Officer, Future Surveillance and Control systems

1.  SUMMARY

The NATO Office of Resources (NOR) provides independent and integrated expert advice to the Secretary General, NATO Resource Committees, Allies, and other stakeholders on the planning, allocation and utilisation of military common funding made available to achieve NATO’s goals and objectives.

The NOR advice is based on sound judgement underpinned by facts, figures expertise and knowledge. It follows NATO policies, procedures and standards, and is independent of external stakeholder’s viewpoints. It supports efficient and effective use of public funds by assessing the policy compliance, eligibility, affordability, technical viability, and lifecycle implications of military requirements and proposed solutions. Furthermore, the NOR facilitates resource-informed political decision-making.

The NOR Air and Space Capabilities (ASC) Branch provides technical, financial, economic and political advice and support regarding implementation of NATO common-funded capabilities, in particular capital investments under the NATO Security Investment Programme (NSIP) and Operations & Maintenance (O&M) funded by the NATO Military Budget. The Branch ensures the delivery of Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD), NATO-wide Air Command & Control (AirC2), Joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (JISR) including Indications & Warning (I&W), Surveillance and Control (including NATO Airborne Early Warning & Control and Alliance Future Surveillance and Control), as well as Space capabilities.

The incumbent is a member of the ASC Branch and responsible for the development of expert advice on future Surveillance and Control systems. Within an area of responsibility, they advise the resource committees, Strategic Commanders, NATO Agencies and NATO nations by:

• evaluating military requirements and associated technical solutions presented in Capability Programme Plans and Project Proposals from an investment, running cost and workforce point of view;
• evaluating and reporting on requests for authorisation to implement projects and budgets required for the operation and maintenance of the implemented systems;
• monitoring project implementation and accepting completed investment projects;
• contributing to the development of resource policy advice.

 The incumbent may be required to replace the Branch Head or other Branch colleagues during their absence.

2.  QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL

The incumbent must: 

• have a Master’s Degree or equivalent level of education in computer science, electronic engineering and/or very closely related science/engineering field, from an institute of a recognized standing;
• have 5 years of experience as system or project manager in the field of Surveillance and Control, either in procurement and implementation, or in the field of design, development and production, or in the field of operation and support through life-cycle;
• be fully conversant and experienced with state-of-art principles and methodologies of programme and project management, including risk management;
• demonstrate the ability to communicate both verbally and in writing complex technical and financial advice and support in a clear and understandable way to both expert and non-expert audiences;
• demonstrate the ability to act with tact and diplomacy in a multinational environment where decision-making occurs by reaching consensus;
• demonstrate flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and working hours, when necessary;
• 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: 

• working experience in complex multinational environments where various interests are at stake;
• knowledge of National funding or NATO’s common-funding processes and procedures;
• knowledge and/or experience in the field of JISR, IAMD, AirC2, I&W or Space systems and principles;
• proven qualification / certification in the fields of Programme management and/or Project management;
• extensive knowledge of modern engineering techniques related to various subjects impacting military capabilities;
• understanding and/or knowledge of NATO military concepts and principles;
• the ability to thrive in a collaborative environment and possess strong teamwork skills;
• a higher level of the second NATO official language. 

3.  MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES

Expertise Development

Provide expert advice to stakeholders in committees, national delegations and authorities of member Nations, NATO agencies, as well to military authorities at various levels on NATO capabilities and related resource issues. Conduct technical meetings with civilian and military staff of member nations considering projects and associated engineering required by the Strategic Commanders. Advise and collaborate with other engineers and programme coordinators engaged in defining cost-effective ways of meeting military requirements. Apply engineering skills, with a good understanding of NATO’s political environment and within the wider context of NATO’s common funded activities. Present, argue and defend the assessment on initial budget estimates, costing and technical solutions before the NATO resource committees, the NATO Military Authorities (NMAs) and the NATO Agencies.

Policy Development

Contribute to policy development on NATO military common-funded resources within own area of responsibility through the provision of expert technical advice as required. Determine the impact of existing policies and architectures on the design and implementation of NATO projects. Produce and present concise and comprehensive reports on the submitted military requirement, proposed technical solution, implementation plans and resource estimates, to the NATO resource and other committees. 

Project Management

Prepare and present reports to the Resource Policy and Planning Board (RPPB) for capability programme planning approval, in their responsibility for projects and programmes. Prepare and present advice concerning project proposals and associated requests to the Investment Committee (IC) or the Budget Committee (BC) for services. Determine the direction of assigned projects/programs, identify risks and suggest possible solutions. Provide technical advice and liaison with NATO Military Authorities, NATO Agencies and host nations for NATO projects. Act as a Chairperson of Joint Final Inspection and Formal Acceptance Teams and prepare reports, which recommend acceptance. Liaise with the Strategic Commanders for the preparation and screening of initial budget estimates for the Operation and Maintenance of relevant systems. Prepare and present reports on budgetary issues related to these systems to the BC. 

Financial Management

Review costed project proposals and initial budget estimates, screen the submissions and requests for funds for compliance with NATO policy. Monitor and report on the funding profiles and expenditures profiles of projects/systems or groups of projects/systems at all stages during their life cycle. Utilise the NATO Common Funded Integrated Resource Information System (CIRIS) or its successor. 

Knowledge Management

Contribute to knowledge management through systems and processes with relevant technical and project/system management expertise on projects funded by NATO. Determine that the content of knowledge management systems is relevant and accessible to users. 

Representation of the Organization

Contribute to NATO representation by developing and communicating information supportive of NATO’s interests. Act as a Chairperson of various technical meetings representing the NOR. Represent NATO as a technical expert and advisor during site visits and inspections as well as in other circumstances linked to the assessment, design or implementation of NATO funded projects and programmes. Conduct and lead meetings on NATO common-funded projects with authority, involving different stakeholders from NATO member nations, NATO Military Authorities and NATO Agencies, at different work and management levels.

Stakeholder Management

Determine how best to enhance and develop a network of key stakeholders. Assess, manage and consolidate the network within the broader interests of the NOR. Provide options for effective issue management through monitoring and analysis of current affairs. Proactively develop a network of stakeholders to ensure that the resource-impact of decisions is considered as early as possible. Assist, as directed, in the formulation of technical architectures and standards, which guide Alliance member nations and NMAs.

 Perform any other related duty as assigned. 

4.  INTERRELATIONSHIPS

The incumbent reports to the Branch Head ASC and must be able to operate with diplomacy and tact in a multinational environment where decision-making occurs by reaching consensus among the NATO Member Nations and where various different, also national industrial, interests are at stake. The incumbent participates in, leads and advises during discussions with national Delegations and Authorities of member countries. They also liaise with appropriate NATO Agencies, NATO Military Authorities and national Authorities at Ministries of Defence and other members of the International Staff.

Direct reports: N/A

Indirect reports: N/A  

5.  COMPETENCIES

The incumbent must demonstrate:

• Achievement: Creates own measures of excellence and improves performance;
• Analytical Thinking: Sees multiple relationships;
• Change Leadership: Expresses vision for change;
• Impact and Influence: Uses indirect influence;
• Initiative: Is decisive in a time-sensitive situation;
• Organizational Awareness: Understands organizational politics;
• Teamwork: Solicits inputs and encourages others.