Data Strategy Officer

1.    SUMMARY

The BICES Group Executive (BGX), a NATO entity, is the executive body of the BICES Group (BG). The BG exists to enable the sharing and exchange of Intelligence and Information between and amongst the NATO nations, with NATO and with other non-NATO nations and Organizations. The BGX, under the leadership of the Director, is comprised of the following pillars: Intelligence and Enterprise Services (IES) Division, Programmes, Engineering and Maintenance (PEM) Division, Operations and Security Services (OSS) Division and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Cell. 

The IES Division performs staff activities to coordinate efforts, liaise with users in nations and organizations to facilitate Intel exchange, create required documentation and policies, support current military operations and exercises, and provide training to the BG.

The Strategy & Processes (S&P) Branch within the IES Division is responsible for strategy development and users' support with the focus on Intel services and tools. The S&P Branch also contains an Information Management (IM) team, which is responsible for all IM activities on BICES.

Under the supervision of the Head, S&P the Data Strategy Officer collaborates with the Information Manager and Content Manager for the development and implementation of comprehensive strategies focusing on data sourcing, analytics, and policy development. The incumbent develops strategies to integrate cutting-edge technologies, such as data analytics, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in the context of information and data management across the Intelligence Cycle. Additionally, s/he supports the development of a BICES cloud strategy, focusing specifically on the secure and efficient management of classified data assets and supports the BGX cross-divisional development of sophisticated data-centric security (DCS) measures, consistent with the NATO DCS evolution, ensuring the highest standards of data protection and compliance.

2.    QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Essential:

The incumbent must:

• hold a Master's Degree or higher academic qualification in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field from an accredited institution of recognized standing. Equivalent advanced military academy qualifications may also be considered;
• possess a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in data science, data strategy, or a closely related field. This experience should include substantial work related to policy development and implementation concerning data;
• demonstrated experience in leading data analytics projects, employing advanced data science tools, techniques, visualization methods, and metrics;
• have in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in data analytics, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence applications, and in data-centric security measures;
• be proficient in managing cloud-based data solutions and understand Zero Trust environments;
• be familiar with NATO's digital transformation initiatives or equivalent large-scale digital strategy projects;
• demonstrate the ability to identify emerging trends and integrate innovative data solutions into organizational practices;
• possess a strategic mind-set with a focus on user-centric design and data-driven decision-making;
• possess a minimum level of V (Advanced) in English.

Desirable:

The following will be considered an advantage:

• experience in drafting technical documents and strategic plans quickly, clearly, and concisely;
• proven track record of delivering compelling and persuasive presentations to a diverse range of stakeholders;
• strong leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and direct a team towards innovative solutions in data management and strategy;
• certifications in relevant fields such as Certified Data Scientist, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), or equivalent;
• experience in an international or multicultural work environment;
• possess a minimum level I (Beginner) in French.

3.    MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Policy Development

Lead the development of advanced and technically sound policies to maximize the value derived from data generated by BIGES nations and NATO, emphasizing NATO and Coalition operations and missions. Ensure policies are actionable and align with the latest industry standards and technological advancements.

Expertise Development

Spearhead initiatives to enhance BICES's understanding and implementation of data science standards. Provide expert advice to decision-makers on the potentials and limitations of data science, supporting data-analytics based intelligence. Engage in and contribute to broader discussions on data use beyond the organization.

Project Management

Serve as a senior advisor on data-related issues, guiding stakeholders in adopting datadriven approaches for achieving objectives. Lead the design and implementation of programmatic objectives, ensuring alignment with BIGES goals. Proactively manage project challenges and resource allocation, ensuring successful execution of data science projects and programs.

Knowledge Management

Develop and oversee data science projects and strategies, preparing key items for discussion at the BIGES Board of Directors and related committees. Innovate and improve existing practices and procedures in data science, enhancing overall performance.

Stakeholder Management

Establish and maintain strong, effective relationships with key stakeholders in data management, including NATO bodies and national agencies. Coordinate and lead efforts across BIGES and with NATO, ensuring cohesive and strategic efforts in data management.

Representation of the Organization

Represent BIGES in various forums, delivering presentations and providing briefings on data science. Prepare briefing materials, speeches, and articles, especially in areas related to Research, Trends, and Innovation.

Information Management

Enhance and support the activities of the BGX Information Management team, fostering cross-division collaboration. Analyse and assess the impact of ongoing and completed projects, introducing innovations to optimize workflows and performance. Coordinate daily with the team to improve efficiency and harmonize different aspects of work.

Perform any other duty as required.

4.    INTERRELATIONSHIPS

The incumbent reports to the Head S&P. S/he will maintain close relations within the BGX and with officials in NATO and BIGES capitals, as appropriate. The incumbent will work in close coordination with other two stakeholders in the Information Management team and stakeholders in other divisions. S/he will also maintain good working relations in her/his field of competence with nations and International Organisations.

Direct reports: N/A 
Indirect reports: N/A

5.    COMPETENCIES:

The incumbent must demonstrate:

• Analytical Thinking: Sees multiple relationships. Links causes and consequences at increasingly complex levels. Relates information objectively to reach logical conclusions and develops solutions.
• Clarity and Accuracy: Checks own work. Double-checks the accuracy of work received or given. Checks own work and ensures the quality of service provided.
• Conceptual Thinking: Applies learned concepts. Uses knowledge of theory or trends to examine current situations. Evaluates work concepts, methods and tools and then applies or adapts them appropriately to the situation.
• Customer Service Orientation: Takes personal responsibility for correcting problems. Takes ownership of the correction of customer-service problems. Corrects problems promptly, efficiently and without becoming defensive. Monitors client satisfaction.
• Impact and Influence: Takes multiple actions to persuade. Carefully prepares information and supporting arguments in anticipation of others' reactions. Adapts a presentation or discussion to appeal to the interests and work environment of others. Calculates the impact of actions, words etc. on the audience and selects language and examples which are appropriate to the situation and level of staff dealt with.
• Initiative: Is decisive in a time-sensitive situation. Acts quickly and decisively in a crisis or other time-sensitive situation. Is unafraid to propose and/or take action when the norm would be to wait, study the situation and hope the problem will resolve itself.
• Organizational Awareness: Understands organisational climate and culture. Is aware of the unspoken limitations of the Organization, what is and is not possible at certain times or in certain situations. Adapts one's approach to the Organization's culture in order to bring about the optimal result.
• Teamwork: Expresses positive attitudes and expectations of team or team members. Builds up the team and team members by expressing their expected contribution positively. Publicly credits others who have performed well. Focuses on resolving problems, rather than blaming others. 

6.    CONTRACT:

Contract to be offered to the successful applicant: Definite duration contract of three years; possibility of renewal for up to a further six years in 3-year increments; possibility of an indefinite duration contract thereafter. 

Contract clause applicable: 
The maximum period of service foreseen in this post is 9 years. The successful applicant will be offered a 3-year definite duration contract, which may be renewed for a further period of up to 6 years, in 3-year increments which may be followed by an indefinite duration contract. 

If the successful applicant is seconded from the national administration of one of NATO’s member States, a 3-year definite duration contract will be offered, which may be renewed for a further period of up to 6 years, in 3-year increments, subject also to the agreement of the national authority concerned. The maximum period of service in the post as a seconded staff member is nine years. 

Serving staff will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations. 
Contract to be offered to the successful applicant: Definite duration contract of three years; possibility of renewal for up to a further six years in 3-year increments; possibility of an indefinite duration contract thereafter.

NOTE:
Irrespective of previous qualifications and experience, candidates for twin-graded posts will be appointed at the lower grade. Advancement to the higher grade is not automatic, and will not normally take place during the first three years of service in the post.

Under specific circumstances, serving staff members may be appointed directly to the higher grade, and a period of three years might be reduced by up to twenty four months for external candidates. These circumstances are described in the IS directive on twin-graded posts.

7.    RECRUITMENT PROCESS:

Please note that we can only accept applications from nationals of NATO member countries. Applications must be submitted using e-recruitment system, as applicable:

For NATO civilian staff members only: please apply via the internal recruitment portal (for more information, please contact your local Civilian HR Manager);
For all other applications: www.nato.int/recruitment

Please note that at the time of the interviews, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of their education and professional experience as relevant for this vacancy.

Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance (provided by the national Authorities of the selected candidate) and approval of the candidate’s medical file by the NATO Medical Adviser.

More information about the recruitment process and conditions of employment, can be found at our website (http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/recruit-hq-e.htm). Please note that the BICES Group Executive is not a NATO HQ International Staff (IS) subordinated body and some of the policies applicable to IS members might differ.

8.    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The BICES Group Executive is a NATO body. NATO as an equal opportunities employer values diverse backgrounds and perspectives and is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and talented workforce. NATO welcomes applications of nationals from all Member States and strongly encourages women to apply. Building Integrity is a key element of NATO’s core tasks. As an employer, NATO values commitment to the principles of integrity, transparency and accountability in accordance with international norms and practices established for the defence and related security sector. Selected candidates are expected to be role models of integrity, and to promote good governance through ongoing efforts in their work.

Due to the broad interest in NATO and the large number of potential candidates, telephone or e-mail enquiries cannot be dealt with.

Applicants who are not successful in this competition may be offered an appointment to another post of a similar nature, albeit at the same or a lower grade, provided they meet the necessary requirements.

The nature of this position may require the staff member at times to be called upon to travel for work and/or to work outside normal office hours.

The BGX offers several work-life policies (i.e. Flexible Working arrangements (Flexitime), etc.), subject to business requirements.

Please note that the BGX, located at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium is a non-smoking environment.