Head, Innovation Policy and Ecosystems

The Head, Innovation Policy and Ecosystems leads NATO's approach to innovation by identifying and exploring new technologies of highest priority and impact for the Alliance. The role involves shaping policies, coordinating innovation ecosystems, and supporting the integration of emerging and disruptive technologies to maintain NATO's technological edge and strengthen deterrence and defence.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the section meets its objectives through successful preparation and execution of policies, projects and programmes regarding innovation and EDTs.
• Coordinate the development and delivery of relevant policies and strategies.
• Establish resilient and robust working relationships with key stakeholders including NATO’s Strategic Commands, DIANA, and NATO’s Science and Technology Organization.
• Manage and oversee the staff of the Innovation Policy and Ecosystems Section, promoting inclusive leadership and equal access to opportunities.
• Provide regular and fair feedback on performance via the HQ Achievement and Development system.
• Plan, manage and ensure financial accountability for the budget of assigned funds and provide input into Medium-Term Financial Plans.
• Provide advice on the responsible use of data science and AI for defence and security.
• Support decision makers in understanding opportunities and risks of technologies to support political and operational decision making.
• Prepare briefing materials for senior NATO officials and write speeches and articles in area of expertise.
• Represent NATO at international conferences, seminars and workshops.
• Organise seminars, exercises and consultations involving the North Atlantic Council as appropriate.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Possess a university degree in the field of technology, innovation, international security, business administration, or another relevant field.
• Have at least 8 years of experience in progressively responsible positions in the field of defence innovation policy and/or EDT areas, including financing innovation, with at least 5 years in team management and coordination.
• Be conversant with the Alliance’s political and military consultative processes, and key security policy issues on its agenda, especially those related to EDT and innovation.
• Have experience in developing, delivering and coordinating complex policies and strategic initiatives, as well as managing multi-stakeholder groups and engagements.
• Possess minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): V (“Advanced”) in one; II (“Elementary”) in the other.
• Experience in a similar position with a focus on technology and/or innovation, including working experience with academia, government institutions in NATO member countries is an advantage.
• Higher level than II ("Elementary") in the other official NATO language is an advantage.

Skills

• Defence Innovation Policy
• Technology and Innovation
• Innovative Financing
• Team Management
• Policy Development
• Strategic Initiative Coordination
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Political and Military Consultative Processes
• Security Policy Analysis
• Emerging and Disruptive Technologies
• Innovation Ecosystem Coordination
• International Security
• Business Administration
• Academia Collaboration
• Government Institution Liaison
• NATO Standard Language Proficiency
• Innovation Strategies
• Technology Implementation

Languages

English, French