Who we are:

For 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 3000 civilian and military staff in 29 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.

The role:

This role is situated under the Chief Operating Office (COO), which is accountable for aligning demand and supply to create customer value. COO leads business planning, prioritizes incoming requests, leads through-life cycle business development, oversees resource allocation to projects and services, and directs data-driven performance improvements. COO also keeps the NCIA’s Portfolio, Program, Project and Services Management (P3SM) Framework updated and ensures seamless full life-cycle support for Service Delivery and continual improvement.

Under COO, this Chief, Executive Portfolio Management (CEPM) is responsible for overseeing the delivery of projects within the IT Modernization transformational portfolio at the NCI Agency. This portfolio includes projects that facilitate the ease of transition of the NATO Alliance’s data and applications into the modernized Operational Network. The CEPM is accountable for ensuring that projects within the IT Modernization portfolio are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget. They work closely with project managers and other stakeholders to establish project goals, objectives, and timelines. The CEPM is responsible for managing relationships with sponsoring NATO partners. They work closely with partners to ensure that their needs and expectations are met, and that projects are delivered in accordance with their requirements.

Under the direction of the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief, Executive Portfolio Management – IT Modernization will be responsible for delivering the following capabilities:

• Subject Matter Expertise: Lead the implementation of the IT Modernization portfolio and ensure the smooth transition of investment projects into services. Lead the systemic coordination of structures, capabilities and practices to ensure portfolio effectiveness and efficiency. Ensure regular coordination with the NCIA’s Corporate PMO, including the utilization of resources from the Chief Technology Officer and the Chief Quality Officer that are required for delivery at the portfolio level of their respective technical services. Ensure smooth transition of the investment projects towards the NCIA’s service portfolio in close coordination with the Chief Service Operations.

• Leadership: Support the Office of the General Manager and the Chief of Staff with the implementation of the NCIA Business Plan and the advancement of the strategic outcomes of the IT Modernization portfolio. Provide leadership and strategic direction to ensure the efficient and high quality delivery of the portfolio. Lead by example, providing project managers and staff with clear and actionable direction. Build, maintain and strengthen relations with internal and external stakeholders to mobilize resources and commitments in support of the IT Modernization portfolio.

• Management and Coordination: Lead, motivate and contribute to the professional development and performance management of staff. Ensure delivery of high-quality work within set deadlines, efficient working methods and a constructive working atmosphere. Build and lead a cohesive, multicultural and multidisciplinary team, promoting excellence, the highest professional standards and be responsible for contributing to create a work environment where managers support staff in developing their full potential.

For a full list of duties, please review the job description on the NCIA career site.

Who you are:

The successful candidate will possess the following qualifications and expertise:

• A Master’s degree at a nationally recognized/certified university in a related discipline and 10 years post-related experience. Or a Bachelor’s degree with 15 years post related experience;
• Extensive experience (at least 10 years), involving leading and managing large-scale Portfolio, Program and Project Management business operations in a technical organization;
• Extensive experience managing IT Modernization project portfolios;
• Knowledge and experience involving the development, management, acquisition and/ or implementation of major communications, computer, command and control, or intelligence (C4I) systems and/ or programs;
• Experience of C4I related program management;
• Experience in large-scale organizational change management, innovation and transformation processes;
• Proven experience in improving the coordination and optimization of organizations’ structures, processes, capabilities and practices to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of Program and Project Management (P3M) activities;
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience working within the NATO environment
• Experience with large-scale Cloud transformation and/or Cloud migration programs
• Experience with AI related portfolios is an added benefit

What do we offer?

• Genuinely meaningful work as part of the most successful alliance in history
• Initial three year contract with a competitive monthly tax-free salary 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
• Retirement Pension Plan


To learn more about our mission and goals at the NCIA, 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.