Head, Portfolio Delivery Branch

1. SUMMARY

The NATO Office of Resources (NOR) provides independent and integrated expert advice to the Secretary General, NATO Resource Committees, Allies, and other stakeholders on the planning, allocation and utilization of military common funding made available to achieve NATO’s goals and objectives.

The NOR advice is based on sound judgement underpinned by facts, figures expertise and knowledge. It follows NATO policies, procedures and standards, and is independent of external stakeholder’s viewpoints. It supports efficient and effective use of public funds by assessing the policy compliance, eligibility, affordability, technical viability, and lifecycle implications of military requirements and proposed solutions. Furthermore, the NOR facilitates resource-informed political decision-making.

The NOR’s Portfolio Delivery (PD) Branch provides programmatic and economic advice regarding delivery of NATO common-funded capabilities at the portfolio level with particular focus on programme interdependencies and portfolio and programme exceptions. The Branch leads the NOR change management initiatives associated with the implementation of the Common Funded Capability Delivery Governance Model (CFCDGM). Additionally, the Branch leads the Capability Implementation and Resource Information Management System (CIRIS) support and development. The Branch is organized in three Sections to ensure focused support of Portfolio Monitoring & Reporting, CIRIS Support and Risk Management.

The incumbent serves as the Branch Head for the Portfolio Delivery (PD) Branch and has overall management responsibility for the advice and deliverables provided by the Branch as well as political advice regarding delivery of NATO common-funded capabilities at the portfolio level with particular focus on programme interdependencies and portfolio and programme exceptions. S/he works closely with all NOR Branches and in particular with the NOR Capabilities Branches (Operations and Strategic Capabilities, Air and Space Capabilities, CIS and Cyber Capabilities). S/he supports and is supported by the Capability Branches to accelerate Common Funded Capability delivery. S/he works closely with the Resource Management (RM) Branch to ensure coherent advice on capability delivery to include investment and through life-cycle aspects and capabilities.

Key challenges facing the successful candidate during the next 2-3 years will include:

In addition to the application form, candidates are expected to submit a Word or pdf document summarising their views on the key challenge and how they would address them if selected for the position (1-2 pages per key challenge). This essay will be evaluated as part of the longlisting assessment (see full instructions on how to apply below “7.Recruitment Process”).

2. QUALIFICATIONSANDEXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL

The incumbent must:

• possess a Master’s Degree in business management, engineering, or technology, from an institute of a recognized standing;
• Have at least 15 years’ experience in programme management, including administrative, financial, and human resource management aspects in progressively responsible positions; out of which at least five years spent in a supervisory capacity and team management coordination;
• possess experience working in and/or leading teams in a multinational environment;
• demonstrate experience leading major change/reform efforts, in particular process reengineering;
• have excellent networking, communication and negotiation skills;
• demonstrate strong drive for teamwork, diversity and customer focus;
• be familiar with advanced financial reporting tools;
• be able to draft and edit complex documents;
• possess knowledge and experience with programme/project management concepts and tools;
• Possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): V ("Advanced") in one; I ("Beginner") in the other.
  

DESIRABLE

The following would be considered an advantage:

• several years of executive experience in national government and/or International Organizations;
• higher level of NATO’s second official language;
• experience in resource management in the public sector;
• experience in the financial management of complex projects;
• experience with capital investment programmes;
• experience in NATO Common Funding, policies, procedures and processes.
  

3.MAINACCOUNTABILITIES

People Management

Manage the staff of the PD Branch to ensure highest level of quality and timeliness in the provision of advice, support, and deliverables to the NATO resource committees, senior management, and other stakeholders. Provide in-depth mentoring, coaching and training opportunities and be available to offer guidance at critical moments. Ensure that all staff under her/his responsibility are clear on Organisational, Divisional, Directorate and Section objectives. Provide regular and fair feedback on performance, informally as appropriate and via the HQ Performance Review and Development (PRD) system. Identify possible development and mobility opportunities for team members. Promote integrity, professionalism and accountability through a sound and inclusive leadership culture.

Planning and Execution

Develop Branch plans and coordinate work according to Alliance objectives and stakeholder demands. Analyze trends and future needs of the NOR and the resource committees to proactively manage NATO’s common-funded resources to maximum effectiveness.

Organizational Efficiencies

Pursue continuous improvement in NATO resource policy and processes towards optimizing the value provided to all stakeholders. Toward this end, promote common funding and its value for the Organization, lead or support, as appropriate, the full implementation of the CFCDGM, contribute to the development of relevant new policies and initiatives.

Financial Management

Oversee, provide guidance on, and report the delivery by Host Nations of common funded military capabilities within the approved/authorized scope, costs and schedules and associated tolerances.

Representation of the Organization

Represent the PD Branch, and occasionally the NOR, at various senior level meetings and in NATO committees, inside and outside HQ. Chair meetings with civilian and military staffs related to implementation strategies for capability delivery.

Vision and Direction

Direct Branch work towards addressing future collective defence and common funded resource issues. Lead Branch efforts to ensure efficient application of resource policies. Drive the implementation of the CFCDGM.

Stakeholder Management

Serve a variety of customers within and outside the Organization, including at senior levels, on a variety of resource matters. Contribute in relevant committees, task forces, boards, panels and working groups dealing with delivery of military capabilities. Render advice, when sought, to the other NATO bodies. Maintain and develop efficient contacts NATO-wide, including with national representatives and committee chairpersons.

Expertise Development

Direct analysis of Alliance common funded capability delivery, preserving a high degree of independence. Advise and oversee work in defining cost-effective ways of meeting military capability delivery requirements. Advise NATO Military Authorities, other International Staff Divisions, NATO bodies, NATO committees and national chairs on resource and risk management aspects of various capability programmes and on other military resource issues.

Project Management

Ensure portfolio objectives and activities are in support of highest Alliance priorities. Ensure that NOR and Branch roles and responsibilities in support of common funded capability delivery are delivered on time and with a high degree of quality. Support Host Nation delivery of capabilities on time, in scope, and on budget and advice governance on remedial actions if delivery exceeds tolerances.

Policy Development

Coordinate capability delivery and resource policy and planning matters and develop policy advice to senior management and political leadership to support NATO’s objectives.

Knowledge Management

Ensure that the design and implementation of knowledge management systems includes mechanisms to ensure the collection and distribution of high-quality content.

Perform any other related duty as assigned.

4. INTERRELATIONSHIPS

The incumbent reports to the Deputy Director NOR and, as requested, to the Secretary General and his/her representatives in the Private Office. S/he will interact throughout the Organization, both on the civilian and military side, as well as with national delegations and capitals, and NATO Bodies, at senior level. S/he will manage and direct the work of a team of experts supporting NATO’s common funded capability delivery and resource requirements.

Direct reports: 3

Indirect reports: 4

5. COMPETENCIES

The incumbent must demonstrate:

• Achievement: Sets and works to meet challenging goals;
• Change Leadership: Personally leads change;
• Conceptual Thinking: Clarifies complex data or situations;
• Developing Others: Provides in-depth mentoring, coaching and training;
• Impact and Influence: Uses indirect influence;
• Initiative: Plans and acts for the long-term;
• Leadership: Positions self as the leader;
• Organizational Awareness: Understands organizational politics;
• Self-Control: Stays composed and positive even under extreme pressure.

6. CONTRACT