Section Head (Sr Staff Officer​/AI CAPDEV & Governance

Post Context

ACT contributes to preserving the peace, security and territorial integrity of Alliance member states by leading, at Strategic Command level, Warfare Development required to enhance NATO's posture, military structures, forces, capabilities and doctrines. The Capability Development Directorate (CAPDEV) comprises two Divisions-Requirements and Capabilities. The Directorate supports SACT in his Capabilities Requirement Authority (CRA) role. It is responsible for a holistic through lifecycle Capability Development approach that infuses innovation and transformative efforts that are an integral part of the Warfare Development.

This includes responsibilities for elicitation, development, capture and collection, quality review, traceability and visibility of capability requirements. The Requirements Division executes requirements management for NATO capabilities. It develops capability requirements, provides traceability and quality assurance of capability requirements, performs gap analysis and supports interoperability and implementation options across the DOTMLPFI spectrum. The Federated Interoperability Branch supports and enables the delivery of coherent and interoperable capabilities by developing and verifying the associated capability specifications in order to ensure Day Zero interoperability of people, processes, and technologies.

As the Section Head for AI Capability Development and Governance, the incumbent will serve as a central figure driving NATO's data and AI strategies, ensuring their alignment with military operational needs and strategic priorities within the Alliance. The incumbent will lead efforts to translate policy into capability-driven implementation plans and governance frameworks and participate in relevant NATO working groups or preparatory discussions as delegated by ACT leadership.

Additionally, the incumbent will provide expert guidance on AI governance by contributing to the development and implementation of policies and principles of Responsible AI. Supporting the Data and AI Review Board (DARB) with ACT being the co‑lead, the incumbent will drive the integration of AI into NATO's capability development lifecycle, ensuring the strategic coherence of technical capabilities and maintaining alignment with NATO's AI Strategy, Digital Transformation Vision, and broader strategic goals.

Through active collaboration with NATO stakeholders, ACO, NCIA and ACT directorates, the incumbent will elevate ACT's role in shaping the Alliance's global AI and digital transformation efforts.

• Team Leadership and Development:
  Lead and mentor a diverse, multicultural team, setting clear objectives and ensuring alignment with the Data Science & AI Branch (DSAI) and broader NATO organizational goals. Represent the branch when required, including deputizing for higher‑grade staff as necessary.
• Resource and Performance Management:
  Efficiently manage budgetary and human resources to ensure optimal delivery of DSAI objectives. Develop Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and implement metrics to monitor the section's effectiveness, driving continuous improvement.
• Operations Oversight:
  Oversee the day-to-day operations of the AI Capability Development and Governance Section, ensuring compliance with NATO and ACT policies, standards, and best practices.
• Provide thought leadership and technical expertise to support NATO's AI Transformation Plans and policy development for HQ SACT; advise on guidance to ACT while assisting strategic engagements of SACT and DSACT. Develop and oversee policies related to AI technical standards, including data management, algorithm safety, security, and assurance.
• Analyze legislative and regulatory changes impacting NATO AI initiatives, assess technical feasibility and regulatory challenges, and provide informed military advice to support leadership decisions and transformation initiatives within NATO HQ.
• Coordinate ACT input with NATO HQ and NATO Military Authorities (NMA) for policy development, providing expert analysis and advising senior leaders on the impact of key AI policy initiatives. Maintain close interaction with HQ SACT, NATO HQ,…