Head of Strategic Engagements

Who we are:

For more than 75 years, NATO’s mission has been to preserve peace and security in the Alliance for nearly one billion citizens. The NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) and its predecessors have worked tirelessly in providing the means that enable the connectedness and togetherness that keep our Alliance strong. We are the NCIA, a team of 3400 civilian and military staff in 30 locations throughout Europe, North America and Asia.

Our technology and cyber experts allow NATO to conduct critical operations, protect NATO’s airspace, make data-driven decisions, defend against cyber-attacks, secure NATO networks and maintain superiority in space. This is all possible because of our greatest force, our people. In order to keep this edge we aim to hire, train and retain the very best staff.

Our staff members represent both the diversity and unity of our Alliance. When you join the NCIA, you will be part of an organization where you can contribute authentically to the mission and purpose of NATO and help us keep our technological edge.

About the job:

The Executive Management function at the NCIA provides cross-Agency coordination of activities to ensure the General Manager (GM) and Chief of Staff guidance and tasks are synchronized and achieved on time and in line with the Executive intent. This includes development of Agency strategy, proactive planning, management and prioritisation of critical Agency-wide investments and risks in addition to the coordination of internal and external engagements with stakeholders, senior committees and boards.

The Head of Strategic Engagements is pivotal in driving the development and implementation of the Strategic Engagement Strategy and annual plans for the NCIA. As a leader within the Executive Management function, the role ensures alignment with the GM’s intent and priorities, providing management and guidance to multiple geographically dispersed teams. This position requires exceptional capabilities in leadership, strategic planning, operational oversight, and stakeholder coordination. Effective communication is vital for achieving the Agency’s goals and fostering collaboration across diverse teams and governance structures which the Head of Strategic Engagement needs to embolden in this role.  Focus areas for this role include: 

·       Leadership: Inspire, motivate, and guide teams to deliver high-quality work in alignment with the Agency’s priorities, while fostering a positive and productive working environment. 

·       Strategic Planning: Supervise the development and execution of the annual operational plan, ensuring initiatives are strategically aligned with the GM’s objectives. 

·       Operational Oversight: Oversee the management and performance of multiple teams, ensuring efficiency and excellence in their respective functions.

·       Communication and Stakeholder Coordination: Ensure clear communication strategies and effective coordination with internal and external stakeholders, including governance boards and NATO HQ. 

Responsibility of the Head of Strategic Engagements will also include:

·       Supervise the Strategic Engagements team to plan, direct, and execute engagements aligned with strategic priorities and tangible outcomes. 

·       Oversee the Communications team to create impactful and strategically aligned corporate communications and strategic communications (STRATCOM) messages. 

·       Lead the Creative Media Centre to deliver outstanding media products consistent with Agency priorities. 

·       Manage the Conference Management Services team to provide world-class meeting environments for both internal and external partners. 

·       Lead the Agency liaison team to ensure strategic objectives are addressed effectively by governance entities, such as the Agency Supervisory Board. 

·       Deputise for the Head Executive Management when required, facilitating executive-level meetings with clear objectives, efficient conduct, and actionable outcomes. 

·       Coordinate operational aspects in support of the Agency Location Principal in Brussels, including Health and Safety, Facilities Management, and Security. 

To review the full job description for this unique role at the NCIA you can review here via the NCIA careers site.

About you:

You possess the ability to lead, inspire, and effectively engage a diverse and multidisciplinary team with tact, sound judgment, and adaptability.  Additionally, your strong awareness, motivational skills, and attentive listening contribute to your capabilities, which include:

·       A Master’s degree at a nationally recognised/certified university in a related discipline and 5 years post-related experience. Or a Bachelor’s degree with 8 years post related experience;

·       Experience in managing strategic engagements’ planning and developing strategic communications;

·       Experience in leading large, diverse and multi-disciplinary teams, preferably in a multinational environment;

·       Proven ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, with strong briefing skills.

Desirable Experience and Education:

·       Training and experience in strategic planning, communications and/or management administration from a national military academy or civilian equivalent;

·       Experience of working in a corporate or military headquarters, in support of senior executive leadership;

·       Knowledge of NATO responsibilities and organization, including NATO HQ, ACO and ACT.

What we offer:

·       Genuinely meaningful work as part of the most successful alliance in history

·       Initial 3 year contract with competitive tax-free monthly salary of 9,252 EUR and household and children’s allowances:

·       Privileges for expatriate staff including expatriation and education allowances (where appropriate) and additional home leave

·       Excellent private health insurance scheme

·       Generous annual leave of 30 days plus official holidays

·       NATO Pension Scheme

·       Development programs such as professional training, wellbeing, and more

To learn more about NCIA and our work, please visit our website. 

The NCIA prides itself on being an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment of mutual respect and value uniqueness and differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnic or cultural origin, age, religion, sexual orientation and physical or neurocognitive ability. 

Additional details on the conditions of application can be found via the NCIA career site.

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