Project Manager

Description

Project Manager–231309

Primary Location

 Belgium-Brussels

NATO Body

 NATO International Staff (NATO IS)

Schedule

 Full-time

Application Deadline

 05-Dec-2023, 10:59:00 PM

Salary (Pay Basis)

 : 10,318.15Euro (EUR) Monthly

Grade NATO Grade G22

Description

:  

Only nationals of NATO Member States which are participants of the MSIAC Project Office will be considered (Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, United Kingdom, United States).

1. SUMMARY

The Defence Investment Division (DI) is responsible for the development of investments in assets and capabilities aimed at enhancing the Alliance’s defence capacity, including armaments planning and development, space, integrated air and missile defence (IAMD), airspace management, aviation command and control.

The Munitions Safety Information Analysis Center (MSIAC) is a project office operating under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Australia, Belgium, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Operating in the field of Munitions Safety throughout the life cycle of munitions, MSIAC develops a set of technical products and services for its member Nations.

MSIAC is directed by a Steering Committee, which annually reports to the NATO Conference of National Armaments Directors (CNAD). For administrative purposes, MSIAC is attached to the Defence Investment Division of the NATO International Staff (IS). MSIAC directly supports its Member Nations and also contributes to the standardisation activities of the CNAD Ammunition Safety Group (CASG). Six technical officers with broad experience in munitions safety, insensitive munitions, energetic materials, and conventional munitions life cycle, form the MSIAC technical specialist staff.

The incumbent is responsible for managing the MSIAC staff and facilities in accordance with the MSIAC MOU and Strategic Plans, and subject to the overall guidance of the SC.

The Project Manager (PM) must possess strong leadership and communication skills and will be expected to lead a diverse team of experts in a very dynamic and complex environment. The PM must observe, analyse and integrate the requirements of the MSIAC nations into work efforts to achieve the MSIAC overarching goal to eliminate hazardous consequences due to unintended reaction of munitions and energetic materials throughout their lifecycle.

Key challenges facing the successful candidate will include:

1. business management: responsible for the day-to-day supervision of the MSIAC personnel, offices, and deliverables;
2. maintaining positive engagement with the 15 member nations ensuring the ‘value for money’ argument remains strong;
3. ensuring that the MSIAC Team skills align with the requirements of the MSIAC Strategic Plan and MSIAC Work Plan;
4. engaging with non-member Nations with a view to expand MSIAC membership;
5. balancing support to the CNAD Ammunition Safety Group with ‘MSIAC only’ tasks and ensuring that MSIAC outputs are readily linked to the priorities of MSIAC Nations and NATO.

In addition to the application form, candidates are expected to submit a word or pdf document, maximum of two A4 pages, summarising their views on these key (and other possible) challenges, and how they would address them if selected for the position. This essay will be evaluated as part of the short listing assessment (see full instructions on how to apply at the end of the vacancy notice).

2. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL

The incumbent must possess:

•              a university degree in science or engineering from an Institute of recognised standing;
•              10 years of relevant experience in a similar role;
•              a broad knowledge and understanding of Munitions Safety and Insensitive Munitions;
•              a broad knowledge and understanding of munitions and explosive safety management strategic visioning, demonstrated leadership abilities, and experience in senior leadership or managerial positions;
•              strong communication skills;
•              broad IT skills, including strong knowledge of MS Office applications, databases, interactive software tools, and conduction of internet research;
•              the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): V (“Advanced”) in one; I (“Beginner”) in the other. English is the language of MSIAC technical products, including workshops and working groups, therefore the incumbent must be able to conduct workshops and working groups in English and be able to produce technical reports and documents in English. 

DESIRABLE

The following would be considered an advantage:

•  a postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline from an Institute of recognised standing;
• knowledge of NATO strategic concepts, structure, and missions;
• international experience related to the field of conventional munitions;
•  be published in related peer reviewed scientific/technical publications;
•  working knowledge of other MSIAC member nations languages;
• knowledge in the development of IT systems.

3. MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES

Planning and Execution

Develop, for SC review and approval, MSIAC Work Plans and manpower requirements, as well as standing instructions, security instructions, and Annual Reports. Develop strategic plans identifying longer term goals and objectives identifying future resource needs.

Knowledge Development

Supervise the development and growth of a diverse range of MSIAC products and services, which cover research, technology, development, modelling & simulation, production, testing, standardisation, and service life of munitions and components, as applied to Munitions Safety and Insensitive Munitions (IM). Ensure the quality and relevance of MSIAC products and services, by participating in their technical review, and by approving their release. Recommend to the MSIAC SC efforts to eliminate knowledge gaps concerning Munitions Safety and IM.

Project Management

Assign, execute, and ensure completion of the actions and implementation of the decisions taken at SC meetings. Monitor team performance, taking corrective actions as necessary, to ensure that the team delivers on the programme of work. Understand and conduct complex IT activities, in particular in the areas of Electronic Communication (Internet capabilities), Electronic Document Management systems, and IT systems to support these. Manage recourses and communicate need to the SC. Negotiate MSIAC contracts and agreements with, but not limited to, NATO and external service providers.

Monitor the use of MSIAC products and services across member nations and the relevant NATO groups.

Representation of the Organization

Promote MSIAC within NATO, Partnership for Peace (PfP) nations and other concerned parties, in order to broadly market the benefits of MSIAC membership. Present briefings to high-level NATO and national representatives. Present technical reports to subject matter experts, including at international symposia and conferences. Attend the meetings of AC/326, the NATO Conference of National Armaments Directors (CNAD) Ammunition Safety Group. Attend all meetings of the SC, providing clear, concise, and accurate reports on MSIAC activities.

Knowledge Management

Ensure the data in the MSIAC technical library is current, adding to the MSIAC library when relevant documents are released, and taking appropriate action to obtain the release of such documents. Ensure that information security measures are appropriate to protect MSIAC, NATO, and member nation’s data. Maintain an overview of national and NATO IM and Munitions Safety technology and requirements, identifying gaps and incomplete areas.

Policy Development

Assist with the definition and implementation of national/international policies and programme goals and further the understanding of Munitions Safety and IM issues across member nations. Participate in the activities of the MSIAC Strategic Planning Group, e.g. by suggesting future areas of interest or concern to MSIAC and contributing to the development of MSIAC Strategic Plans. Support the SC in developing the MSIAC strategic plan, and contribute to its content.

Stakeholder Management

Liaise with relevant national parties and with other NATO groups to effectively disseminate information, develop support and involvement, and to gather feedback on future needs related to the field of expertise of the MSIAC. Seek NATO legal advice concerning interpretation of the MOU, or any other legal issue, in an effort to identify reasonable solutions. Build, market and develop the MSIAC brand to ensure that the project is a recognised centre of excellence and a focal point for activities and progress in munition safety and IM.

People Management

Carry out recruitment actions, and when warranted, propose contract extensions and terminations of MSIAC staff members. Build a high performance team by recruiting leading experts in their fields and encouraging innovation and team working behaviours. Conduct performance management reviews for all staff members, including for the highly specialised experts. Contribute to the technical and personal development of staff members – especially the rotated highly specialised experts – and trainees, in an effort to impact their current and future contributions to the international Munitions Safety and IM communities. 

Organisational Efficiencies

Develop and implement ways increase productivity and reduce the cost of MSIAC products. Provide the conditions to ensure uninterrupted service of the MSIAC computer networks. Develop effective and reliable communication channels, maintaining sensitivity to cultural and political elements. Ensure the Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) and other information technology tools that MSIAC procures and uses are cost-effective. 

Develop, for SC approval, and monitor the MSIAC annual budget; committing funds in accordance with powers delegated by the SC, and NATOs Office of the Financial Control (OFC). Propose the level of the annual national budget share based on spend forecasts underpinned by 5 year planning. Monitoring financial spending, communicating any issues to the SC with remediation recommendations. Provide sound documentation and reports to enable transparency. Facilitate the annual financial audits of MSIAC, in conjunction with the OFC. Draft, for SC approval, the SC’s formal comments on these audits and take appropriate action to settle the auditors’ recommendations.

Perform any other related duty as assigned.

4. INTERRELATIONSHIPS

The incumbent reports directly to the MSIAC Steering Committee via the SC Chair. S/he will work closely with the members of the MSIAC project office providing peer review and supporting colleagues to help achieve common goals. The incumbent will also be expected to provide training, and to help mentor trainees and fellows. S/he will liaise with national and worldwide experts, and with national Program Offices, NATO and other international bodies involved in munitions-related activities. This includes: Conference of National Armaments Directors (CNAD) Ammunition Safety Group (CASG – AC/326) and the technical sub-groups, the NATO Science and Technology Organization (STO), the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), the European Defence Agency (EDA), The Technical Cooperation Program (TTCP), and other munitions related groups.

Direct Reports: 9

Indirect Reports: N/a.

5. COMPETENCIES

The incumbent must demonstrate:

• Achievement: Creates own measures of excellence and improves performance;
•  Change Leadership: Personally leads change;
• Conceptual Thinking: Clarifies complex data or situations;
• Developing Others: Gives feedback to encourage long-term development;
• Impact and Influence: Uses indirect influence;
• Initiative: Plans and acts at least a year ahead;
• Leadership: Positions self as the leader;
• Organisational Awareness: Understands organisational climate and culture;
•  Self-Control: Manages stress effectively.

6.  CONTRACT

Contract to be offered to the successful applicant (if non-seconded): Definite duration contract of three years; possibility of renewal for up to three years.

Contract clause applicable:

It has been decided that for technical reasons, turnover is required in this post, and therefore, the maximum period of service in this post is six years. Accordingly, the successful applicant will be offered a 3-year definite duration contract, which may be renewed for a further period of up to 3 years.

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 3 years subject also to the agreement of the national authority concerned.

Serving staff will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Régulations.

7.  USEFUL INFORMATION REGARDING APPLICATION AND 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 (link);
• For all other applications: www.nato.int/recruitment

Before you apply to any position, we encourage you to click here and watch our video providing 6 tips to prepare you for your application and recruitment process.

Do you have questions on the application process in the system and not sure how to proceed? Click here for a video containing  the information you need to successfully submit your application on time.

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)

Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance (provided by the national Authorities of the selected candidate), approval of the candidate’s medical file by the NATO Medical Adviser, verification of your study(ies) and work experience, and the successful completion of the accreditation and notification process by the relevant authorities.

NATO will not accept any phase of the recruitment and selection prepared, in whole or in part, by means of generative artificial-intelligence (AI) tools, including and without limitation to chatbots, such as Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (Chat GPT), or other language generating tools. NATO reserves the right to screen applications to identify the use of such tools. All applications prepared, in whole or in part, by means of such generative or creative AI applications may be rejected without further consideration at NATO’s sole discretion, and NATO reserves the right to take further steps in such cases as appropriate.

https://nato.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=231309