1.    SUMMARY

The NATO Undersea Research Centre (NURC) develops technology that will facilitate the transformation of NATO military capabilities and is a focus for partnering in maritime innovation for NATO Commands and the NATO Nations.  The Director NURC is assigned by the North Atlantic Council (NAC) upon the recommendation of the Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (SACT) and with the advice of the Scientific Committee (SC). He/she is responsible to SACT for addressing shortfalls in NATO’s maritime operational and transformational capabilities in coordination with the Military Committee (MC), the Conference of National Armaments Directors, and the NATO member states.

Key challenges facing the successful candidate for Director will include requirements to:

a.        Develop the long term vision for research and technology to establish the scientific foundations underpinning the transformation of the military capabilities of NATO’s maritime forces, and to implement NATO’s concept of operations for maritime security.

b.        Develop the strategy to implement the new business plan which foresees the development of a customer funded programme of work to complement the NATO funded effort to transform Alliance maritime capabilities.   Key challenges include establishing the financial and business mechanisms, marketing the services, and achieving synergy with and complementing the NATO funded scientific programme.

c.        Candidates are expected to attach to their application a maximum of four pages summarising their views about these (and possible other) challenges, and how they would address them if selected for the position.

2.     MAIN DUTIES

The Director is the Chief Executive Officer of the NURC, responsible to SACT for the management of the Centre and fulfilment of the NURC’s missions in accordance with itsapproved Charter and Terms of Reference, and in particular to:

a.        Formulate strategy and policies for the RT&D support of the NATO Commands and the NATO member nations, and the transformation of the Centre and propose these for implementation to the SACT, the MC and the NATO Council (NAC);

b.        Formulate, plan and conduct the NURC program of work within the Atlantic Alliance framework of NATO Command Structure guidance, and the NATO R&T strategy.  Reporting to the NURC Scientific Committee (SC), the NATO Research and Technology Board (RTB), Conference of National Armament Directors (CNAD), and SACT.

c.        Assess and advise SACT with respect to the practical implications of Military Committee guidance, NATO RT&D policies, and SCNR recommendations. 

d.        Prepare budgets and negotiate the allocation of financial resources with relevant NATO bodies;

e.        Promote NURC projects and NATO S&T, R&D, and RT&D in the field of expertise of NURC (naval and maritime) with sponsors and customers; working to transition RT&D results to military capability acquisition;

f.         Develop the Peace Establishment (list of authorized positions),  and engage the necessary personnel to fill positions within the approved establishment;

g.        Develop investment proposals through interaction with host nations, HQ SACT or a NATO member state;

h.        Liaise with Italian authorities for Host Nation support of the Centre. 

i.          Exercise either personally or through appropriate delegation the legal authority granted to the Centre with respect to contracts, legal and administrative procedures, and the acquisition and disposal of property;

j.          Work under the direction of SACT and implementing MC policies.

3.    QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL

The incumbent must have:

a.        An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) preferably in science, engineering or a defence policy or complementary related discipline from an institute of recognised standing;

b.        Broad and substantial experience in the scientific and technical direction and management of military related research and development in the public or private sector, obtained by holding a position as Director, Chief Operating Officer, Deputy/Associate Director, or equivalent of a research or engineering organization with recognized national and international standing, or similar leadership positions;

c.        Demonstrated experience in fostering innovation as evidenced by holding a position as a business development officer, filing patents, reports and publications of achievements or recognition by professional organisations;

d.        Broad and substantial experience in business based project accounting and budgeting as well as with the management of risk;

e.        Substantial experience of project management for equipment & systems development, production or acquisition;

f.         Personal qualities, especially verbal and written communication skills, and professional and management stature such that he / she can represent the Centre appropriately in meetings of intergovernmental bodies, or with representatives of NATO member states MoD’s;

g.        Experience in the personal performance of technological research in one or more of the pertinent naval warfare disciplines;

h.        Fluency, orally and in writing, in one of the official languages of the Organisations is essential and a good working knowledge of the other is desirable.  The work of the NURC is conducted primarily in the English language; and

i.          A NATO COSMIC Top Secret security clearance (if not currently held the incumbent must be eligible for this level of clearance).

DESIREABLE

The following would be considered an advantage:

a.        Knowledge of quality management systems (e.g. ISO 9000), and of risk management;

b.        Knowledge of the Organization of NATO;

c.        Professional education as evidenced by an advanced university degree, preferably including the doctorate or equivalent academic attainment; and 

d.        A qualification in management (Master of Business Administration or equivalent).

4.    CONTRACT

a.        The successful applicant will be offered a definite duration contract of three years' duration, which may be renewed for an additional period.

b.        If the successful applicant is seconded from a national administration, public institution or the armed forces of a NATO member state, he or she will be offered a three year definite duration contract which, subject also to the agreement of the national authority concerned, may be renewed for a further period.

c.        Serving staff members will be offered a contract according to the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations (NCPR).

5.    HOW TO APPLY

a.        You should complete the NATO application form, (which can be downloaded from www.act.nato.int and curriculum vitae, should be submitted to civilianpersonnel@act.nato.int  not later than 4 December  2009. Applicants from NATO’s 28 member nations are eligible to apply.

b.        Candidates are expected to attach to their application form a maximum of four  pages summarising their views about the strategic challenges facing this post, and how they would address them if selected for the position.

c.        As part of the selection process, shortlisted candidates may be asked to attend an assessment centre and may be interviewed by members of the NURC Scientific Committee of National Representatives and senior members of HQ SACT.

d.        Appointment will be subject to approval by the North Atlantic Council, deliverance of a NATO COSMIC Top Secret security clearance by the national Authorities of the selected candidate and certificate of physical fitness.