Director of Defence Planning

**1. SUMMARY**

The Defence Policy and Planning (DPP) Division has the lead role on the defence-related aspects of NATO’s three essential core tasks at the political-military level.

Within the DPP Division, the Defence Planning Directorate (DPD) is responsible for the conduct of Alliance defence planning and has the lead in the International Staff (IS) for the NATO Defence Planning Process (NDPP). It also assists the efforts of the Allies to improve the effectiveness of defence planning and capability delivery. The Directorate is also responsible for compiling defence-related burden sharing reports (e.g. implementation of the Defence Investment Pledge) as well as analysis on defence capabilities and defence expenditure matters. The Directorate works in close cooperation with national Delegations and staff in national capitals on all business related to defence planning, including the analysis of national defence programmes, plans, and resources. It also has to cooperate closely with the relevant military and civilian staffs engaged in defence planning throughout the NATO enterprise.

The incumbent is responsible for the conduct of NATO Defence Planning, including the development and adoption of the Political Guidance for Defence Planning and the NATO Capability Targets, as well as the conduct of the regular Capability Reviews. S/he leads a staff of about 25 people in two Sections, and organises and supervises their work and, together with its other members, provides staff support to the Defence Policy and Planning Committee (DPPC) on all defence planning matters. The incumbent is also responsible for developing defence relations at staff level with partner countries of NATO, as required, and cooperation with the relevant European Union (EU) authorities on issues related to defence planning, as well as with other organisations, such as the United Nations, for specific issues.
- Implementation of the decisions related to defence policy and planning taken at the Wales and Warsaw, Brussels and Madrid Summits;
- Promotion of the maintenance of and development of appropriate defence capabilities by NATO Allies, against the background of the fundamentally changed strategic environment, ensuring the proper balance between current and transformation requirements so that NATO retains its technological edge now and into the future;
- Formulation of policy for the further enhancement of the NDPP and managing implementation of an improved process, taking into account the developing Alliance doctrine, concepts and plans;
- Maintenance of a highly-professional and respected team that retains its institutional knowledge.

**2. QUALIFICATIONS **AND **EXPERIENCE**

**ESSENTIAL**

The incumbent must:

- hold a University degree from an institute of recognised standing or equivalent qualification;
- have 15 years of experience in progressively responsible posts - most recently at senior level - in a national administration or in an inter-governmental institution, dealing with NATO defence planning, defence reform, defence policy and security issues; out of which at least 10 years leading and coordinating large, cross-functional teams.
- have a background and experience that will allow him/her to be a credible and authoritative interlocutor with national staffs at levels up to and including Ministerial level;
- have a proven track record of creating a high-level vision and directing organisations to develop and implement the necessary policies;
- possess strong political sense and negotiating skills and have experience working in a multilateral environment or an environment with a variety of stakeholders from multi-cultural backgrounds;
- have excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
- be aware of the political, economic and financial considerations underlying national and NATO defence plans and policies and those of partner countries, as required, and also understand the relevant military and technical aspects;
- possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): VI (“Proficiency”) in one; II (“Elementary”) in the other;
- be prepared to travel extensively, including in adverse circumstances, and to work unsocial hours on a very regular basis.

**DESIRABLE**

The following would be considered an advantage:

- a Master’s degree in a relevant field;
- higher level than “Elementary” in the other NATO official language;
- graduate of a war college.

**3. **MAIN **ACCOUNTABILITIES**

**People Management**

Lead and oversee teams of the Directorate. Cultivate a motivating, and effective workplace. Provide in-depth mentoring, coaching and training opportunities and be available to offer guidance at critical moments. Promote integrity, professionalism and accountability through a sound and engaging leadership culture. Promote transparency in decision-making, equal access to opportunities for all staff and an inclusive management culture. Coach and mentor Section heads and po