Director of Innovation

The Innovation, Hybrid & Cyber (IHC) Division provides a coordinated approach for NATO to the emerging security challenges of the 21st Century. It serves as NATO HQ’s focal point for policy development on issues linked to innovation and Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDTs), Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy, cyber, hybrid, energy security, security of critical undersea infrastructure, as well as the impact of climate change on security.

The Division also promotes security cooperation on these challenges through a variety of different programmes, with Allies and with Partner nations, as well as with industry, academia and with other International Organisations (IO).

The Director Innovation supports the Assistant Secretary General (ASG) and the Deputy Assistant Secretary General (DASG) in taking forward policy development in particular on innovation and Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDTs), Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy. S/He plays a key role in enhancing synergies and cross-coordination within the IHC Division, as well as enhancing coherence across the NATO Enterprise on related issues, includes advancing digital transformation for both NATO civilian & military structures and deepening practical engagement with non-NATO stakeholders, particularly the European Union policy-makers and industry experts.

The incumbent also plays a key role in overseeing the liaison function for the newly established NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA), as well as with the independent NATO Innovation Fund (NIF).

Key focus areas for the next few years are:

• Identify synergies between NATO’s EDT agenda and other initiatives, as well as grow NATO’s innovation network across a diverse ecosystem;
• Foster the adoption of emerging and disruptive technologies and protect the Alliance from risks posed in this space;
• Seek out new technology, trends, and innovation opportunities, carrying a bias for action to drive forward NATO’s innovation agenda including measures to protect and foster innovation in the Alliance and enhance NATO’s innovation partnerships with industry, academia, international organisations and partner countries;

In addition to the application form, candidates are expected to submit a Word document (maximum 2 A4 pages) summarising their views on the key focus areas and how they would address them if selected for the position. This essay will be evaluated as part of the longlisting assessment (see full instructions on how to apply at the end of this vacancy notice).

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL

The incumbent must:

• hold an advanced degree in the field of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), international security, business administration, or other related technology/innovation field;
• have a minimum of 15 years of professional experience in fields relevant for this position out of which at least 5 years leading and coordinating large, cross-functional teams;
• be conversant with the Alliance’s political and military consultative processes;
• a thorough knowledge of Alliance policies and procedures as they pertain to the portfolio, with additional in-depth knowledge and expertise in one or more of the fields of innovation and EDTs;
• significant professional experience in senior management positions in an international context;
• have experience working with senior executives and in convening and managing multi-stakeholder partnerships;
• have experience in engaging and negotiating with industrial policy actors, including industry, academia, governments as well as start-ups, accelerators and risk capital;
• have demonstrable experience in delivering and coordinating complex (programmes/projects) reports or strategies;
• possess the following minimum levels of NATO's official languages (English/French): V (Advanced) in one; II (Elementary) in the other.

DESIRABLE

The following would be considered an advantage:

• experience in a similar position, with a focus on industrial and/or innovation policy issues, value chain analysis or similar for a national administration or in an international environment, including working experience with academia, government institutions in NATO Member and partner countries;
• several years' experience in a comparable position within a Ministry for Foreign Affairs, a Ministry of Defence or relevant branch of the armed forces or government or intergovernmental agencies;
• deep understanding and knowledge of the NATO Enterprise to assist with the coordination of implementing NATO’s EDT Strategy and related innovation initiatives;
• publications focusing on one or more of NATO’s identified Emerging and Disruptive Technologies at the strategic policy level;
• knowledge of macroeconomics or trade policies and t