Head, Policy and Plans Branch

1. SUMMARY

The NATO Office of Resources (NOR) brings together all NATO HQ International Staff (IS) working on NATO military common funding issues to support the delivery of common funded capabilities and to strengthen resource management across the Alliance.   The NOR provides independent and integrated expert advice to the Secretary General, NATO Resource Committees, Allies, and other stakeholders on the planning, allocation and utilisation of military common funding made available to achieve NATO’s goals and objectives.

The Policy and Plans (P&P) Branch is responsible for the initiation and development of common funded resource strategies and policies and for developing mid to long term planning documents such as  the Medium Term Resource Plan (MTRP) the Resource Policy and Planning (RPPB) Annual Report.  The Branch also provides expert support on NATO-wide issues relating to resource policy and planning.

The incumbent is responsible for military common-funded policy development and advice and resource planning to all military resource committees. S/he collaborates and works with a multi-disciplinary team from across NOR responsible for consistent and coherent implementation of resource policies, practices, and procedures as they relate to the NATO Security Investment Programme (NSIP) and Military Budgets. S/he will supervise a team of four officers and will be responsible for monitoring their performance. S/he leads and manages the development and approval of the Medium Term Resource Plan (MTRP) and the RPPB Annual Report. S/he co-ordinates NSIP and Military Budget policy related issues (to include common funded Acquisition/Procurement) with other Divisions, the IMS, the Strategic Commands, and the national delegations.

Key challenges facing the successful candidate will include:

1. Introduce improvements to the common-funded resource policies and processes in order to better link politic will to commensurate resourcing, particularly for emergent requirements;
2. Engage with Nations, the NATO Military Authorities and NATO Agencies on matters of governance and accountability, aspiring to introduce public governance best practices to capability delivery and implementation.

In addition to the application form, candidates are expected to submit a Word or pdf document, maximum of three A4 pages, summarising their views on the above-listed key (and possible other) challenges, and how they would address them if selected for the position. 

2. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL

The incumbent must:

• possess a university degree, at Master’s level or an equivalent level of qualification, in the fields of finance, economics or business administration;
• have 15 years of relevant experience in progressively responsible posts addressing resources and related policy matters;
• have previous experience leading teams to success and/or managing staff;
• have experience drafting, presenting, analyzing, defending, or considering complex, multi-year resource plans and/or resource policy;
• be familiar with the use of modern automated business process and resource management systems and software;
• have demonstrated capacity for independent, conceptual analysis;
• have knowledge of current international events and their impact on NATO work;
• have excellent written and oral communication and negotiation skills, including the ability to draft and edit complex documents;
• possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): V (“Advanced”) in one; I (“Beginner”) in the other;
• be prepared to travel.

DESIRABLE

The following would be considered an advantage:

• experience working in the public sector, including in a national administration, the military, or in an International Organisation;
• experience working in a multinational environment, particularly one with consensus decision-making;
• experience working in a NATO context and an understanding of the NATO environment, structures, committee working practices, and business processes, in particular as they relate to common funding;
• knowledge or experience in Acquisition/Procurement;
• knowledge or experience in Customer Funding;
• knowledge or experience in Programme Management;
• knowledge of NATO common funding eligibility policy and practices;
• a higher level in the other NATO official language.

3. MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES

Expertise Development

Lead on the development of expertise within the Branch, ensuring alignment with the goals and requirements of the NOR and with the overall objectives of the Alliance. Make sure that research and analysis are conducted on resource and capability requirements of the Organization; research advice and policy findings are consolidated and presented to senior management, proposing relevant courses of action and acceptable alternatives; and implications on operation and maintenance aspects are analyzed.  Maintain an accurate knowledge of similar programmes, practices and initiatives in comparable organisations.

Financial Management

Contribute Branch resource requirements towards the consolidated NOR budget and financial planning submissions. Ensure that execution of resources within the Branch is efficient, effective, and in line with NOR priorities and objectives.

Knowledge Management

Ensure that the design and implementation of Branch knowledge management processes and procedures include mechanisms to ensure the collection and distribution of current, high quality content across the Branch and with external stakeholders.

Organizational Efficiencies

Develop, improve and maintain internal management and business processes that will allow the Branch to effectively and efficiently meet the requirements of its stakeholders.

People Management

Lead the work of the Branch. Cultivate a motivating, inclusive and effective workplace. Provide in-depth mentoring, coaching and training opportunities and be available to offer guidance at critical moments. Promote transparency in decision-making, equal access to opportunities for all staff and an inclusive management culture. Ensure that all staff under her/his responsibility are clear on Organizational, Divisional and Branch 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 individuals.

Planning and Execution

Develop Branch work plans in alignment with NOR and Alliance objectives and stakeholder requirements. Analyse trends and future needs of the Branch and supported committees to proactively address common-funded resource management issues. Direct work and ensure coordinated implementation of work plans, regularly reviewing results and taking corrective action when necessary.

Policy Development

Lead the development of practical (implementable) policy in all areas related to resource planning, programming and implementation in line with Council and committee taskings and taking into account the views expressed by Nations. Provide policy support and advice to the NATO Resource Committees. Co-ordinate the development of new policies and procedures for the implementation of the NSIP and the Military Budget. Coordinate very closely with all NOR Branches and in particular with the Resource Management Branch to advise Director NOR, in her/his capacity as Head of Financial Policy and Reporting (HFRP), with regard to the related policies. Provide practical policy advice to the Military Committee and its substructure.  Ensure new policies and procedures are consistent with existing processes and aligned with organisational objectives. Provide policy support as required for NSIP project proposals and Military Budget requirements to include all assessments of eligibility for common funding.

Project Management

Ensure Branch projects and/or programmes are aligned with NOR and Alliance priorities and objectives. Manage project/programme execution to ensure that milestones and goals are attained. Identify risks and interdependencies and undertake contingency planning to mitigate them.

Representation of the Organization

Represent the NOR on resource policy and planning issues in NATO committees and Working Groups. Serve as the NOR policy representative to IS Divisions, the IMS and NATO Bodies. Defend NOR policies and recommendations as required. Represent the NOR in seminars, speaking engagements and visits to nations. Ensure external communication is consistent and aligned with Alliance and NOR policy and interests.

Stakeholder Management

Serve a wide variety of stakeholders within and outside the Organization on resource matters. Balance conflicting stakeholder interests and programmes. Guide the management and resolution of issues and work to promote long-term stability and cooperation with all stakeholders. Establish and maintain excellent working relationships with national delegations, other International Staff Divisions and Independent Offices, the Strategic Commands, the International Military Staff (IMS), and in particular, the resource committees and their Chairpersons.

Vision and Direction

Ensure that DNOR's vision, strategy, priorities, objectives, and policy guide the plans and work of the Branch.

Perform any other related duties as assigned.   

4. INTERRELATIONSHIPS

The incumbent reports to the Deputy Director, NOR and works in close cooperation with colleagues across the NOR. S/he coordinates regularly with other Divisions and Independent Offices of the International Staff, the IMS, the National Military Authorities, and other NATO Bodies. S/he works closely with national representatives in the resource committees, in national delegations, and with contacts in capitals.

Direct reports: 4

Indirect reports: N/A

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;
• Organisational Awareness: Understands organisational politics;
• Self-Control: Stays composed and positive even under extreme pressure.

6. CONTRACT