NATO Headquarters | Brussels – Belgium
Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic
VACANY NOTICE / AVIS DE VACANCE DE POSTE
Communications Officer (231082)
Primary Location: United Kingdom-LondonNATO Body: Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) Schedule: Full-timeSalary (Pay Basis): 7,946.99 Pound Sterling (GBP) MonthlyGrade NATO Grade G20
1. SUMMARY
The Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) is NATO’s newest body. From
across the Alliance, DIANA will bring together innovators and operational end users to foster a
transatlantic ecosystem supporting groundbreaking dual-use innovation in emerging and disruptive
technology fields.
DIANA is now in the process of standing up, with the aim to reach initial operational capability (IOC) in
2023 and full operational capability (FOC) in 2025. Once established, DIANA will leverage a network
of dozens of Allied test centres and accelerator sites to fulfil its mission.
DIANA is an independent NATO body comprised of an Allied Board of Directors and a management
team - the DIANA Executive (DX). Operating out of regional offices in Europe and in North America,
DIANA will carry out its mission: accelerating deep tech, dual-use solutions to critical Allied defence
and security challenges. Guided by strategic direction from its Board, DIANA will use challenge,
acceleration and rapid adoption programmes as the primary vehicles to accomplish this mission.
The Communications Officer, as part of the Communications Unit, will be responsible for the planning,
implementation and evaluation of DIANA’s outreach activities. Through a full range of
communications activities, the Communications Unit will inform and engage relevant target audiences
in the private and public sector as well as academia – in 31 or more Allied nations. The
Communications Unit will organise outreach activities establishing DIANA as a stakeholder in the
deep tech dual-use Allied innovation ecosystems and support the exposure of DIANA innovators to
commercial stakeholders and Allies.
These activities will support the priorities and objectives set by DIANA’s Strategic Direction, and will
align with the NATO Communications Strategy. The incumbent will have responsibility for
communications related planning and coordination with DIANA leadership and teams, and ensuring
adherence to brand rules. They will support DIANA’s strategic objectives by identifying, building and
engaging key audiences throughout the Alliance using DIANA’s communications channels, which the
Communications Team will need to build, upgrade or replace.
2. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL
The incumbent must:
NATO Headquarters | Brussels – Belgium
Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic
• have a university degree from a university or institute of recognised standing in a relevant field;
• have at least 8 years of relevant experience in progressively responsible positions in
communication-related functions;
• have significant experience in the development and execution of public communication strategies
and outreach activities;
• be able to brief international audiences and tailor briefings to the needs of respective audiences;
• have excellent networking, communication and negotiation skills;
• have the capacity to lead, inspire and engage a diverse and multidisciplinary team;
• demonstrate strong drive for teamwork, diversity and customer focus;
• have the flexibility to travel and to work outside of normal office hours, when requested;
• possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): V
(“Advanced”) in one; I (“Beginner”) in the other.
DESIRABLE
The following would be considered an advantage:
• an advanced degree (Masters and/or PhD) from a university or institute of recognised standing, in
a relevant field;
• solid familiarity with or experience within NATO or other European/Atlantic institutions;
• substantial knowledge of the NATO innovation approach;
• communications-related work experience in in the private, public and/ or civil society sectors;
• substantial understanding of international politics, especially current and evolving issues, as well
as defence and security matters affecting the Alliance;
• good knowledge of Allied technology and innovation ecosystems;
• experience working in innovative and/or start-up environment and developing communication
strategies;
• knowledge of other NATO languages beyond English and French.
A thorough knowledge of one of the two NATO languages, both written and spoken, is essential and
some knowledge of the other is desirable.
NOTE: Most of the DIANA’s internal work is conducted in the English language.
3. MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES
Planning and Execution
Ensure the efficient management planning, implementation, coordination and monitoring of all
communications efforts, including related planning of human and financial resources. Ensure that
goals are in line with established quality standards and priorities in their substance and form.
Implement DIANA’s communications strategy all relevant platforms strategies.
NATO Headquarters | Brussels – Belgium
Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic
Project Management
Work with the Communications Team in the design, planning and implementation of communications
projects and programmes in a structured, consistent and effective manner. Coordinate and integrate
the components and functions of the team with a view to achieving efficiencies and unified objectives.
Manage or take associated risks to achieve the received taskings. Develop and implement
People Management
Work with project teams and ensure effective coordination, including potential external service
providers. Support and motivate staff to achieve results and challenge staff to enhance performance.
Provide in-depth mentoring, coaching and training opportunities and be available to offer guidance at
critical moments. Ensure that all staff under their responsibility are clear on objectives. Provide
regular and fair feedback on performance, informally as appropriate. Identify possible development
and mobility opportunities for team members. Promote integrity, professionalism and accountability
through a sound and inclusive leadership culture
Manage, implement and monitor the communications budget to meet objectives and activities. Ensure
that financial resources are used in the most cost-effective manner and are aligned with the evolving
strategic and operational plans of DIANA. Liaise with Procurement Team to ensure timely contracting
for communications needs.
Policy Development
Support the development and implementation of DIANA’s Communications Strategy and relevant
policies, with a view to strengthening the identity, reputation, image and profile of the entity and its
programmes.
Ensure the proactive and regular acquisition of specialist knowledge and the provision of expert
advice, especially in the field of communication, including training. Keep DIANA up to date in areas of
expertise relevant to its continuous innovation process and in line with evolving objectives.
Continuously monitor, analyse and strive to improve the work methods, processes and related tools of
the Communications Team, including financial and administrative procedures.
Stakeholder Management
Balance and manage diverse expectations and competing demands of individuals, groups, internal
and external parties in all aspects pertaining to the Communications Team’s work. This involves
balancing between different hierarchical dimensions, as well as between short-term and long-term
initiatives. Brief and support the DIANA Board of Directors as required. Establish and maintain good
NATO Headquarters | Brussels – Belgium
Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic
working relationships with officials in other NATO bodies, national delegations, other entities
pertaining to the NATO network, and the DIANA affiliated test centres and accelerators. Liaise with
the Public Diplomacy Division in NATO HQ to ensure mutually beneficial collaboration and alignment.
Build and maintain an outstanding professional network in the media, social media and
communications arenas develop and maintain good contacts with relevant professional organisations,
as well as relevant international institutions and a broad range of external contractors from the
professional private sector.
Knowledge Management
Coordinate efforts within the team and across DIANA to ensure that appropriate communications
related knowledge management systems and IT mechanisms are in place.
Vision and Direction
Develop, apply and project a strategic plan and vision for DIANA’s communications, thereby
strengthening the identity and profile of the entity and ensuring that it keeps pace with the rapidly
evolving IT and communications landscape.
Representation of the entity
Represent DIANA in different fora, including seminars, conferences, speaking engagements or official
visits. Adapt and tailor the presentations to the needs and expectations of the audience.
Perform any other related duty as assigned.
4. INTERRELATIONSHIPS
The incumbent reports to the Communications Director and Managing Director of DIANA.
5. COMPETENCIES
The incumbent must demonstrate:
• Achievement: Sets and works to meet challenging goals;
• Change Leadership: Personally leads change;
• Conceptual Thinking: Clarifies complex data or situations;
• Developing Others: Provides in-depth mentoring, coaching and training;
• Impact and Influence: Uses indirect influence;
• Initiative: Plans and acts for the long-term;
• Leadership: Positions self as the leader;
• Organisational Awareness: Understands organizational politics;
• Self-Control: Stays composed and positive even under extreme pressure.
6. CONTRACT
NATO Headquarters | Brussels – Belgium
Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic
Contract to be offered to the successful applicant (if non-seconded): Definite duration contract of three
years; possibility of renewal.
Serving staff will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Régulations.
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