Section Head (Implementation)

NATO; Norfolk (CT); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

NATO in Norfolk, CT is seeking an NC3 Implementation Section Head to lead the modernization of nuclear consultation, command and control capabilities. You will drive the NC3 implementation plan, align timelines, and coordinate with implementing entities to ensure successful project delivery within the program objectives.

The role requires extensive programme management experience within military or government contexts, strong leadership, and excellent stakeholder engagement to manage risks and

Qualifications

• University Degree in management information systems, accounting, economics, finance, business administration, public administration, operations research, project management 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 Programme management of complex system acquisition and/or development for a large military organization or major private company supporting military of government organizations.
• 3 years' related professional experience which encompasses programmatic team leadership/management in a large military organization or major private company supporting military of government organizations.
• 3 years' related professional experience which encompasses defense acquisition planning. Prove n record of achievement in positions of similar scope and responsibility.
• In depth knowledge and proven practical experience in the management of modern communications and Command and Control, Infrastructure programs with the emphasis on their implementation.

Responsibilities

• Manages an Implementation section within the office of the Nuclear C3 to develop a comprehensive and credible NC3 implementation plan, that incorporates all the projects that contribute to the program's objectives, outlining their dependencies and relationships.
• Leads on the establishment of an implementation timeline and milestones for the overall program and its individual projects to optimize program performance.
• Provides a central focal point for all implementing agencies to establish a common understanding of implementation plan, timelines and outputs.
• Organizes and facilitates workshops with all Implementing Entities on the integration of their NC3 project activities to ensure continued alignment with the overall program goals.
• Monitors programme-level tolerances and progress across all projects and identify & manage potential implementation risks and issues that may impact the program's success.
• Represents ACT, as directed by the Branch Head, on appropriate NC3 related committees, task force, panels and working groups and define coordinated content for ACT participation in current and future NATO initiatives.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships, communicating program progress, risks, and issues to key stakeholders.
• Identifies opportunities for improvement within the program, evaluates the program's success and lessons learned.
• 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 provide advice and recommendations to the NC3 leadership as required.

Education

University Degree in management information systems, accounting, economics, finance, business administration, public administration, operations research, project management or related discipline

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. The Directorate supports SACT in his Capabilities Requirement Authority (CRA) role. It is responsible for a holistic through lifecycle Capability Development approach that infuses innovation and transformative efforts that are an integral part of the 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) is leading the restoration and modernization of NATO's nuclear deterrence posture and capabilities. As a central entity, the Nuclear C3 is supporting 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 Implementation section supports the Implementing Entities in the development of Project Proposals, and acts as the coordination and integration agent throughout lifecycle for the delivery and management of all approved Nuclear-related capabilities included within NC3 Programme or the wider portfolio of legacy nuclear projects, such as CP5A0115 and UR2040-2019.

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

Principal Duties

• Manages an Implementation section within the office of the Nuclear C3 to develop a comprehensive and credible NC3 implementation plan, that incorporates all the projects that contribute to the program's objectives, outlining their dependencies and relationships.
• Leads on the establishment of an implementation timeline and milestones for the overall program and its individual projects to optimize program performance.
• Provides a central focal point for all implementing agencies to establish a common understanding of implementation plan, timelines and outputs.
• Organizes and facilitates workshops with all Implementing Entities on the integration of their NC3 project activities to ensure continued alignment with the overall program goals.
• Monitors programme-level tolerances and progress across all projects and identify & manage potential implementation risks and issues that may impact the program's success.
• Identifies, analyzes and manages dependencies between projects within the program to facilitate the integration of legacy nuclear projects into the NC3 portfolio.
• Represents ACT, as directed by the Branch Head, on appropriate NC3 related committees, task force, panels and working groups and define coordinated content for ACT participation in current and future NATO initiatives.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships, communicating program progress, risks, and issues to key stakeholders.
• Identifies opportunities for improvement within the program, evaluates the program's success and lessons learned.
• 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 provide advice and recommendations to the NC3 leadership as required.
• Budget Authority - The NC3 Implementation Section Head must track forecast spend against budgetary control totals but has no authority over budgets or financial matters.
• Decision Authority - As Implementation Section head (SH), deputizes the Programme Director in accountability for the development and orchestration of the implementation of the approved project proposals with the Implementing Entities.

Essential Qualifications / Experience

• University Degree in managerment information systems, accounting, economics, finance, business administration, public administration, operations research, project management 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 Programme management of complex system acquisition and/or development for a large military organization or major private company supporting military of government organizations.
• 3 years' related professional experience which encompasses programmatic team leadership/management in a large military organization or major private company supporting military of government organizations.
• 3 years' related professional experience which encompasses defense acquisition planning.
  Proven record of achievement in positions of similar scope and responsibility.
• In depth knowledge and proven practical experience in the management of modern communications and Command and Control, Infrastructure programs with the emphasis on their implementation.

Language

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

Desirable Qualifications / Experience

• Experience with Nuclear Consultation, Command and Control
• Knowledge of NATO responsibilities and organization, including ACT, ACO and NATO Agencies.
• Demonstrable a comprehensive understanding of the NATO's Common Funded Capability Delivery Model.
• Expert-level certification in programme, project or risk management, such as: Projects in Controlled Environments (PRINCE2) Practitioner, Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) Practitioner and Management of Risk (MoR) Practitioner. Equivalent certifications will be acceptable.
• An understanding of the organization 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, recognizing 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.

Managerial Responsibilities

This post has first-line managerial (reporting) responsibilities for the NC3 Implementation Section personnel. This post requires an ability to understand and develop budgets, resource proposals and inform programmes of work, which calls for delegated responsibility over external work teams. This requirement calls for leadership skills, particularly in the areas of programme management, and resource management. The scope of influence for the incumbent requires a significant amount of supervision, assessment and coordination for leading a dedicated team of Subject Matter Experts and ensuring that the team's efforts align with NATO and NC3 Modernization programme objectives.

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 organization 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 modernization 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 COSMIC TOP SECRET/A Security 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.

Employment Equity 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.

This vacancy will close on 3 August 2026 @ 17:59hrs (EDT)/11:59hrs (CEST).