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SUMMARY
Operating out of offices in Europe and in North America, DIANA’s mission is to accelerate the development and adoption of 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 90 staffs (civilian and military).
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, biennial Strategic Guidance and 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 to further enable innovator solution development and adoption.
DIANA is critical to NATO's overall innovation efforts. Established in 2022, the organisation completed its three years start-up phase in advance of the NATO Summit in The Hague in June 2025. DIANA is now in the third year of executing its challenge and accelerator programmes, with 150 innovators in its most recent cohort. The organisation is currently in the process of adjusting and scaling its operations to be able to develop and launch a set of differentiated programmatic pathways for innovators to meet the balance of needs articulated by NATO Allies.
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 to promote the development and adoption of dual-use innovations that enhance Alliance defence and security. This includes continual development and refinement of DX 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 stationed 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 industry and innovation agenda and NATO’s Rapid Adoption Action Plan.
Key challenges facing the successful candidate for this post will include:
- Further developing DIANA’s ability to enable and drive defence and military adoption of innovator solutions;
- Effectively prioritising both quality of innovation and capacity building and sustainment across Alliance innovation ecosystems;
- Leading and managing an organisation to meet diverse stakeholder needs while sustaining agility, flexibility and the ability to scale.
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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).
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.
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, protect and advance the adoption of 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.
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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 continual refinement and maturation of DIANA’s operating model to ensure it is fit to deliver against priorities set by the Board of Directors.
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 and armed forces, 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 implement innovative and creative proposals that further DIANA’s mission.
INTERRELATIONSHIPS
The Managing Director is appointed by the NATO Secretary General and is accountable to the Board of Directors for delivering DIANA’s mission. The Managing Director reports regularly to the Board of Directors and briefs relevant NATO bodies and committees, including the North Atlantic Council.
Direct reports: 7
Indirect reports: approximately 90
COMPETENCIES
The incumbent must demonstrate:
- Achievement: Demonstrates decisiveness based on solid considerations and trade-offs;
- Change Leadership: Champions change;
- Conceptual Thinking: Creates new concepts;
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