1. POST CONTEXT
This is a position within the Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) an organization of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
CMRE is an established world-class scientific research and experimentation facility that organizes and conducts scientific research and technology development centred on the maritime domain delivering innovative and field tested Science & Technology (S&T) solutions to address defence and security needs of the Alliance.
As per the STO Charter CMRE operates under a Customer Funding Regime whereby customers are charged the direct costs of the services provided plus an overhead to cover general and administrative expenditures recuperation of capital investments (if applicable) and the Centre operating and running costs. Customers are comprised of NATO bodies NATO Nations and other parties consistent with NATO policy.
The position is within the Engineering and Information Technology Division (EITD) of CMRE. EITD consists of the Engineering Branch and the Information Technology Branch:
The Engineering Branch (EB) addresses the engineering and technological requirements of the Centres activity integrating ocean engineering embedded electronics and maritime sensors expertise - covering advanced systems acoustic and other sensors and unmanned platforms - to design develop operate and maintain cutting-edge technologies.
The Information Technology Branch (IT) supports the conception design development and construction of state-of-the-art technologies in computing networking and data infrastructure as well as developing integrating and validating software applications services and products while ensuring interoperability security and compliance with relevant NATO policies and regulations.
The Head of EITD leads the Engineering and Information Technology Division (EITD) and provides comprehensive technical support for the delivery of the CMRE Programme of Work working in close coordination with Research Experimentation and Rapid Adoption (ERA) and Operational Support Divisions to meet NATO maritime defence and security needs.
The Head of EITD reports to the Director CMRE and contributes to the Centres leadership and strategic management.
2. PRINCIPAL DUTIES
The incumbents duties are: Maintain close and effective working relationships with the CMRE Research Experimentation & Rapid Adoption and Operational Support Divisions providing overall technical governance to ensure projects are planned executed and delivered on time within budget and to the required quality standards. Seat with the Heads of Research Experimentation and Rapid Adoption and Operational Support Divisions in the relevant decision boards to prioritize activities and ensure proper resources availability. Define implement and monitor the Divisions strategic objectives annual and medium-term planning and budget ensuring financial discipline cost control and the efficient use of allocated resources. Provide leadership in the identification assessment and introduction of new technologies and innovative solutions ensuring they bring tangible benefits in terms of performance operational effectiveness and value for money. Oversee the evaluation of technical requirements from sister Divisions and external customers ensuring that feasibility resources schedules costs and risks are properly assessed and reflected in project management plans. Lead and develop the Divisions engineering and IT workforce promoting a service-oriented culture toward sister divisions professional growth accountability knowledge sharing and a strong focus on quality and delivery performance. Exercise overall supervision of engineering and IT projects delivered by the Division ensuring appropriate control of scope schedule cost and quality across systems software services and data solutions. Ensure the availability and balance of operational capabilities across all technical domains including the appointment and direction of Engineering and IT Coordinators in support of CMRE activities exercises and operations. Define and oversee the implementation of the CMRE IT strategy ensuring reliable secure and scalable services cost-effective operations and the progressive evolution from legacy infrastructures to modern solutions. Support the transition of scientific outputs into operational engineering software and data-centric services promoting CMREs role as a provider of innovative solutions in line with NATO policies and security requirements. Ensure that all Divisions activities are conducted in compliance with CMRE safety rules quality policies and applicable regulations including at-sea and field operations asset management and lifecycle control. Act as the principal Engineering and IT advisor to the Directorate Research Experimentation and Rapid Adoption Operational Support Divisions contributing to programme development future planning and the identification of growth opportunities. Leading the implementation of the modernization activities concerning the Division. Contribute to the overall management of the Centre as a member of the Senior Leadership Team representing CMRE on Engineering and IT matters when required. Oversee the Divisions organizational structure staffing recruitment and succession planning ensuring capabilities remain aligned with evolving requirements. Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Directorate.
3. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND ADDITIONAL DUTIES a. Flexibility Clause The incumbent may be required to perform other related duties as directed. All other related duties should correspond with the required competencies for the job.
b. Deployment/Travel The incumbent may be required to perform their duties onboard Centre or chartered vessels. The incumbent may be required to undertake TDY assignments within and outside NATO boundaries.
c. Certification The incumbent needs to hold a fit for sea certificate in line with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Labour Organization (ILO) standards before taking up duty. 4. ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS a.Professional experience Proven track record of leading large-scale business transformations and navigating complex organizational change to establish service-centric operating models. Proven experience working in industry leading multi-disciplinary teams and managing complex projects deliveries.
b.Education/Professional experience Minimum requirements for education and experience: c.Language Requirements A thorough knowledge of one of the two NATO languages both written and spoken is essential and some knowledge of the other is desirable. English SLP 4444 NOTE: Most of the work of CMRE is conducted in the English language. 5. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS a.Professional experience Knowledge of Agile DevOps business development and product management environments. Familiarity with the conduct of multi-domain operations operational experimentations and exercises with advanced technological capabilities. Experience in multi-national environments. Awareness of NATO procedures and regulations.
b.Education
6. ATTRIBUTES/COMPETENCIES Leadership and Integrity leads teams with fairness accountability and a clear sense of direction. Results Focus delivers projects on time on budget and to high quality standards. Innovation and Improvement drives practical solutions and encourages continuous improvement. Judgement and Decision-Making handles complex issues and makes sound timely decisions. Communication and Collaboration builds strong relationships and represents the Centre effectively.
All CMRE personnel are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the current NATO Code of Conduct agreed by the North Atlantic Council (NAC) and thus display the core values of integrity impartiality loyalty accountability and professionalism. 7. REMARKS
The duties are performed in an office laboratory workshop environment or on-board Centre ships. Slightly undesirable working conditions may apply. This is a post in which turnover is desirable for technical reasons.
About Us:
The Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) is part of the NATO Science and Technology Organization (STO). The mission of the STO is to help position both national and NATO science and technology investments as a strategic enabler and technology advantage for the defence and security posture of NATO Allies and partners. The Centre conducts scientific research and technology development and delivers innovative field-tested S&T solutions to address the defence and security needs of the Alliance. CMRE has more than 60 years of experience and has produced a cadre of leaders in ocean science modelling and simulation acoustics and other disciplines as well as producing critical results and understanding that have been built into the operational concepts of NATO and the Nations. What we offer: Salary (Pay Basis): 9766.81 (EUR) Monthly*. *Salary value as per 2026. Subject to future adjustments in accordance with North Atlantic Council decisions. Grade ABCL grade A5 / NATO grade G22 A world class research facility located in the sea port of La Spezia Italy supported by two specialised research vessels. An exciting place in which to work situated at an ideal location the port of La Spezia Italy enabling synergy with regional and global academic institutes and industry. Salary and conditions of employment will be in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations (NCPR) which includes a rewarding salary and a comprehensive system of allowances supplements and insurances to support families and in case of expatriated staff offers an interesting expatriate package. A generous annual leave and (where eligible) home leave. The successful candidate will be offered a three years definite duration contract which may be renewed for subsequent periods subject to business needs satisfactory performance and the need to rotate skills and talent within the Organization. Applicants who prove to be competent for the post but who are not successful in this competition may be offered an appointment to another post of a similar nature which might become vacant in the near future albeit at the same or a lower grade provided they meet the necessary requirements.
Our recruitment process: Please note that we can only accept applications from nationals of NATO member countries. Applications (including the most relevant publications the diplomas - stating the highest level of education - and a CV) for this vacancy are to be submitted using the E-recruitment system; Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance (provided by the national Authorities of the selected candidate) and approval of the candidates medical file by the CMRE Medical Adviser.
Additional information:
CMRE values diverse backgrounds and perspectives and is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and talented workforce. We welcome applications of nationals from all Member States and strongly encourage women to apply. Selected candidates are expected to be role models of integrity and to promote good governance through ongoing efforts in their work.
For more information on how to apply: How to apply for posts within NATO 6 tips to apply for posts within NATO NOTE: 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 NATOs sole discretion and NATO reserves the right to take further steps in such cases as appropriate. |