- International Staff, NATO HQ
- Brussels, Belgium (Remote)
- Full-time
Head, Enterprise Portfolio Section
- International Staff, NATO HQ
Brussels, Belgium
Full-time
Published:
Application Deadline: May 18, 2025
- International Staff, NATO HQ
Brussels, Belgium
Full-time
Published:
Application Deadline: May 18, 2025
SUMMARY:
The NATO Chief Information Officer (CIO) function brings Information and Communications Technology (ICT) coherence across NATO Enterprise’s civil and military bodies. The NATO CIO is empowered to realize the Allies’ vision for the NATO Enterprise is accountable to the Secretary General and is responsible for the development of Enterprise directives and advice on the acquisition and use of information technologies and services. The NATO CIO improves the user experience by driving coherent Enterprise requirements, enhancing service performance management, and contributing to strategic Enterprise functions such as Information and Knowledge Management and Data Exploitation. The NATO CIO provides Enterprise oversight on cybersecurity issues, and, in close coordination with all relevant NATO civil and military bodies, works towards the continuous improvement of the cyber hygiene and cybersecurity posture of the NATO Enterprise.
The Office of the NATO CIO (OCIO) is an integrated staff organization comprised of International Staff (IS) and International Military Staff (IMS) members.
The Enterprise Strategy Branch (ESB) identifies, elicits and harmonizes NATO bodies’ ICT needs into a coherent set of Enterprise’s requirements. It supports the definition, evolution and implementation of a long-term Enterprise strategy for ICT management following NATO nation’s guidance. The branch develops and maintains the implementation strategies to meet these Enterprise requirements while respecting the diverse funding processes and sources supporting the NATO Enterprise. The branch prepares the CIO’s engagement with senior NATO boards and committees, oversees Enterprise architectural developments, monitors ICT services provision performance and maintains oversight of large ongoing projects and programs.
The mission of the Enterprise Portfolio Section (EPS) is to ensure oversight of major ICT programs with Enterprise scope planned, executed and finalized in NATO. The section is responsible for the provision of expert advice to the Enterprise Strategy Branch Head on any issue of technical, financial, procurement or other nature detected and analysed in cooperation with other NATO program management authorities. These functions are implemented in close coordination with several NATO bodies, such as the Digital Policy Committee (DPC), the resourcing community, Allied Command Transformation (ACT), Allied Command Operations (ACO), NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) and other relevant stakeholders across the NATO Enterprise. The work of the Enterprise Portfolio Section requires close coordination with key NATO processes such as the NATO Security Investment Programme (NSIP), to support OCIO’s strategic management function.
The incumbent leads and coordinates the activities of the Enterprise Portfolio Section, supporting the Branch Head in establishing and maintaining an overview of the NATO Enterprise portfolio of programs and projects, which are delivering Consultation, Command, and Control (C3) capabilities and ICT services, regardless of their source of funding. This role will also include supporting the identification, proposal and consolidation of policy changes, in close coordination with other NATO policy-making bodies for Communications and Information Systems.
The incumbent deputises for the Head, Enterprise Strategy Branch when required.
QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Essential
The incumbent must:
Desirable
The following would be considered an advantage:
MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Project Management
Support the NATO CIO coherence role, through an oversight of all capabilities delivered and services provided within the NATO Enterprise, through various programs and projects (common funded, multi-nationally or nationally funded). Support the definition and enforce the section project plan according to the OCIO role(s) in project management processes used in the NATO Enterprise. Identify main decision-makers and other stakeholders relevant to the project’s success, participate and contribute to project management boards as required. Maintain full understanding of project and program plans, identify and monitor project implementation risks, provide expertise and leadership in the resolution of exceptions and issues. Establish and maintain a network of relationships with key project leaders in the NATO Enterprise, with a specific focus on ICT and cybersecurity projects.
Policy Development
Contribute to the development of policy, directive and guidance documents in the OCIO areas of responsibility as per their area of expertise. Develop high-level strategic documents and advice to improve Enterprise services policy related to key areas of the NATO Enterprise ICT, such as Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, edge computing, mobile device integration and cybersecurity.
Expertise Development
Conduct analysis and provide advice in the fields of C3 capabilities and ICT services. Provide staff support to NATO committees in these areas. Develop point papers and other deliverables in support of the Branch Head role for Enterprise Strategy development. Support OCIO activities related to Enterprise services in the areas of investment, operations and maintenance, baseline configuration control, change processes and Enterprise-wide Service Level Agreements.
Planning and Execution
Determine input to the Enterprise Strategy Branch work plans and manage the implementation of the section tasks to achieve section objectives.
People Management
Lead, plan, direct and supervise the work of the section personnel. Cultivate a motivating, inclusive and effective workplace. Provide mentoring, coaching and training opportunities and be available to offer guidance at critical moments. Promote transparency in decisionmaking, equal access to opportunities for all staff and an inclusive management culture. Ensure that all staff under their responsibility is clear on organizational, office, branch and section objectives. Provide regular and fair feedback on performance, informally as appropriate, and via the HQ Performance Review and Development (PRD) system. Participate in recruitment procedures for vacant posts in the Organisation in accordance with NATO recruitment guidelines. Identify possible development and mobility opportunities for individuals.
Stakeholder Management
Engage and coordinate with all relevant NATO Enterprise stakeholders, ensuring a broad collaboration during the development of policies, directives, guidance, implementation plans, standards and best practices. Closely coordinate with NATO staff working on the lifecycle of Enterprise capabilities and services (requirements, investments, operations, maintenance and disposal). Engage with industry and academia in the post’s domain of expertise, as required. Develop close cooperation and working relationships with stakeholders, including the DPC, the Agencies Supervisory Boards, the Military Committee, the Resource Planning and Policy Board, and other relevant senior policy committees and boards, in accordance with the evolution of the OCIO responsibilities and available resources. Represent and speak on behalf of the Branch Head in committees, panels or working groups with industry and academia on matters pertaining to the post’s domain of expertise. Act as the focal point on those matters.
Financial Management
Provide inputs to the OCIO budget / Programme of Work and maintain an overview of assigned budgets and their execution and reporting.
Organisational Efficiencies
Identify, plan and propose implementation of initiatives, aimed at improving efficiency and effectiveness across all areas of C3 capabilities, services delivery and operations.
Knowledge Management
Assess the investment programs, which deliver C3 capabilities and ICT services in place, in NATO nations, NATO civil and military bodies, and non-NATO nations / international organizations, to provide support and recommendations, becoming a point of reference for the NATO Enterprise portfolio of C3 capabilities and ICT services. Draft background briefs, progress reports, prepare presentations, and other items for high-level meetings.
Information Management
Initiate, guide and advise on the Information Management procedures for the section, in particular related to the NATO Enterprise portfolio of capabilities and services. Perform any other related duty as assigned.
INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
The incumbent reports to the Branch Head, Enterprise Strategy and deputises for them when required. The incumbent interacts with senior government and military personnel in NATO and partner nations, NATO civil and military bodies, and in non-NATO entities. The incumbent also liaises with leadership in relevant international organisations, industry and academia, as required.
COMPETENCIES:
The incumbent must demonstrate:
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.
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:
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.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
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.
The NATO Chief Information Officer (CIO) function brings Information and Communications Technology (ICT) coherence across NATO Enterprise’s civil and military bodies. The NATO CIO is empowered to realize the Allies’ vision for the NATO Enterprise is accountable to the Secretary General and is responsible for the development of Enterprise directives and advice on the acquisition and use of information technologies and services. The NATO CIO improves the user experience by driving coherent Enterprise requirements, enhancing service performance management, and contributing to strategic Enterprise functions such as Information and Knowledge Management and Data Exploitation. The NATO CIO provides Enterprise oversight on cybersecurity issues, and, in close coordination with all relevant NATO civil and military bodies, works towards the continuous improvement of the cyber hygiene and cybersecurity posture of the NATO Enterprise.
The Office of the NATO CIO (OCIO) is an integrated staff organization comprised of International Staff (IS) and International Military Staff (IMS) members.
The Enterprise Strategy Branch (ESB) identifies, elicits and harmonizes NATO bodies’ ICT needs into a coherent set of Enterprise’s requirements. It supports the definition, evolution and implementation of a long-term Enterprise strategy for ICT management following NATO nation’s guidance. The branch develops and maintains the implementation strategies to meet these Enterprise requirements while respecting the diverse funding processes and sources supporting the NATO Enterprise. The branch prepares the CIO’s engagement with senior NATO boards and committees, oversees Enterprise architectural developments, monitors ICT services provision performance and maintains oversight of large ongoing projects and programs.
The mission of the Enterprise Portfolio Section (EPS) is to ensure oversight of major ICT programs with Enterprise scope planned, executed and finalized in NATO. The section is responsible for the provision of expert advice to the Enterprise Strategy Branch Head on any issue of technical, financial, procurement or other nature detected and analysed in cooperation with other NATO program management authorities. These functions are implemented in close coordination with several NATO bodies, such as the Digital Policy Committee (DPC), the resourcing community, Allied Command Transformation (ACT), Allied Command Operations (ACO), NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) and other relevant stakeholders across the NATO Enterprise. The work of the Enterprise Portfolio Section requires close coordination with key NATO processes such as the NATO Security Investment Programme (NSIP), to support OCIO’s strategic management function.
The incumbent leads and coordinates the activities of the Enterprise Portfolio Section, supporting the Branch Head in establishing and maintaining an overview of the NATO Enterprise portfolio of programs and projects, which are delivering Consultation, Command, and Control (C3) capabilities and ICT services, regardless of their source of funding. This role will also include supporting the identification, proposal and consolidation of policy changes, in close coordination with other NATO policy-making bodies for Communications and Information Systems.
The incumbent deputises for the Head, Enterprise Strategy Branch when required.
QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Essential
The incumbent must:
- Possess a university degree or an equivalent level of qualification from an institute of recognised standing in information and communications technology;
- Have 6 years of experience in ICT in all areas of a service’s lifecycle, from requirements capture and design to implementation and operation;
- Have extensive experience in ICT project and programmes management, including financial aspects;
- Have a broad understanding and knowledge of ICT service delivery in a large international environment and related best practices;
- Have experience in ICT governance and policy making;
- Have ability to lead a diverse team in a challenging multi-cultural and multinational environment;
- Have demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills;
- Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, in particular the ability to present complex issues to non-technical audiences to facilitate consensus building and decision-making;
- The following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): V (“Advanced”) in one; I (“Beginner”) in the other.
Desirable
The following would be considered an advantage:
- A Master’s Degree in a discipline relevant for this role;
- A valid portfolio or programme management certification;
- A market-leading certification in services management, such as ITIL;
- Experience with procuring and managing ICT and cybersecurity services, either in-house or through outsourcing;
- Deep understanding of current and emerging ICT technologies and how enterprises are employing them to drive digital business transformation;
- Experience with cloud computing architectures, and in particular with migrating traditional ICT services to the cloud in security-focused organizations;
- Familiarity with the NATO civilian and military structure and being conversant in the challenges, tasks and new missions of the Alliance in the changing strategic and political-military environment;
- Knowledge of NATO responsibilities and organisations, in particular Allied Command Transformation (ACT) and Allied Command Operations (ACO);
- Experience in chairing, supporting and interacting with executive/senior-level boards and committees in large organizations;
- Experience in multinational programmes and cooperative developments;
- Experience in managing or leading teams.
MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Project Management
Support the NATO CIO coherence role, through an oversight of all capabilities delivered and services provided within the NATO Enterprise, through various programs and projects (common funded, multi-nationally or nationally funded). Support the definition and enforce the section project plan according to the OCIO role(s) in project management processes used in the NATO Enterprise. Identify main decision-makers and other stakeholders relevant to the project’s success, participate and contribute to project management boards as required. Maintain full understanding of project and program plans, identify and monitor project implementation risks, provide expertise and leadership in the resolution of exceptions and issues. Establish and maintain a network of relationships with key project leaders in the NATO Enterprise, with a specific focus on ICT and cybersecurity projects.
Policy Development
Contribute to the development of policy, directive and guidance documents in the OCIO areas of responsibility as per their area of expertise. Develop high-level strategic documents and advice to improve Enterprise services policy related to key areas of the NATO Enterprise ICT, such as Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, edge computing, mobile device integration and cybersecurity.
Expertise Development
Conduct analysis and provide advice in the fields of C3 capabilities and ICT services. Provide staff support to NATO committees in these areas. Develop point papers and other deliverables in support of the Branch Head role for Enterprise Strategy development. Support OCIO activities related to Enterprise services in the areas of investment, operations and maintenance, baseline configuration control, change processes and Enterprise-wide Service Level Agreements.
Planning and Execution
Determine input to the Enterprise Strategy Branch work plans and manage the implementation of the section tasks to achieve section objectives.
People Management
Lead, plan, direct and supervise the work of the section personnel. Cultivate a motivating, inclusive and effective workplace. Provide mentoring, coaching and training opportunities and be available to offer guidance at critical moments. Promote transparency in decisionmaking, equal access to opportunities for all staff and an inclusive management culture. Ensure that all staff under their responsibility is clear on organizational, office, branch and section objectives. Provide regular and fair feedback on performance, informally as appropriate, and via the HQ Performance Review and Development (PRD) system. Participate in recruitment procedures for vacant posts in the Organisation in accordance with NATO recruitment guidelines. Identify possible development and mobility opportunities for individuals.
Stakeholder Management
Engage and coordinate with all relevant NATO Enterprise stakeholders, ensuring a broad collaboration during the development of policies, directives, guidance, implementation plans, standards and best practices. Closely coordinate with NATO staff working on the lifecycle of Enterprise capabilities and services (requirements, investments, operations, maintenance and disposal). Engage with industry and academia in the post’s domain of expertise, as required. Develop close cooperation and working relationships with stakeholders, including the DPC, the Agencies Supervisory Boards, the Military Committee, the Resource Planning and Policy Board, and other relevant senior policy committees and boards, in accordance with the evolution of the OCIO responsibilities and available resources. Represent and speak on behalf of the Branch Head in committees, panels or working groups with industry and academia on matters pertaining to the post’s domain of expertise. Act as the focal point on those matters.
Financial Management
Provide inputs to the OCIO budget / Programme of Work and maintain an overview of assigned budgets and their execution and reporting.
Organisational Efficiencies
Identify, plan and propose implementation of initiatives, aimed at improving efficiency and effectiveness across all areas of C3 capabilities, services delivery and operations.
Knowledge Management
Assess the investment programs, which deliver C3 capabilities and ICT services in place, in NATO nations, NATO civil and military bodies, and non-NATO nations / international organizations, to provide support and recommendations, becoming a point of reference for the NATO Enterprise portfolio of C3 capabilities and ICT services. Draft background briefs, progress reports, prepare presentations, and other items for high-level meetings.
Information Management
Initiate, guide and advise on the Information Management procedures for the section, in particular related to the NATO Enterprise portfolio of capabilities and services. Perform any other related duty as assigned.
INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
The incumbent reports to the Branch Head, Enterprise Strategy and deputises for them when required. The incumbent interacts with senior government and military personnel in NATO and partner nations, NATO civil and military bodies, and in non-NATO entities. The incumbent also liaises with leadership in relevant international organisations, industry and academia, as required.
- Direct reports: 3;
- Indirect reports: N/A.
COMPETENCIES:
The incumbent must demonstrate:
- Achievement: Creates own measures of excellence and improves performance;
- Analytical Thinking: Sees multiple relationships;
- Clarity and Accuracy: Monitors others’ work for clarity;
- Conceptual Thinking: Applies learned concepts;
- Costumer Service Orientation: Makes things better for the customer, addressing underlying customer needs;
- Impact and Influence: Uses indirect influence;
- Initiative: Is decisive in a time-sensitive situation;
- Teamwork: Solicits inputs and encourages others.
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.
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.
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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