Head, Innovation Policy and Ecosystems, Brussels

1. SUMMARY The Defence Industry, Innovation and Armaments Division (D2IA) leads on the rapid development and delivery of cutting‑edge and interoperable defence capabilities, working with innovation ecosystems and industry across the Alliance to meet NATO's deterrence and defence needs.

Within the Innovation Directorate, the Head, Innovation Policy and Ecosystems is responsible for shaping and coordinating NATO's overall approach to innovation by identifying and exploring new technologies of highest priority and impact for the Alliance and the tools required to deliver change, in close collaboration with innovation ecosystems across the Alliance.

KEY CHALLENGES

Continuously align innovation efforts with NATO capability targets and operational requirements, in particular by leveraging technologies that are commercially available today while fostering the development of future technologies;

Accelerate the transition of EDTs from identification and experimentation to scalable and sustainable operational deployment;

Foster the growth and facilitate the integration of non‑traditional defence suppliers, including startups and SME, in the defence industrial base to increase its capacity and resilience.

2. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

possess a university degree in the field of technology, innovation, international security, business administration, or another relevant field;

have at least 8 years of experience in progressively responsible positions in the field of defence innovation policy and/or EDT areas, including financing innovation, out of which at least 5 years in team management and coordination;

be conversant with the Alliance's political and military consultative processes, and key security policy issues on its agenda, especially those related to EDT and innovation;

have experience in developing, delivering and coordinating complex policies and strategic initiatives, as well as managing multi‑stakeholder groups and engagements;

possess the following minimum levels of NATO's official languages (English/French): V (Advanced) in one; II (Elementary) in the other.

ADVANTAGES

have experience in a similar position with a focus on technology and/or innovation, including working experience with academia, government institutions in NATO member countries;

have a higher level than II (Elementary) in the other official NATO languages.

3. MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES

Vision and Direction: Ensure that the section meets its objectives through successful preparation and execution of policies, projects and programmes with regards to innovation and EDTs. Coordinate the development and delivery of relevant policies and strategies. Establish resilient and robust working relationships with key stakeholders, including NATO's Strategic Commands, the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA), and NATO's Science and Technology Organization.

People Management: Manage and oversee the staff of the Innovation Policy and Ecosystems Section and act as a role model of inclusive leadership, promoting resilience, flexibility and innovation. Promote transparency in decision‑making, equal access to opportunities for all staff and ensure that all staff under their responsibility are clear on organisational and divisional objectives. Provide regular and fair feedback on performance, informally as appropriate and via the HQ Achievement and Development (ADP) system.

Project Management: Plan, manage and ensure financial accountability for the budget of the assigned funds. Provide input into Medium‑Term Financial Plans (MTFP). Provide advice and recommendations on the responsible use of data science and AI for defence and security. Support decision makers in understanding the opportunities and risks of these technologies to support political and operational decision making. Prepare briefingmaterials for the Office of the Secretary General (OSG), North Atlantic Council (NAC), Committees and other high‑level officials, and write speeches and articles in their area of expertise.

Representation of the Organization: Represent NATO at international conferences, seminars and workshops. Organise, prepare and give presentations to senior government officials, academia, industry. In close association with the OSG, organise seminars, exercises and consultations involving the NAC as appropriate.

Other Duties: Perform any other related duty as assigned.

4. INTERRELATIONSHIPS Reporting Line:

The Head, Innovation Policy and Ecosystems reports to the Director, Innovation.

Interactions:

The incumbent works closely with stakeholders in other Divisions, NATO Military Authorities, and NATO Agencies, as well as with national delegations, officials in Allies and NATO partner countries. They also maintain good working relations within their field of competence, with other International Organisations.

Direct reports:

6

Indirect reports:

N/A

5. COMPETENCIES

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.

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.

The maximum period of service foreseen in this post is six 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. 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.

EEO AND DIVERSITY STATEMENTS 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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr