Project Officer, Emerging Initiatives

Job Posting Organization:
NATO DIANA, the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic, is a NATO body established to find and accelerate innovation that provides decisive defense and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security effects for the Alliance. It operates with a Board of Directors representing all 32 nations and an operational team known as the DIANA Executive (DX). The organization is dedicated to fostering deep-tech innovation and operates from three offices in Europe and North America. DIANA aims to create a dynamic and agile workplace that encourages innovative thinking, diversity, and performance excellence across all teams. The organization is committed to providing a positive, inclusive, and collaborative environment for its employees.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer, Emerging Initiatives is responsible for managing and supporting the development and delivery of new initiatives that align with DIANA's strategic objectives. This role involves translating guidance from the Board and senior leadership into actionable projects, coordinating cross-functional teams, and developing business cases and implementation plans. The Project Officer will also support the design of new programs, services, partnerships, and activities that enhance DIANA's impact across the Alliance. The position requires conducting analysis, advising stakeholders, and ensuring effective implementation of initiatives that strengthen DIANA's influence. The successful candidate will report to the Head of Strategic Planning and Operations and will be expected to work collaboratively across the organization and with external partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Project Officer include managing the identification, planning, coordination, and delivery of strategic initiatives that advance DIANA's organizational objectives. This includes administering project plans, implementation schedules, risk registers, stakeholder engagement plans, and performance reporting for assigned initiatives. The Project Officer will coordinate and execute cross-functional activities involving multiple business areas to ensure timely delivery of agreed outcomes. They will prepare high-quality briefing materials, reports, presentations, decision papers, and governance documentation for senior leadership and the Board of Directors. Additionally, the role involves conducting research and analysis to support the development of new initiatives and organizational improvements, facilitating workshops and stakeholder engagements, and contributing to the continuous development of corporate planning and governance processes. The Project Officer will also promote best practices and lessons learned across the organization to enhance project delivery capabilities.

Required Qualifications:
The essential qualifications for this position include a Bachelor’s degree from a nationally recognized or certified university in a related discipline, along with 2 years of post-related experience. Alternatively, candidates may qualify with at least 6 years of extensive and progressive work experience in duties related to the function of the post if they lack a university degree. Proven experience in managing the delivery of projects, programs, and strategic initiatives in complex environments is required. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to coordinate activities involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities, ensuring timely and high-quality outcomes. Strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including senior leaders, are essential. Additionally, candidates should possess excellent organizational and planning skills, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree from a nationally recognized or certified university in a relevant field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of the role and the strategic initiatives that the Project Officer will manage.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant post-degree experience in project management, strategic initiatives, or organizational change activities. Candidates with extensive experience (at least 6 years) in related duties may be considered if they do not hold a degree. Experience in managing complex projects and coordinating with multiple stakeholders is essential for success in this role.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirements include proficiency in NATO's official languages, specifically a minimum of V (Advanced) in one language and I (Beginner) in the other. Most internal work at DIANA is conducted in English, making proficiency in English particularly important. Knowledge of French is also beneficial but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The successful candidate will receive a definite duration contract of three years, which may be extended. If the candidate is seconded from a national administration of a NATO member state, the contract will also be for three years, with the possibility of renewal for an additional three years. The maximum period of service in this post as a seconded staff member is six years. The position offers a tax-free salary, household and children’s allowances for expatriate staff, excellent private health insurance, a NATO pension scheme, and generous annual leave of 30 days plus official holidays. The work environment is flexible, with options for teleworking, and the incumbent is expected to be a resident in the host nation for the duration of their contract.