Senior Data Science & AI (Adv Analytics)

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 Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (DSAI) team leads ACT’s efforts to develop, test, and integrate data- and AI-enabled solutions across NATO. It supports the adoption of AI across ACT and the wider NATO Enterprise, driving innovation and operational transformation. The team contributes to AI literacy, experimentation, and responsible AI implementation, while advancing NATO’s digital transformation and capability development objectives.

This position is responsible for leading a dedicated cell and ensuring that the efforts align with NATO and ACT DSAI objectives.

Principal Duties:

• Leadership: Direct and supervise a diverse, multicultural cell, setting clear objectives and providing guidance to achieve DSAI goals at the Section, the Command and the wider organizational level. This may include deputizing for branch leadership, as required.
• Resource Management: Manage human and budgetary resources (the latter together with DSAI leadership) efficiently to ensure the Section’s optimal performance in the execution of DSAI activities.
• Operations Oversight: Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Advanced Analytics cell, ensuring compliance with NATO and ACT policies, standards, and best practices.
• Performance Evaluation: Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure effectiveness, monitoring progress and making improvements as necessary.
• Risk Management: Identify, report and mitigate potential risks associated with DSAI projects, ensuring continuity of essential functions.
• Strategic Planning: Advise on the prioritization of DSAI initiatives, aligning with NATO's Strategic Objectives, Deliverables and Outcomes.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Contribute to developing robust collaborations within ACT and NATO Enterprise, academic institutions, industry partners, and other stakeholders to cultivate strong relationships, facilitate effective cooperation, and harness expertise and resources in support of DSAI initiatives.
• Communication: Effectively deliver strategic briefings and communicate with ACT leadership, subordinates, and external stakeholders, as required. Convey complex information and expectations in a clear and concise manner.
• Contribute to tasks as assigned for example within the framework of the Data Exploitation Framework Strategic Plan (PO(2022)0409(INV)), the Bi-SC Data Exploitation Programme Implementation Plan (MCM-0072-2023), the Digital Transformation Implementation Strategy (PO(2023)0191(INV)), and NATO’s Revised AI Strategy (PO(2024)0199).
• Assist in the development and initial implementation phases of data science and AI capabilities within the NATO Enterprise and HQ SACT, focusing on both operational and business functional areas. Provide SME expertise where required, e.g. in support of requirements capture and capability development.
• Contribute to ML/AI initiatives across HQ SACT (primary function) and the NATO Enterprise, assisting in suggesting ML approaches, processing of training data, and initial performance assessment of machine learning techniques on datasets.
• Cross-coordination: Coordinate DSAI activities and SME support with other branches across ACT directorates to increase effectiveness and enhance productivity. Lead cross-directorate projects.
• Apply data science and AI techniques to new problems and datasets, utilizing specialized programming techniques as required by the project/customer.
• Contribute to all activities along the data science value chain, in particular to data visualization efforts, creating intuitive dashboards and reports that effectively communicate findings and support decision-making processes.
• Assist in the review process of data science and AI activities, processes, products or services, providing necessary support and analysis.
• Collaborate with other data professionals, software engineers, and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from different functional areas within the NATO Enterprise, participating in team-based projects and initiatives.
• Support educational and training development efforts related to NATO Enterprise data, AI, or digital literacy, as necessary.
• Stay informed on new developments in data science and AI, sharing knowledge and insights with the DSAI team to contribute to innovative ideas across the NATO Enterprise.
• Support initiatives aimed at building a data-driven culture within ACT and the NATO Enterprise, assisting in the use of analytics to generate insights, improve decision-making, inform strategy and policy decisions, and enhance performance.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Essential Qualifications / Experience:

•  University Degree  in information technology, economics, statistics, operations research, management information systems, accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, project management or related discipline  and 4 years post related experience, or Higher Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training  in that discipline leading to a professional qualification or professional accreditation with 5 years post related and 2 years function related experience.
• Seven years within the last ten years of demonstrated post-education experience in progressively more responsible roles in the DSAI technical field.
• Five years of demonstrated post-education experience in leadership roles within the last ten years, encompassing human resource management, strategic planning, and fostering a culture of excellence. Demonstrated ability to work effectively as the leader of a multi-national and multi-disciplinary team of specialists.
• Demonstrated understanding of, as well as experience in applying and managing digital technologies (such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing and data analytics) within the context of defence, security, or international organizations.
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic plans, set objectives, and monitor performance, ensuring alignment with organizational missions and objectives
• Experience in developing and implementing policies, guidelines, and standards related to DSAI in accordance with industry best practices.
• Must possess excellent analytic skills, the ability to summarize large amounts of written material and to communicate clearly and effectively in English.
• Exposure to training and deploying models for natural language processing, computer vision, or reinforcement learning is a plus.
• Proficiency in modern software architecture and software development related to data science, analytics and data integration, e.g., Python or R.
• Experience visualizing data and producing graphs and reports, charts or interactive dashboards using tools such as, Power BI, or ggplot2 and Matplotlib.
• Familiarity with modern cloud-based DevSecOps environments, containerization, and agile processes is desirable.
• Ability to communicate findings and data-driven insights to non-technical stakeholders.
• Basic understanding of military capability development is a plus but not mandatory.

Language:

English - SLP 3333 - (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing)

Desirable Qualifications / Experience:

• Master’s degree from a nationally recognized/certified University in a relevant discipline such as Data Science, Computer Science, Software or Computer Engineering, Applied Math, Physics, Statistics, or a related field.
• Experience working within a Big Data ecosystem, with tools such as Databricks, Spark etc.
• Experience working with open source and publicly available data, including experience with data scraping and data cleaning techniques
• Experienced ‘data storyteller’, with the ability to communicate complex data science concepts and insights to non-technical stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.
• Experience working on a military staff, with knowledge of military operations and decision-making processes
• Knowledge of NATO organization and its functions, including experience working with NATO data and systems.
• Experience in project management, with the ability to manage complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and teams. This includes experience with project planning, risk management, and budgeting within software management frameworks.

Attributes/Competencies:

Personal Attributes:

• Judgement and Flexibility: The incumbent must exercise sound thought, judgment, initiative, adaptability and flexibility, particularly when dealing with organizations and agencies in a multi-national and multi-cultural environment.
• Adaptability: Given the evolving nature of technology and defence challenges, the candidate must be adaptable and receptive to change, able to adjust strategies and approaches as needed to meet dynamic requirements.
• The incumbent may routinely be expected to work extended hours and to travel as part of the appointment.
• Sound Judgment: Strong decision-making skills, discretion, and the capacity to make informed and timely decisions that consider the potential impact on ACT's objectives and reputation.
• Tact and Diplomacy: The candidate should exhibit diplomacy and tact when dealing with working groups, committees, contractors, and consultants to achieve stated ACT goals and objectives.
• Collaborative Leadership: The ability to lead by collaboration, promoting teamwork and inclusivity, and effectively managing relationships within multicultural teams.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a results-oriented approach that allows for the identification and resolution of complex issues.
• Clear Communication: Exceptional communication skills, including the capability to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders in a clear and understandable manner.

Managerial Responsibilities:

• May act as Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR).

Professional Contacts:

• The incumbent will have contacts with internal and external stakeholders and project related clients.

 Contribution To Objectives:

• A prime objective of SACT is to lead the transformation of Alliance capabilities, especially in the context of the new concept for Multi-Domain Operations and the approved Digital Transformation Implementation Strategy. Data Exploitation/Artificial Intelligence are essential enabling capabilities. The Data Scientist contributes directly to the Warfare Development Agenda’s NATO Data Exploitation Programme, and by enabling informed decision-making through robust data analysis, and supporting the evolution of Multi-Domain Operations. This expertise aids in advancing SACT's digital transformation agenda, aligning with the broader strategic goals and enhancing 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.

Contract

• This position is linked to a specific NATO project and is for a limited duration of 3 (three) years only.
• 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 full details on the eligibility criteria and application processes to be adopted by all candidates.  However, candidates should particularly note:

Please answer each of the pre-screening questions completely in English. Expressions such as: “please see attached CV, please see annex, please see enclosed document, etc” are not acceptable; this is a cause of immediate rejection of the application.

Particular attention should be given to Education and Experience section of your application form, which should be populated with details of your career to date and educational achievements and certifications as they relate to your application.

The candidature of NATO redundant staff at grade G17 will be considered with priority.

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.

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

This vacancy will close on 31 August 2025 @ 17:59hrs (EDT)/11:59hrs (CEST).