Managing Director for The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) Executive

Managing Director for The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) Executive-251126 

Primary Location

 United Kingdom-London

NATO Body

 Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA)

Schedule

 Full-time

Application Deadline

 19-Aug-2025, 9:59:00 PM

Salary (Pay Basis)

 : 12,775.30Pound Sterling (GBP) MonthlyGrade NATO Grade G24 

Description

:  

The ideal start date for this position is 01 January 2026 (pending the issuance of a security clearance)

1. SUMMARY

Operating out of offices in Europe and in North America, DIANA’s mission is to accelerate dual-use technological solutions to critical transatlantic challenges in defence and security, bringing together innovators and operational end users from across the Alliance to foster a transatlantic ecosystem. DIANA is a subsidiary body created within the framework of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. It is comprised of an Allied Board of Directors, providing strategic governance and oversight, and a management team, the DIANA Executive (DX), comprising approximately 80 staffs.

The Managing Director leads the DX, with the support of a senior leadership team. The DX establishes Challenge Programmes for dual-use innovators, in line with Allied-approved Strategic Direction, to accomplish this mission with the support of its affiliated network of accelerator sites and test centres. It also leverages its constituent elements such as the Rapid Adoption Service and the Trusted Capital Database. 

DIANA is critical to NATO's overall innovation efforts. Established in 2022, the organisation has successfully completed its three years start-up phase and is now transitioning towards fully establishing itself as a strategic instrument for NATO to foster and protect Alliance innovation ecosystems, develop cutting edge technologies, and enable rapid adoption of innovation for Allied armed forces.

The Managing Director is the Head of the DIANA Executive, reporting directly to the Board of Directors of DIANA. The Managing Director leads the DX, in accordance with the DIANA founding Charter, as a key vehicle in promoting and supporting dual-use innovations that enhance the security of all Allied Nations. This includes further development and refinement of DX’s policies and operating procedures that govern internal operations and programmatic deliverables.

In this context, the Managing Director works directly with Allied Nations, NATO’s innovation bodies, national governments, the private sector, academia and other partners to advance DIANA’s mission.

The Managing Director also leads a senior leadership team dispersed across three locations: London UK, Tallinn ES, and Halifax CA and maintains direct responsibility for DIANA’s operations and people management, including talent attraction, recruitment and development, as well as performance management.

The Managing Director also oversees the organisation’s overall corporate planning, conducting annual reviews and incorporating lessons learned in adapting the organisation. The Managing Director is responsible for preparing annual budgets for DIANA Finance Committee review and final Board approval as well as for “Strategic Direction” for submission to the Board of Directors, proposing DIANA’s high-level objectives based on critical challenges facing operational end users as well as longer-term priorities that fit within the Alliance’s political and military objectives, with particular focus on DIANA’s contributions to NATO’s Rapid Adoption Action Plan. 

Key challenges facing the successful candidate for this post will include:

• Leading and managing an organisation to meet diverse stakeholder needs while sustaining agility and flexibility;
• Effectively prioritising both quality of innovation and capacity building across Alliance innovation ecosystems;
• Further developing DIANA’s ability to enable and drive adoption of innovator solutions.

In addition to the application form, candidates are expected to submit a Word or pdf document, maximum of two A4 pages, summarizing their views on the key challenges (and possible other) challenges, and how they would address them if selected for the position. This essay will be evaluated as part of the shortlisting assessment (see full instructions on how to apply at the end of this vacancy notice). 

2. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL

The incumbent must:

• possess a Master’s degree from an institute of recognized standing, or equivalent level of qualification, in a discipline relevant to the post;
• have at least 15 years of relevant experience, out of which at least 10 years gained in progressively senior leadership and managerial positions;
• have experience working in a multilateral environment or an environment with a variety of stakeholders from diverse backgrounds;
• have the capacity to create and inspire a high-level vision to direct organisational development and change;
• have extensive people management and organisational leadership experience to motivate and engage diverse multicultural teams in a hybrid working environment;
• have exceptional interpersonal skills and the capacity to build relationships of trust with Allies, innovators, program managers and stakeholders with diverse profiles;
• have very good knowledge of the political environment, strategic issues and security challenges facing the Alliance with particular focus on innovation and emerging and disruptive technologies;
• have a strong understanding of the dual-use tech innovation landscape, including such arenas as risk capital, scientific and technological development, start-up culture and large technology companies;
• possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): VI (“Proficiency”) in one; I (“Beginner”) in the other.

NOTE: Most of DIANA’s internal work is conducted in the English language.

DESIRABLE

The following would be considered an advantage:

• experience serving in national armed forces and/or working in a civil-military organisation, including with respect to new or disruptive technologies;
• responsibility for overseeing and managing multi-million Euro budgets and / or programmes within an organisation or company;
• experience with or conduct of risk capital investment in start-ups, especially in 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 programs, units, or companies;
• a PhD or equivalent research experience in a field relevant for this position;
• a higher level of proficiency in NATO’s both official languages. 

3. MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES

Expertise Development

Oversee continued development and improvement of DIANA’s accelerator and challenge programmes with the aim of delivering the highest standards of excellence. Continually mature the organisation’s expertise to foster and protect dual-use innovation for the Alliance. 

Financial Management

Promote sound principles related to financial management of DIANA joint funds and internal control, with a culture of continual improvement. Ensure adherence to applicable policies, such as NATO Financial Regulations, NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations, DIANA Financial Rules and Procedures and Standing Guidance on Multi-Year Business and Financial Planning. Exercise authority delegated by the Board of Directors. 

Organisational Efficiencies

Lead and optimise the organisation to deliver on guidance from the Board of Directors, including any increases in the Level of Ambition that Allies may set for DIANA. Develop relevant Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) and supporting Indicators (KPIs) which track implementation against Board guidance and regularly reports on progress, seeking support and direction where necessary. 

People Management

Direct and manage the activities of the DIANA Executive, leading and overseeing a team of civilian and military staff with diverse skill-sets and backgrounds, spread across multiple locations. Promote integrity, professionalism, collaboration, accountability and innovation through a sound leadership culture. Adapt organisational culture where necessary and manage associated change.

 Planning and Execution

Ensure annual and multi-annual planning of DIANA’s activities to deliver a world-class accelerator program across multiple Alliance locations, including through coordination with relevant stakeholders, in particular the Board of Directors and DIANA’s affiliated network of accelerator sites. Consider and effectively manage dependencies across DIANA’s planning activities and seek to synchronise them with other NATO bodies and planning processes, where relevant and beneficial. Oversee elaboration and maturation of DIANA’s operating model.

Policy Development

Contribute to, understand and implement policy direction and guidance from the Board of Directors and NATO Headquarters in the areas of dual-use innovation, rapid adoption, and organisational policy. Oversee continual assessment and improvement of DIANA-specific policies, regulations and standard operating procedures. 

Representation of the Organisation

Lead and represent the DIANA Executive towards 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 and the Senior Leadership Team in the DIANA Executive. Engage regularly with stakeholders, including Allies at various levels across government, DIANA innovators and affiliated accelerators and test centres, NATO Headquarters, the Conference of National Armaments Directors, Bi-Strategic Commands and Science & Technology Organisation. Effectively manage a diversity of stakeholder expectations and perspectives while delivering DIANA’s mission. 

Vision and Direction

Exhibit leadership, develop human capital, and ensure the 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 for NATO, and effectively translate it into delivery. Conceive, develop and present innovative and creative proposals that further DIANA’s mission. 

4.  INTERRELATIONSHIPS

The Managing Director is accountable to the Board of Directors for delivering DIANA’s mission. The Manager Director reports regularly to the Board of Directors and briefs relevant NATO bodies and committees, including the North Atlantic Council.

Direct reports: 9

Indirect reports: approximately 75

5.  COMPETENCIES

The incumbent must demonstrate:

• 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 3 years. There may be the possibility of a two-year extension thereafter.

7.    RECRUITMENT PROCESS 

Applications must be submitted using one of the following links, as applicable:

• For NATO civilian staff members only: please apply via the internal recruitment portal (for more information, please contact your local Civilian HR Manager);
• For all other applications: www.nato.int/recruitment

 Selection of candidates for NATO posts is based upon the merit principle.

Candidates are requested to attach their essay to their application on Taleo, by latest 17 August 2025.

The title of the attachment must include the vacancy reference and the words “Key challenges”.

Shortlisted candidates will have to be available for the selection process, which is expected to take place in October 2025, at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium

COMPENSATION: shortlisted candidates will be provided with a simulation of the financial package for this post. 

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 NATO Medical Adviser.

More information about the recruitment process and conditions of employment, can be found at our website (http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/recruit-hq-e.htm) 

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.

 

 8. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

NATO is committed to diversity and inclusion, and strives to provide equal access to employment, advancement and retention, independent of gender, age, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, cultural background, sexual orientation, and disability. NATO welcomes applications of nationals from all member Nations, and strongly encourages women to apply. NATO is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible working environment, where all candidates living with disabilities can fully participate in the recruitment and selection process. If you require reasonable accommodation, please inform us during your selection process. Candidates will be required to provide documented medical evidence to support their request for accommodation. Building Integrity is a key element of NATO’s core tasks. As an employer, NATO values commitment to the principles of integrity, transparency and accountability in accordance with international norms and practices established for the defence and related security sector. Selected candidates are expected to be role models of integrity, and to promote good governance through ongoing efforts in their work. Due to the broad interest in NATO and the large number of potential candidates, telephone or e-mail enquiries cannot be dealt with. Applicants who are not successful in this competition may be offered an appointment to another post of a similar nature, albeit at the same or a lower grade, provided they meet the necessary requirements. The nature of this position may require the staff member at times to be called upon to travel for work and/or to work outside normal office hours. The organization offers several work-life policies including Teleworking and Flexible Working arrangements (Flexitime) subject to business requirements. Please note that the International Staff at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium is a non-smoking environment. For information about the NATO Single Salary Scale (Grading, Allowances, etc.) please visit our website. Detailed data is available under the Salary and Benefits tab. NATO does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. For more info please click here.