most effective use is made of S&T and innovation in the development and transformation of Alliance capabilities.

• Supervisory Responsibilities: There are no personnel management responsibilities for this position. The incumbent may oversee contractor’s work on occasion.

Security Clearance

The successful applicant will be required to apply for and receive a NATO Secret Security Clearance prior to final confirmation of contract and commencement of employment.

Work Environment

He/she will be required to work in a normal office environment.

Contract

Serving NATO International Civilian staff will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations.  Newly recruited staff will be offered a three year definite duration contract.

Notes for Candidates

The HQ SACT web site gives details on  the eligibility criteria and application processes to be adopted by all candidates.

The candidature of NATO redundant staff at grade A-2/NG 15 will be considered with priority.

This vacancy will close three weeks from the date of posting on 2 May 2023 @ 17:59hrs (Eastern)/11:59hrs (CET).

Notes for NATO Civilian Human Resources Managers

If you have qualified redundant staff at grade A-2/NG 15, please advise the HQ SACT Civilian HR Manager no later than the closing date.

For any queries, please contact the HQ SACT Recruitment Team at [email protected]