1. SUMMARY
Operating out of offices in Europe and in North America, DIANA’s mission is to accelerate the development and adoption of dual‑use technological solutions to critical trans‑atlantic challenges in defence and security, forging a trans‑atlantic ecosystem of innovators and operational end users across the Alliance.
DIANA is a subsidiary body created within the framework of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, governed by an Allied Board of Directors and a management team comprising the DIANA Executive (DX) of approximately 90 staff, civilian and military. The Managing Director leads the DX, supported by a Senior Leadership Team.
The Managing Director establishes challenge programmes for dual‑use innovators in alignment with Allied‑approved, biennial Strategic Guidance and Direction, and leverages the Rapid Adoption Service and the Trusted Capital Database to enable innovation development and adoption.
Since its establishment in 2022, DIANA has completed its three‑year start‑up phase, delivered three years of challenge and accelerator programmes with 150 innovators in its most recent cohort, and is scaling operations to launch differentiated programme pathways that meet NATO Allies’ balanced needs.
Key Challenges
- Further develop DIANA’s ability to enable and drive defence and military adoption of innovator solutions.
- Effectively prioritise the quality of innovation and capacity building and sustainment across Alliance innovation ecosystems.
- Lead and manage an organisation that meets diverse stakeholder needs while sustaining agility, flexibility and the ability to scale.
2. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a discipline relevant to the post.
- At least 15 years of relevant experience, including at least 10 years in progressively senior leadership and managerial positions.
- Experience working in a multilateral environment or with diverse stakeholders.
- Capacity to create and inspire a high‑level vision for organisational development and change.
- Extensive people‑management and organisational leadership experience to motivate, engage and develop multicultural teams in a hybrid working environment.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills with the capacity to build relationships of trust with Allies, innovators, programme managers and diverse stakeholders.
- Very good knowledge of the political environment, strategic issues and security challenges facing the Alliance, especially innovation and emerging technologies.
- Strong understanding of the dual‑use tech innovation landscape, including risk capital, scientific and technological development, start‑up culture and large technology companies.
- Minimum language proficiency: NATO’s official languages (English/French) – level VI (proficiency) in one and level I (beginner) in the other.
- Note: Most of DIANA’s internal work is conducted in the English language.
DESIRABLE
- Experience serving in national armed forces and/or working in a civil‑military organisation, including with disrupt‑disruptive technologies.
- Responsibility for overseeing and managing multi‑million Euro budgets and/or programmes within an organisation.
- Experience with or conduct of risk capital investment in start‑ups, especially within the dual‑use technology arena.
- Corporate experience in the private sector focusing on commercial technologies.
- Experience as an intrapreneur or entrepreneur, establishing successful new and complex programmes, units or companies.
- A PhD or equivalent research experience in a field relevant to the position.
- Higher level proficiency in NATO’s two official languages.
3. MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES
Expertise Development
Oversee continued development and improvement of DIANA’s accelerator and challenge programmes to deliver the highest standards of excellence. Mature the organisation’s expertise to foster, protect and advance the adoption of dual‑use innovation for the Alliance.
Financial Management
Promote sound principles related to financial management of DIANA joint funds and internal control, ensuring adherence to NATO and DIANA policies and exercising authority delegated by the Board of Directors.
Organisational Efficiencies
Lead and optimise the organisation to deliver on guidance from the Board of Directors. Develop Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) and supporting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track implementation against Board guidance and report progress.
People Management
Direct and manage the activities of the DIANA Executive, leading a team of civilian and military staff across multiple locations. Promote integrity, professionalism, collaboration, accountability and innovation through a sound leadership culture, adapting organisational culture and managing associated change.
Planning and Execution
Ensure annual and multi‑annual planning of DIANA’s activities to deliver a world‑class accelerator programme across multiple Alliance locations, coordinating with stakeholders, the Board of Directors and DIANA’s affiliated network. Manage dependencies, synchronise with other NATO bodies and refine the operating model to meet Board priorities.
Policy Development
Contribute to, understand and implement policy direction and guidance from the Board and NATO Headquarters on dual‑use innovation, rapid adoption and organisational policy. Oversee continual assessment and improvement of DIANA‑specific policies, regulations and SOPs.
Representation of the Organisation
Lead and represent the DIANA Executive to the Board of Directors, supporting decision‑making processes of Allies by providing adequate, timely and transparent information. Serve as the public face for DIANA and Alliance dual‑use innovation across government, industry and academia.
Stakeholder Management
Establish and maintain high‑quality relationships with the Board of Directors, the Senior Leadership Team, Allies at various levels across government and armed forces, DIANA innovators, affiliated accelerators and test centres, NATO Headquarters, the Conference of National Armaments Directors, Bi‑Strategic Commands and the Science & Technology Organisation. Manage diverse stakeholder expectations while delivering DIANA’s mission.
Vision and Direction
Exhibit leadership, develop human capital and ensure optimal utilisation of resources to deliver DIANA’s mission. Build and lead a cohesive, multicultural and multidisciplinary team, promoting excellence, innovation and the highest professional standards. Demonstrate exceptional thought leadership and vision on dual‑use innovation for DIANA and NATO, translating it into delivery. Conceive, develop and implement innovative proposals that further DIANA’s mission.
4. INTERRELATIONSHIPS
The Managing Director is appointed by the NATO Secretary General and is accountable to the Board of Directors for delivering DIANA’s mission. The Managing Director reports regularly to the Board and briefs relevant NATO bodies and committees, including the North Atlantic Council.
Direct reports: 7. Indirect reports: approximately 90.
5. COMPETENCIES
- Achievement – Demonstrates decisiveness based on solid considerations and trade‑offs.
- Change Leadership – Champions change.
- Conceptual Thinking – Creates new concepts.
- Developing Others – Provides in‑depth mentoring, coaching and training.
- Impact and Influence – Uses complex influence strategies.
- Initiative – Plans and acts for the long‑term.
- Leadership – Communicates a compelling vision.
- Organisational Awareness – Understands underlying issues.
- Self‑Control – Stays composed and positive even under extreme pressure.
6. CONTRACT
The successful applicant will be employed for an initial period of three years, with a possible extension of up to two years thereafter.
COMPENSATION
Shortlisted candidates will be provided with a simulation of the financial package for this post.
8. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
NATO is committed to diversity and inclusion, striving to provide equal access to employment, advancement and retention, independent of gender, age, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, cultural background, sexual orientation, disability or any other characteristic. NATO will provide reasonable accommodation for candidates with disabilities.
All NATO DIANA personnel are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the current NATO Code of Conduct, displaying the core values of integrity, impartiality, loyalty, accountability and professionalism. Personnel are required to reside in the host nation for the duration of their contract. DIANA has a flexible teleworking policy that permits working in office, at home and across NATO Allied Nations subject to managerial approval.
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