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Officer (Space Defence Systems)

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Operations
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251054 Requisition #

Through this competition we are also aiming to select a potential back-up candidate for a similar position of Officer, Future Surveillance and Control systems (G17-G20)

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 development of expert advice primarily on Space capabilities and, as required, on other capabilities managed by the branch, in particular on Alliance Future Surveillance and Control (AFSC). Within 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 manpower 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; 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 at least 8 years’ experience, as programme or project manager in the field of Space defence systems, 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/or project management, including risk management;
  • demonstrate ability to communicate and support both verbally and in writing complex technical and financial advice 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 be willing to work outside normal office 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: 

  • experience in complex multinational environments where various interests are at stake;
  • knowledge of National funding or NATO’s common-funding processes and procedures;
  • knowledge of and/or experience in the field of Joint Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (JISR) systems and principles;
  • extensive experience in programme and resource management of large projects/programmes in the public and/or private sector including associated use of project/programme information management tools;
  • 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 as 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 co-ordinators 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 requirements. Propose technical solutions, implementation plans and resource estimates to the NATO resource and other committees.

 Project Management

In their responsibility for projects and programmes, prepare and present resource advice and support to the Resource Policy and Planning Board (RPPB) for capability programme planning approval. 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. 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 to determine compliance with NATO policy. Monitor and report on the funding profiles and expenditures profiles of assigned projects/systems or groups of projects/systems at all stages during their life cycle. Make use of the NATO Common Funded Integrated Resource Information System (CIRIS).

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 Chairperson of various technical meetings representing the NOR. Represent NATO as a technical expert and advisor during site visits and inspection 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 (NMAs) 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 and risk management through monitoring and analysis of current affairs. Proactively 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 Air and Space Capabilities (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 interests are at stake including national and industrial ones. They participate in, lead and advise 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;
  • Organisational Awareness: Understands organizational politics;
  • Teamwork: Solicits inputs and encourages others.
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.
 
Contract clause applicable:
In accordance with the contract policy, this is a post in which turnover is desirable for political reasons in order to be able to accommodate the Organisation's need to carry out its tasks as mandated by the Nations in a changing environment, for example by maintaining the flexibility necessary to shape the Organisation's skills profile, and to ensure appropriate international diversity.
The maximum period of service foreseen in this post is 6 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. However, 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. The maximum period of service in the post as a seconded staff member is six years.
Serving staff will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Régulations.
 
 

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

Before you apply to any position, we encourage you to click here and watch our video providing 6 tips to prepare you for your application and recruitment process.

Do you have questions on the application process in the system and not sure how to proceed? Click here for a video containing  the information you need to successfully submit your application on time.

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.

NATO is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible working environment, where all candidates living with disabilities can fully participate in the recruitment and selection process. If you require reasonable accommodation, please inform us during your selection process.

Candidates will be required to provide documented medical evidence to support their request for accommodation.

Building Integrity is a key element of NATO’s core tasks. As an employer, NATO values commitment to the principles of integrity, transparency and accountability in accordance with international norms and practices established for the defence and related security sector. Selected candidates are expected to be role models of integrity, and to promote good governance through ongoing efforts in their work.

Due to the broad interest in NATO and the large number of potential candidates, telephone or e-mail enquiries cannot be dealt with.

Applicants who are not successful in this competition may be offered an appointment to another post of a similar nature, albeit at the same or a lower grade, provided they meet the necessary requirements.

The nature of this position may require the staff member at times to be called upon to travel for work and/or to work outside normal office hours.

The organization offers several work-life policies including Teleworking and Flexible Working arrangements (Flexitime) subject to business requirements.

Please note that the International Staff at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium is a non-smoking environment.

For information about the NATO Single Salary Scale (Grading, Allowances, etc.) please visit our website. Detailed data is available under the Salary and Benefits tab.

NATO does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. For more info please click here.

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