VACANCY NOTICE
Head, Engineering and Information Technology Division (260924)
Primary Location: Italy-La Spezia
NATO Body: Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE)
Schedule: Full-time
Application Deadline: 21 June 2026
Salary (Pay Basis): 9,766.81 Euro (EUR) Monthly
Grade NATO Grade G22 (ABCL A5)
Clearance Level NS
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.
The position is within the Engineering and Information Technology Division (EITD) of CMRE.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.