Section Head (Capability Planning)

NATO; Norfolk (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

NATO seeks a capable NC3 Capability Planning Section Head to drive the nuclear consultation, command and control modernization programme. You will lead the Cap Planning team, manage scope, timeline, risks and budget, and coordinate with end users and NATO partners.

You will oversee policy alignment, security documentation, and architecture development, delivering capability upgrades across the NC3 portfolio with a focus on interoperability and governance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in a numerate discipline and 4+ years post‑related experience.
• 5 years’ experience in Defence Capability Development for a large military organization or major private company.
• 3 years’ experience in programme development including requirements specification, planning, budgeting and execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead a Capability Planning section within the Nuclear C3 office to oversee CFCDGM deliverables.
• Define scope, timelines, risks and costs across the programme lifecycle.
• Coordinate with end users and NATO stakeholders to align NC3 capability architecture and CPP development.

Skills

Programme management

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Education

Numerate degree

Tools

PRINCE2 Practitioner

MSP Practitioner

Management of Risk Practitioner

Job description

Post Context

ACT contributes to preserving the peace, security and territorial integrity of Alliance member states by leading, at Strategic Command level, Warfare Development required to enhance NATO's posture, military structures, forces, capabilities and doctrines.

The Capability Development Directorate (CAPDEV) comprises two Divisions – Requirements and Capabilities. It supports SACT in his Capabilities Requirement Authority (CRA) role and is responsible for a holistic through‑life Capability Development approach that infuses innovation and transformative efforts into Warfare Development. This includes responsibilities for elicitation, development, capture and collection, quality review, traceability and visibility of capability requirements.

The Requirements Division executes requirements management for NATO capabilities. It develops capability requirements, provides traceability and quality assurance of capability requirements, performs gap analysis and supports interoperability and implementation options across the DOTMLPFI spectrum.

The Office of the Nuclear Consultation, Command and Control integrated Capability Management Office (Nuclear C3) leads the restoration and modernization of NATO's nuclear deterrence posture and capabilities. As a central entity, the Nuclear C3 supports the delivery of NATO's nuclear capability effectively within defined time, cost and scope. It leads capability delivery planning for nuclear‑related programming, coordinates and integrates the implementation of approved projects and orchestrates communication and collaboration among Host Nations, Territorial Host Nations and stakeholders within the community of interest.

The Capability Planning section leads the nuclear‑related programming efforts leading up to the approval of the Capability Programme Plans (CPPs) by governance at Gate 2 in accordance with the Common Funded Capability Delivery Governance Model (CFCDGM). It is also responsible for the requirements and security management of the programme throughout its lifecycle.

Within the office of the Nuclear C3, the incumbent’s main responsibility is to act as head of the Capability Planning section for the Nuclear Consultation, Command and Control modernization Programme.

Principal Duties

• Manages a Capability Planning section within the office of the Nuclear C3 to align and maintain oversight of all ongoing work strands contributing to the delivery of CFCDGM management products.
• Manages the definition and development of programmatic scope, timeline, risks and cost throughout the programme’s lifecycle.
• Oversees analytical studies and investigations to influence further development of the NC3 capability across DOTMLPFI in close coordination with the end users.
• Supervises the development of NC3 capability architecture in close coordination with relevant NATO strategies, policies and directives.
• Supervises the development of NC3 security documentation in close collaboration with the NATO Security Advisory Board and other relevant accreditation authorities.
• Drives the capability requirements process throughout lifecycle in support of benefit realisation and end users’ needs.
• Organises and facilitates workshops with Territorial Host Nations, Agencies and end users across the alliance to ensure alignment on the NC3 vision and coherence in the CPP development.
• Identifies, analyses and manages dependencies related to the programme and facilitates the integration of legacy nuclear programmes into the NC3 portfolio.
• Represents ACT, as directed by the Branch Head, on appropriate NC3‑related committees, task forces, panels and working groups and defines coordinated content for ACT participation in current and future NATO initiatives.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships, communicating programme progress, risks, and issues to key stakeholders.
• Supports the outreach efforts of the office of the Nuclear C3 by providing expertise and advice to all relevant NATO stakeholders (e.g. industry, academia, science and technology, NHQ IS entities and NATO bodies).
• Supports the Strategic Communication efforts of the office of the Nuclear C3 and provides advice and recommendations to the NC3 leadership as required.
• Budget Authority – The NC3 Capability Planning Section Head must gather and provide information for budget planning but has no authority over budgets or financial matters.

Essential Qualifications / Experience

• University Degree in management information systems, accounting, economics, finance, business administration, public administration, operations research, project management, military operations research, mathematics, statistics or a related numerate discipline, computer science or related discipline and 2 years function‑related experience, or Higher Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training in that discipline leading to a professional qualification or professional accreditation with 4 years post‑related experience.
• 5 years’ experience in Defence Capability Development of complex system acquisition and/or development for a large military organization or major private company supporting military or government organisations.
• 3 years’ experience in Programme development including requirements specification, integration, planning, financial, budget and execution responsibilities.
• 3 years’ related professional experience which encompasses programmatic team leadership/management in a large military organization or major private company supporting military or government organisations.
• Proven record of achievement in positions of similar scope and responsibility.

Language

• English – SLP 3333 (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing)

Desirable Qualifications / Experience

• Experience with Nuclear Consultation, Command and Control.
• Knowledge of NATO responsibilities and organisation, including ACT, ACO and NATO Agencies.
• Demonstrable comprehensive understanding of NATO’s Common Funded Capability Delivery Model.
• Knowledge and experience from problem definition and analysis using industry best practices.
• Experience in capability architecture at the Enterprise level.
• Expert‑level certification in programme, project or risk management, such as PRINCE2 Practitioner, Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) Practitioner and Management of Risk (MoR) Practitioner. Equivalent certifications will be acceptable.
• An understanding of the organisation of NATO's nuclear policy, associated nuclear capabilities and the political consultation process.

Attributes/Competencies

Personal Attributes:

The incumbent must exercise sound judgment, strong decision‑making skills, discretion and the capacity to make informed and timely decisions that consider the potential impact on ACT’s objectives and reputation. The candidate should exhibit diplomacy and tact, especially when dealing with diverse stakeholders, recognising the sensitivities of international and intergovernmental relations. This post requires strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities, with a results‑oriented approach that allows for the identification and resolution of complex issues.

Professional Contacts:

This post will be required to interface with staff at all levels of NATO and Nations, representing the Branch at meetings, inspections and conferences, presenting to those groups if necessary. These contacts will be both formal and informal. This post will be required to interface with others at all levels and to actively participate in identifying solutions and proposals, but will not normally be expected to commit the organisation without consultation and agreement with the Programme Director or Branch head.

Contribution To Objectives:

The mission of the Capability Management Office is to successfully deliver the modernisation of NATO nuclear consultation, command and control and to orchestrate the delivery of NC3 as a service to all stakeholders. The work contributes directly to the highest level objectives of NATO and DDA, WDA and NDPP.

Security Clearance

The successful applicant will be required to apply for and receive a Security COSMIC TOP SECRET/A Clearance prior to final confirmation of contract and commencement of employment.

Contract

This position is linked to a specific NATO project and is for a limited duration of 3 (three) years only. Serving NATO International Civilian staff will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations. Newly recruited staff will be offered a three‑year definite duration contract.

EEO Statement

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.