Head, Engineering and Information Technology Division at NATO

La Spezia, Liguria, Italy -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

18 Aug, 26

Salary

9766.81

Posted On

20 May, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Technical Governance, Strategic Planning, Budget Management, Engineering Leadership, IT Strategy, Project Management, Workforce Development, Risk Assessment, Stakeholder Management, Change Management, Operational Effectiveness, Compliance, Resource Allocation, Service-Oriented Culture, Technical Advisory, Organizational Structure

Industry

IT Services and IT Consulting

Description

1. POST CONTEXT This is a position within the Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE), an organization of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). CMRE is an established, world-class scientific research and experimentation facility that organizes and conducts scientific research and technology development, centred on the maritime domain, delivering innovative and field tested Science & Technology (S&T) solutions to address defence and security needs of the Alliance. As per the STO Charter, CMRE operates under a Customer Funding Regime, whereby customers are charged the direct costs of the services provided plus an overhead to cover general and administrative expenditures, recuperation of capital investments (if applicable) and the Centre operating and running costs. Customers are comprised of NATO bodies, NATO Nations and other parties consistent with NATO policy. The position is within the Engineering and Information Technology Division (EITD) of CMRE. EITD consists of the Engineering Branch and the Information Technology Branch: The Engineering Branch (EB) addresses the engineering and technological requirements of the Centre's activity, integrating ocean engineering, embedded electronics and maritime sensors expertise - covering advanced systems, acoustic and other sensors, and unmanned platforms - to design, develop, operate, and maintain cutting-edge technologies. The Information Technology Branch (IT) supports the conception, design, development and construction of state-of-the-art technologies in computing, networking and data infrastructure as well as developing, integrating, and validating software applications, services and products, while ensuring interoperability, security and compliance with relevant NATO policies and regulations. The Head of EITD leads the Engineering and Information Technology Division (EITD) and provides comprehensive technical support for the delivery of the CMRE Programme of Work, working in close coordination with Research, Experimentation and Rapid Adoption (ERA), and Operational Support Divisions to meet NATO maritime defence and security needs. The Head of EITD reports to the Director CMRE and contributes to the Centre’s leadership and strategic management. 2. PRINCIPAL DUTIES The incumbent’s duties are: Maintain close and effective working relationships with the CMRE Research, Experimentation & Rapid Adoption, and Operational Support Divisions, providing overall technical governance to ensure projects are planned, executed and delivered on time, within budget and to the required quality standards. Seat with the Heads of Research, Experimentation and Rapid Adoption and Operational Support Divisions in the relevant decision boards to prioritize activities and ensure proper resources availability. Define, implement and monitor the Division’s strategic objectives, annual and medium-term planning and budget, ensuring financial discipline, cost control and the efficient use of allocated resources. Provide leadership in the identification, assessment and introduction of new technologies and innovative solutions, ensuring they bring tangible benefits in terms of performance, operational effectiveness and value for money. Oversee the evaluation of technical requirements from sister Divisions and external customers, ensuring that feasibility, resources, schedules, costs and risks are properly assessed and reflected in project management plans. Lead and develop the Division’s engineering and IT workforce, promoting a service-oriented culture toward sister divisions, professional growth, accountability, knowledge sharing and a strong focus on quality and delivery performance. Exercise overall supervision of engineering and IT projects delivered by the Division, ensuring appropriate control of scope, schedule, cost and quality across systems, software, services and data solutions. Ensure the availability and balance of operational capabilities across all technical domains, including the appointment and direction of Engineering and IT Coordinators in support of CMRE activities, exercises and operations. Define and oversee the implementation of the CMRE IT strategy, ensuring reliable, secure and scalable services, cost-effective operations and the progressive evolution from legacy infrastructures to modern solutions. Support the transition of scientific outputs into operational engineering, software and data-centric services, promoting CMRE’s role as a provider of innovative solutions in line with NATO policies and security requirements. Ensure that all Division’s activities are conducted in compliance with CMRE safety rules, quality policies and applicable regulations, including at-sea and field operations, asset management and lifecycle control. Act as the principal Engineering and IT advisor to the Directorate, Research, Experimentation and Rapid Adoption, Operational Support Divisions, contributing to programme development, future planning and the identification of growth opportunities. Leading the implementation of the modernization activities concerning the Division. Contribute to the overall management of the Centre as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, representing CMRE on Engineering and IT matters when required. Oversee the Division’s organizational structure, staffing, recruitment and succession planning, ensuring capabilities remain aligned with evolving requirements. Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Directorate. 3. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND ADDITIONAL DUTIES a. Flexibility Clause The incumbent may be required to perform other related duties as directed. All other related duties should correspond with the required competencies for the job. b. Deployment/Travel The incumbent may be required to perform their duties onboard Centre or chartered vessels. The incumbent may be required to undertake TDY assignments within and outside NATO boundaries. c. Certification The incumbent needs to hold a fit for sea certificate in line with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Labour Organization (ILO) standards before taking up duty. 4. ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS a. Professional experience Proven track record of leading large-scale business transformations and navigating complex organizational change to establish service-centric operating models. Proven experience working in industry leading multi-disciplinary teams and managing complex projects deliveries. b. Education/Professional experience Minimum requirements for education and experience: A minimum requirement of a Master’s degree at a nationally recognised/certified university in engineering or a scientific related discipline with 10 years senior level experience in the technology domain or defence industry. c. Language Requirements A thorough knowledge of one of the two NATO languages, both written and spoken, is essential and some knowledge of the other is desirable. English SLP 4444 NOTE: Most of the work of CMRE is conducted in the English language. 5. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS a. Professional experience Knowledge of Agile, DevOps, business development, and product management environments. Familiarity with the conduct of multi-domain operations, operational experimentations and exercises with advanced technological capabilities. Experience in multi-national environments. Awareness of NATO procedures and regulations. b. Education Master in Business Administration at a nationally recognised/certified university. PhD in maritime specific/applied technologies. 6. ATTRIBUTES/COMPETENCIES Leadership and Integrity – leads teams with fairness, accountability and a clear sense of direction. Results Focus – delivers projects on time, on budget, and to high quality standards. Innovation and Improvement – drives practical solutions and encourages continuous improvement. Judgement and Decision-Making – handles complex issues and makes sound, timely decisions. Communication and Collaboration – builds strong relationships and represents the Centre effectively. All CMRE personnel are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the current NATO Code of Conduct agreed by the North Atlantic Council (NAC), and thus display the core values of integrity, impartiality, loyalty, accountability, and professionalism. 7. REMARKS The duties are performed in an office, laboratory, workshop environment or on-board Centre ships. Slightly undesirable working conditions may apply. This is a post in which turnover is desirable for technical reasons. __________________________ About Us: The Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) is part of the NATO Science and Technology Organization (STO). The mission of the STO is to help position both national and NATO science and technology investments as a strategic enabler and technology advantage for the defence and security posture of NATO Allies and partners. The Centre conducts scientific research and technology development and delivers innovative field-tested S&T solutions to address the defence and security needs of the Alliance. CMRE has more than 60 years of experience and has produced a cadre of leaders in ocean science, modelling and simulation, acoustics and other disciplines, as well as producing critical results and understanding that have been built into the operational concepts of NATO and the Nations. What we offer: Salary (Pay Basis): 9,766.81 (EUR) Monthly*. *Salary value as per 2026. Subject to future adjustments in accordance with North Atlantic Council decisions. Grade ABCL grade A5 / NATO grade G22 A world class research facility located in the sea port of La Spezia, Italy supported by two specialised research vessels. An exciting place in which to work situated at an ideal location, the port of La Spezia, Italy, enabling synergy with regional and global academic institutes and industry. Salary and conditions of employment will be in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations (NCPR), which includes a rewarding salary and a comprehensive system of allowances, supplements and insurances to support families and, in case of expatriated staff, offers an interesting “expatriate” package. A generous annual leave and, (where eligible) home leave. The successful candidate will be offered a three years’ definite duration contract which may be renewed for subsequent periods subject to business needs, satisfactory performance and the need to rotate skills and talent within the Organization. Applicants who prove to be competent for the post but who are not successful in this competition may be offered an appointment to another post of a similar nature, which might become vacant in the near future, albeit at the same or a lower grade, provided they meet the necessary requirements. Our recruitment process: Please note that we can only accept applications from nationals of NATO member countries. Applications (including the most relevant publications, the diplomas - stating the highest level of education - and a CV) for this vacancy are to be submitted using the E-recruitment system; Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance (provided by the national Authorities of the selected candidate) and approval of the candidate’s medical file by the CMRE Medical Adviser. Additional information: CMRE values diverse backgrounds and perspectives and is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and talented workforce. We welcome applications of nationals from all Member States and strongly encourage women to apply. Selected candidates are expected to be role models of integrity, and to promote good governance through ongoing efforts in their work. For more information on how to apply: How to apply for posts within NATO 6 tips to apply for posts within NATO NOTE: 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.

Responsibilities

Leads the Engineering and Information Technology Division to provide technical support for NATO maritime defence and security needs. Oversees the delivery of engineering and IT projects, manages the division's budget, and contributes to the Centre's strategic leadership.