Business Continuity Officer
🔍 Belgium
- 📅
- 250767 Requisition #
The Executive Management (EM) Division has the lead role in the overall management of the NATO HQ. The EM Division covers the following directorates: HQ Support and Transformation (HQST), Human Resources (HR) and Information, Communication, and Technology Management (ICTM).
Within HQST, the Business Continuity Office (BCO) leads the design development and maintenance of NATO HQ’s Business Continuity Management System (BCMS). At NATO Enterprise level, BCO coordinates a network of Business Continuity Practitioners to foster synergies, avoid duplications of efforts and exchange of best practices. The standing objective of BCO is that the organization is appropriately prepared for, and can respond to unexpected disruptions.
In support of the Head Business Continuity Office, the Business Continuity Officer implements, operates and continuously improves the Business Continuity Management System (BCMS) for the NATO Headquarters. In cooperation with internal and external stakeholders, the incumbent ensures that NATO HQ is compliant with the NATO-wide policy, and plays an active role in response to potential, imminent or sudden disruptions requiring the activation of Business Continuity solutions. In this context, they play an active role at all steps of the BCM lifecycle (Business Impact Analysis and Risk Assessment; design of Strategies & Solutions; development and review of plans, procedures and response mechanisms; planning and conduct of tests and exercises).
The Business Continuity Officer also contributes to the development of the NATO-wide Business Continuity discipline by advising, monitoring and reporting on its implementation in close collaboration with NATO Military Authorities and other NATO bodies. They also support the coordination across the NATO Enterprise to improve effectiveness in terms of human resources, facilities and technology. This role requires a blend of knowledge, experience and skills that ensure the effective management and continuous improvement of the Business Continuity Management System at NATO HQ within the larger NATO Enterprise context.
2. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL
The incumbent must:
- possess a university degree in Business Administration, Management or equivalent relevant discipline from an institute of recognised standing;
- have at least 5 years of relevant experience in large organisations, out of which at least 3 years of practical experience in Business Continuity Management (BCM);
- have a deep understanding of BCMS standards like ISO 22301, risk assessment, and disaster recovery planning;
- have proficiency in change management and resource management.
- possess project management certification (e.g. Prince 2 or PMP);
- have excellent written and oral communication skills;
- possess strong stakeholder management skills;
- have good knowledge of the standard Microsoft Office Suite;
- be able to travel and to work outside normal office hours;
- possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): V (“Advanced”) in one; II (“Elementary”) in the other.
DESIRABLE
The following would be considered an advantage:
- prior experience working in an international environment comprising both military and civilian elements;
- prior experience working on Business Continuity Management in a consultancy or commercial firm;
- knowledge of NATO responsibilities and organisation, including NATO HQ, Allied Command Operations (ACO) and Allied Command Transformation (ACT);
- a higher level of the second official NATO language.
3. MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES
Project Management
Develop and maintain the Business Continuity Management Lifecycle in line with the NATO Business Continuity Policy, international standards and industry best practices. Integrate the requirements resulted from the Business Impact Analysis in the BCM System. Participate in other initiatives to achieve risk management objectives. Support Head, BCO in aligning all BCM initiatives with Organisational goals. Track project milestones and performance against established timelines and objectives, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
Stakeholder Management
Work closely with all enablement services such as NATO Office of Security (NOS), Infrastructure and Facilities Management (IFM), Human Resources (HR), Interpretation and Conference Services (ICS) or Information, Communication, and Technology Management (ICTM), to develop and maintain relevant BCM plans and procedures. Liaise with key enablers to identify and implement solutions for potential Single Points of Failure. Engage with multiple stakeholders to coordinate the planning and conduct of BCM tests and exercises and support the development of both central and local Business Continuity Solutions.
Expertise Development
Drive continuous improvement by employing analytical skills, staying current with emerging risks, and ongoing professional development (e.g., BCI, DRI) to ensure that NATO HQ’s BCMS remains effective and relevant. Oversee the development and delivery of training sessions related to the BCMS to ensure that all staff are adequately prepared for any disruptions. Evaluate project outcomes post-implementation and gather feedback to refine future BCMS initiatives and improve overall organizational resilience.
Information Management
Contribute to the development and maintenance of BCO’s Information and Knowledge Management system. This includes a NATO wide hub for exchange of best practices and lessons identified, as well as a library of plans, procedures and checklists for NATO HQ and templates to be used by Delegations, IS and International Military Staff (IMS) Divisions or BCM practitioners across the NATO Enterprise.
Knowledge Management
Provide subject matter expertise on BCM, including the regulatory requirements. Develop annual reports of the Business Continuity Advisory Group to the Business Continuity Board, draft reports from the Board to the Secretary General (every other year) and prepare reports and/or presentations for the management. Coordinate the work of BCM related consultancy services supporting BCO work strands.
4. INTERRELATIONSHIPS
The incumbent reports to the Head BCO within the HQST, EM. The incumbent works closely with Council Secretariat (CONSEC), ICS, NOS, IFM and Human Resources. The incumbent also collaborates with the other services throughout HQST, EM, the IS, Delegations, representations of NATO bodies and with external contractors and experts as required.
Direct reports: N/A
Indirect reports: N/A
5. COMPETENCIES
The incumbent will demonstrate:
- Achievement: Works to meet standards;
- Analytical Thinking: Sees multiple relationships;
- Clarity and Accuracy: Checks own work;
- Conceptual Thinking: Applies learned concepts;
- Customer Service Orientation: Takes personal responsibility for correcting problems;
- Empathy: Is open to others' perspectives;
- Impact and Influence: Takes multiple actions to persuade;
- Initiative: Is decisive in a time-sensitive situation;
- Teamwork: Solicits inputs and encourages others.
7. USEFUL INFORMATION REGARDING APPLICATION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that we can only accept applications from nationals of NATO member countries. Applications must be submitted using e-recruitment system, as applicable:
- For NATO civilian staff members only: please apply via the internal recruitment portal (link);
- For all other applications: www.nato.int/recruitment
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More information about the recruitment process and conditions of employment, can be found at our website (http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/recruit-hq-e.htm)
Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance (provided by the national Authorities of the selected candidate), approval of the candidate’s medical file by the NATO Medical Adviser, verification of your study(ies) and work experience, and the successful completion of the accreditation and notification process by the relevant authorities.
NATO will not accept any phase of the recruitment and selection prepared, in whole or in part, by means of generative artificial-intelligence (AI) tools, including and without limitation to chatbots, such as Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (Chat GPT), or other language generating tools. NATO reserves the right to screen applications to identify the use of such tools. All applications prepared, in whole or in part, by means of such generative or creative AI applications may be rejected without further consideration at NATO’s sole discretion, and NATO reserves the right to take further steps in such cases as appropriate.
8. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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.