Portfolio Manager

Spektrum have a wide range of exciting opportunities in several global locations.

We are always looking to add great new talent to our team and look forward to hearing from you.

Spektrum supports apex purchasers (NATO, UN, EU, and National Government and Defence) and their Tier 1 supplier ecosystem with a wide range of specialist services. We provide our clients with professional services, specialised aerospace and defence sales, delivery, and operational subject matter expertise. We are looking for personnel to join our team and support key client projects.

Who we are supporting 

The NATO Communication and Information Agency (NCIA) is responsible for providing secure and effective communications and information technology (IT) services to NATO's member countries and its partners. The agency was established in 2012 and is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.

The NCIA provides a wide range of services, including:

• Cyber Security: The NCIA provides advanced cybersecurity solutions to protect NATO's communication networks and information systems against cyber threats.
• Command and Control Systems: The NCIA develops and maintains the systems used by NATO's military commanders to plan and execute operations.
• Satellite Communications: The NCIA provides satellite communications services to enable secure and reliable communications between NATO forces.
• Electronic Warfare: The NCIA provides electronic warfare services to support NATO's mission to detect, deny, and defeat threats to its communication networks.
• Information Management: The NCIA manages NATO's information technology infrastructure, including its databases, applications, and servers.

Overall, the NCIA plays a critical role in ensuring the security and effectiveness of NATO's communication and information technology capabilities.

The Program

Assistance and Advisory Service (AAS)

The NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency) is NATO’s principal C3 capability deliverer and CIS service provider. It provides, maintains and defends the NATO enterprise-wide information technology infrastructure to enable Allies to consult together under Article IV, and, when required, stand together in the face of attack under Article V.

To provide these critical services, in the modern evolving dynamic environment the NCI Agency needs to build and maintain high performance-engaged workforce. The NCI Agency workforce strategically consists of three major categorise's: NATO International Civilians (NIC)'s, Military (Mil), and Interim Workforce Consultants (IWC)'s. The IWCs are a critical part of the overall NCI Agency workforce and make up approximately 15 percent of the total workforce.

Role ID – C004381

Role Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive portfolio and program management framework for Information Communication Technology (ICT) systems, ensuring alignment with the organization's strategic objectives;
• Drive innovation within the portfolio and program management processes, identifying opportunities for process improvements, automation, and the adoption of emerging technologies;
• Champion change management initiatives, promoting a culture of adaptability and continuous improvement within the ICT systems department;
• Implement and execute Change Advisory Board processes as required;
• Define and prioritize projects within the portfolio, considering resource availability, dependencies, and business priorities;
• Lead the planning, execution, and monitoring of ICT programs and projects, ensuring adherence to budget, timelines, and quality standards;
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) providing insights and recommendations to improve portfolio project performance and delivery;
• Leading the Portfolio Manager function with special focus on technical aspects;
• Aligning the Portfolio projects and programmes to drive coherence across the NCI Agency through the identification of touchpoints between the programmatic and technical elements;
• Establish governance as necessary, hold governance Boards and keep governance minutes.
• Reporting on the status of the portfolio outputs and outcomes through dashboards;
• Collaborating with other organizational elements of the NCI Agency in the Portfolio management activities;
• Linking portfolio projects with technology and capability roadmaps and NATO and NCI Agency initiatives;
• Organizing and engage in technical discussions with sponsors, project managers and technical leads of the Portfolio projects, conduct assessments, and prepare briefs;
• Coordinate cross-functional teams and resources, ensuring collaboration and synergy across projects and programs;
• Utilizing agreed methods to track project performance, assess project health, and provide accurate forecasts on project cost andschedule variances;
• Identify and mitigate risks and issues, proactively addressing challenges to ensure project success, proactively engaging with stakeholders accordingly;
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and project management methodologies, incorporating relevant advancements into project management practices;
• Contribute to the development of the NCI Agency Technology Strategy and Implementation plan;
• Preparing and delivering presentations for Senior Boards;
• Establish and maintain effective communication channels with stakeholders, providing regular project updates and ensuring expectations are managed effectively;
• Contribute to the NCI Agency business continuity strategy and align the IIT portfolio accordingly.
• Deputise for higher grade staff, if required;
• Perform other duties as may be required.

Essential Skills, Experience and Certifications

• A Master's degree at a nationally recognised/certified University in a related discipline and 5 years post-related experience. Or a Bachelor's degree with 8 years post related experience.
• Senior level technical manager experience in the area of ICT;
• Experience in the management of programmes and portfolios, including the development of programmatic dashboards and reports to different audiences;
• Experience and knowledge in planning, coordination and execution in the conduction of research and development projects and/or programmes in the areas of ICT and of Communications, Computer, Command and Control, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems and services;
• Experience and knowledge in development of programme and project management artefacts, including dashboards, plans, status reports, briefs, etc.
• Experience and knowledge in briefing senior technical and non- technical stakeholders
• Recognized track record in assessing risk and negotiating with stakeholders, including understanding their needs, problems and requests, and proposing constructive ways ahead;
• Multi-disciplinary background across a full range of ICT capabilities.
• Solid experience is required in planning and actively monitoring the Portfolios of IT Projects and Services
• Solid experience is required in tracking the progress and delivery in complex and multinational projects environments
• Proven ability to communicate effectively in English both in writing and orally with excellent briefing skills to different types of audiences, including authoring high-quality reports and providing briefings to senior stakeholders.
• Project management certifications such as PMP or PRINCE2 Practitioner are required.

Desirable Skills, Experience and Certifications

• Practitioner level risk-management certification is highly desirable;
• Experience in managing portfolios and programs within a large organization environment is highly desirable;
• Portfolio management certifications such as MoP (Managementof Portfolios) or equivalent in portfolio management is desirable;
• Experience in developing the Key Performance and Key Quality Indicators for IT Projects and Services
• Experience in mid-long term planning of IT Portfolios and actively tracking the portfolio progress and periodically reporting to Senior Leadership and Steering Committees
• Experience in transition to the Cloud Transitioning Projects for large IT infrastructures
• Prior experience of working in an international environment comprising both military and civilian elements;
• Knowledge of NATO responsibilities and organization, including ACO and ACT.

Education

• A Master's degree at a nationally recognised/certified University in a related discipline and 5 years post-related experience. Or a Bachelor's degree with 8 years post related experience.

Working Location

• Braine-l’Alleud, Belgium

Working Policy

• Hybrid (50% onsite/50% offsite)

Travel

• Some travel to other NATO sites may be required

Security Clearance

• Valid National or NATO Secret personal security clearance

We never know what new opportunities might be just over the horizon. If this opportunity isn't for you please feel free to send us your resume anyway and be the first to know if something suitable for your skills and experience comes up.