Are you an IT Project Manager with experience leading innovative projects?  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.

The incumbent acts as a Project Coordinator DevOps within the Innovation Branch and leads Innovation Lab projects following agile software development methods.

Reports to: – Section Head (Innovation Hub).

Principal Duties: His/her duties are:

a.         Lead Innovation Lab projects following agile software development methods to develop mockups, demonstrators and operational prototypes by applying Minimum Viable Product (MVP) principles. Organize project resources and personal involved in the project, including managing the finances and budget of the project.

b.         Collaborate with industrial, academic, NATO and National partners to constantly maintain state-of-the-art agile project management and DevOps methods of the Innovation Hub.

c.         Assure utilization of the state-of-the-art, industry proven processes and technologies to maximize Innovation Lab operational effectiveness and cost efficiency.

d.         For in-house software development, lead cross-functional teams composed of HQ SACT Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), final users, NCIA SMEs, developers and user research officers.

e.         Assure MVPs operational relevance by close collaboration with all elements of NATO Command Structure and NATO Nations, leveraging user research officers, matchmakers and HQ SACT SMEs.

f.          Manage MVPs’ projects planning.

g.         In order to test interoperability of MVPs, participate in NATO or National verification and validation events including but not limited to Coalition Warrior Interoperability eXercise (CWIX) and Unified Vision exercises.

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 field of Science and Technology.

Essential Qualifications

a.         University Degree and 2 years function related experience.

b.         Four years’ experience in IT project management including 2 years leading innovation projects.

c.         Two years’ experience in computer system architecture and software design, programming, prototyping and integration.

d.         Two years’ experience with structured analysis and design, object oriented and evolutionary methodologies, open system architectures and specification, rapid prototyping and assessment, technology evaluation and insertion, IT procurement and heterogeneous system implementation.

e.         Two years’ experience as Project Manager or Program Manager in Agile Software Development.

f.         Ability to work in team environments (both as a contributor and as a leader).

g.         Excellent analytical, problem solving and verbal and written communication skills.

h.         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 with military command and control systems and their use in multinational environments.

2.         Experience in a scientific, technology and/or innovation environment.

3.         Experience in leading and managing solution development projects.

4.         Experience, preferably in a multi-national/multi-ethnic environment.

5.         Basic accounting skills.

b. Education/Training

1.         Courses in Software Engineering Management with focus on Agile Software Development methods, like but not limited to Scrum, Extreme Programming.

Attributes/Competencies

• Personal Attributes: He/she must be keen on taking initiatives and act autonomously, comfortable with public engagement (both in person and through new media) and change and innovation. He/she must be keen on questioning and improving assumptions, processes and habits with the ability to adjust to different environments and cultures. He/she must be comfortable with working outside the military environment, keen on taking responsibilities and risks and be a reliable team player.

• Managerial Responsibilities: He/she will have no personnel management responsibilities however he/she may oversee contractor’s work on occasion.

• Professional Contacts: He/she must 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 SMEs 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 DEVOPS to HQ SACT staff that support the development of policy, capabilities, defence planning, training and education. He/she has an influence on 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.

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 on 4 May 2023 17:59hrs (Eastern)/11:59hrs (CET) which is 3 weeks from the date of posting.

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]