Officer (Space Defence Systems)

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 NATOs 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 stakeholders 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 Masters 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 NATOs 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 NATOs 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 NATOs political environment and within the wider context of NATOs 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 NATOs 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.