Head, Defence Advisory Section - NRU

Important Note: this post is stationed in Kyiv Ukraine rated as an extreme risk location by the NATO Office of Security (NOS). Special security measures will apply for those assigned or travelling. For the time being Kyiv will remain an unaccompanied post and family members will not be relocated with the incumbent.

1.SUMMARY

The NATO Representation to Ukraine (NRU) facilitates political and military dialogue and cooperation between the Alliance and Ukraine as well as coordinating NATOs practical support to Ukraine.

The Defence Advisory Section of the NRU provides advice and support to Ukraines defence and security institutions encompassing the Ministry of Defence (MoD) Ministry of Interior (MoI) and Security Service Ukraine (SSU) in pursuit of interoperability with NATO and longer-term defence and deterrence goals. The Defence Advisory Section in conjunction with other branches of the NRU works closely with allies and partners in Kyiv other NATO entities and NATO HQ in support of Ukraine.

As the Section Head the incumbent leads and manages the Defence Advisory Section within NRU overseeing a multidisciplinary team that advises on national defence strategy development force planning capability development and institutional transformation. They ensure close coordination with national and bilateral partners and NATO stakeholders fostering a coherent approach to Ukraines defence transformation and NATO interoperability goals.

This role will be located within the NRU in Kyiv Ukraine. The incumbent reports to the Deputy Head/Chief of Staff (CoS) of the NRU working to priorities set by the NATO Senior Representative NRU.

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine the country is rated by the NATO Office of Security as an extreme risk location. This means that special security measures apply for people assigned or traveling there which includes restrictions on movement and on accommodation. Moreover it is essential that NATO International Civilians receive Civilian Pre-deployment Training (CPDT) or similar training such as Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) before taking up the assignment or prior to travel.

Key challenges facing the successful candidate over will include:

1. Diversity: Strengthen the diversity of the Defence Advisory Section in NRU covering a wide scope of activities leveraging on a diverse workforce composed of NATO IS Local Staff Military and Contractors and interacting with multiple Ukrainian stakeholders with sometimes diverging priorities.

2. Task Leadership: As the lead for defence and security advice on interoperability to Ukrainian institutions in Kyiv ensure that NRU and within that the Defence Advisory Section achieve coherence with actors over whom it has no directive control or coordinating mandate These stakeholders provide advice and support to the Ukrainian defence and security sector in areas encompassing near term operational challenges to longer term institutional transformation. These stakeholders have a variety of objectives and range from individual Allies to groups of Allies partner international organisations and NATO entities at the operational and military strategic level.

3. Individual Leadership and Management: As the Head of Section who is also the principal adviser to Ukrainian Defence and Security Institutions on interoperability and institutional transformation which requires the building of relationships and maintenance of trust; build lead and sustain the NRU Defence Advisory Section Team. Represent the NRU to the international Defence Attach community.

In addition to the application form candidates are expected to submit a Word or pdf document maximum of two A4 pages summarising their views on the key (and possible other) challenges facing the Defence Advisory Section and how they would address them if selected for the position.

2.QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL

The incumbent must:

Hold a university degree from a recognised institution in international relations defence and security studies or a related field.

Have at least 10 years of experience in national defence planning out of which 5 years in team management and coordination.

Demonstrate knowledge of the NATO Defence Planning Process (NDPP) and national defence planning.

Have experience in defence strategy formulation and force development

Possess a track record of leading transformation and change management at the higher levels of defence from appointments at the military-strategic level.

Show in-depth knowledge of international affairs and defence policy.

Possess a track record of leading and managing diverse teams under demanding conditions inspiring trust and confidence.

Exhibit strong stakeholder engagement skills with experience working alongside national bilateral and multilateral defence partners.

Communicate clearly logically and persuasively in both written and verbal formats.

Demonstrate cultural awareness and adaptability in a multinational environment.

Be proficient in MS Office Teams and SharePoint for information management and reporting.

Possess minimum language proficiency: English V (Advanced) French I (Beginner).

DESIRABLE

The following would be considered an advantage:

Completion of a higher-level defence staff training or strategic education course.

Experience in defence transformation NATO standardisation or accession processes in a post-Soviet context.

An understanding of budgeting and procurement.

3.MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES

Vision and Direction
Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Defence Advisory Section. Ensuring the delivery of strategic defence advice to senior Ukrainian counterparts on national defence strategy development force planning and interoperability with NATO. Shape the priorities of the section and translate NATOs strategic guidance into actionable goals for Ukraines defence and security institutions. Set high standards for NATOs advisory efforts and foster a culture of excellence and innovation within the team.

People Management
Lead motivate and manage a team of. Establish clear performance objectives promote professional development and foster team cohesion in a high-demand high-stakes environment. Ensure optimal resource allocation across advisory portfolios provide mentoring and coaching support and maintain high morale in an unaccompanied and high-risk posting. Encourage a collaborative respectful working culture that values expertise accountability and responsiveness to Ukraines reform needs. Promote collaboration among section members and with colleagues in other parts of the NRU and NATO structures.

Financial Management
Exercise oversight of the Sections financial planning with responsible and efficient use of resources. Collaborate with NRU Finance and Coordination (FINCON) to oversee budget expenditures for NATOs Interoperability Road Map (IORM)-related projects. Validate financial requirements for strategic projects and ensure alignment with NATOs financial regulations and assistance mechanisms. Advocate for resource prioritisation that maximises impact and sustainability of NATOs advisory contribution to Ukraines defence transformation.

Expertise Development
Oversee the development and refinement of Ukraines Long Term Capability Development Plans (LTCDPs) ensuring alignment with NATO standards and interoperability goals. Provide strategic advice on institutional development with a focus on the Ministry of Defence (MoD) while also supporting relevant bodies within the Ministry of Interior (MoI) and Security Service Ukraine (SSU).

Policy Development
Provide expert advice on the transformation of Ukraines defence sector emphasizing institutional development resource planning and the integration of NATO standards. Support defence reform initiatives by helping Ukraine refine national defence plans military-strategic concepts and force development strategies. Identify projects eligible for NATO Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP) funding ensuring they align with Ukrainian defence needs and NATO goals. Contribute to the adapted Annual National Programme (aANP) yearly assessments working closely with NATO HQ UCT. Drive transparency and modernisation in Ukraines defence planning advising on defence policy to ensure alignment with NATO objectives.

Representation of the Organization
Represent NATO and the NRU in high-level meetings with Ukrainian authorities allied representatives and bilateral partners ensuring strong communication of NATOs advisory role. Act as the primary liaison between the NRU and NATOs HQ Ukraine Cooperation and Transformation (UCT) Section advancing interoperability goals and coordinating efforts to support Ukraines defence transformation. Participate in international conferences and working groups strengthening NATO-Ukraine partnerships and supporting Ukraines defence reform and NATO integration efforts.

Knowledge Management
Draft strategic reports assessments and briefing materials on Ukraines defence transformation and interoperability progress. Track and assess the implementation of Ukraines defence reforms providing updates to NATO leadership and stakeholders and NATO HQ. Compile progress assessments identifying gaps and ensuring lessons learned are incorporated into ongoing initiatives. Ensure the efficient management and dissemination of relevant defence knowledge within the NRU and with NATO stakeholders.

Stakeholder Management
Build and maintain strong relationships with senior Ukrainian officials in the MoD MoI and SSU providing high-level guidance and fostering cooperation on defence reform and transformation. Coordinate the work of NRU domain advisers and allied stakeholders ensuring alignment with Ukraines defence priorities and NATOs strategic objectives. Collaborate closely with NATOs Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) in Wiesbaden Germany other NATO entities and other partners to enhance the coherence of NATOs advisory efforts to Ukraine. Act as a strategic liaison to foster collaboration between national and bilateral partners and Ukrainian authorities.

Project Management
Lead the management and execution of projects aimed at advancing Ukraines defence interoperability and transformation goals ensuring these projects are delivered on time and within budget. Oversee the implementation of IORM-related projects and provide guidance to ensure all activities align with Ukraines long-term defence goals and NATO requirements. Identify and address issues related to project execution ensuring timely corrective action and the resolution of challenges.

Perform any other related duty as assigned.

4.INTERRELATIONSHIPS

The incumbent reports to the Deputy Head (CoS) NRU working to priorities set by the Senior Representative NRU and collaborates with stakeholders involved in the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) in Wiesbaden Germany and at NATO HQ in the Defence Security Cooperation Directorate (DSCD) in the Operations (OPS) division.

Direct reports: 5 (expected to grow to 18)

Indirect reports: N/a

5.COMPETENCIES

The incumbent must demonstrate:

Achievement: Sets and works to meet challenging goals.

Change Leadership: Personally leads change.

Conceptual Thinking: Clarifies complex data or situations.

Developing Others: Provides in-depth mentoring coaching and training.

Impact and Influence: Uses indirect influence.

Initiative: Plans and acts for the long-term.

Leadership: Positions self as the leader.

Organizational Awareness: Understands organisational politics.

Self-Control: Stays composed and positive even under extreme pressure.