Role Overview

The Deputy CIO Strategic Advisor will support NATO’s Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) in enhancing cybersecurity governance and fostering strategic stakeholder engagement. This role requires expertise in cybersecurity policy, governance, and enterprise-wide ICT modernization. The advisor will provide high-level executive guidance, ensuring alignment between NATO’s cybersecurity strategy and national priorities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Executive Advisory & Strategic Coordination

• Provide executive-level advice on cybersecurity, cyber defense, ICT, cloud adoption, and IT modernization.
• Develop strategic recommendations to enhance NATO’s enterprise approach to cybersecurity.
• Ensure alignment between NATO’s cybersecurity strategy and national environments.
• Measure success through stakeholder feedback and impact assessments.

2. Stakeholder Engagement & Liaison

• Act as the direct liaison between the NATO Deputy CIO and senior representatives of NATO member states.
• Represent NATO CIO in high-level meetings, conferences, and workshops.
• Foster communication and cooperation between NATO Enterprise bodies and national cybersecurity leaders.
• Measure success through engagement quality and strategic value assessments.

3. Program Development & Implementation

• Contribute to the design and execution of NATO’s Cyber Adaptation Roadmap and OCIO Program of Work (POW).
• Provide continuous recommendations to improve performance and ensure alignment with strategic goals.
• Deliver regular progress reports, including an annual assessment.

4. Industry Collaboration & Cyber Innovation

• Develop strategies to engage industry leaders in NATO’s cybersecurity initiatives.
• Facilitate partnerships with private-sector technology providers to accelerate digital transformation.
• Promote industry collaboration with NATO’s Cyber Defence Committee (CDC) and NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA).

5. Support for Key NATO Cybersecurity Initiatives

• Assist in the establishment of the NATO Integrated Cyber Center.
• Define and implement cooperation frameworks between NATO civilian and military structures.
• Provide guidance on NATO’s cybersecurity investments and policy direction.

6. Support for Ad-Hoc Requirements

• Respond to unforeseen urgent tasks as needed.
• Ensure effective execution of critical cybersecurity initiatives.

Candidate Profile

Essential Experience & Skills:

• 7+ years of experience in government agencies or organizations specializing in cybersecurity, cyber defense, or IT modernization.
• In-depth familiarity with NATO cybersecurity governance, policy structures, and military-civilian ICT operations.
• Proven expertise in senior-level diplomatic and political negotiations within national government entities, NATO, or the EU.
• Strong experience in engaging C-suite industry leadership to drive cybersecurity advancements in government settings.
• Track record of advising senior decision-makers on cybersecurity policy and defense IT strategy.
• Project leadership experience in multinational cybersecurity programs.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and strategic planning abilities.
• Fluency in English (NATO SLP 4343) with strong written and oral briefing skills.

Desirable Experience:

• Previous knowledge of NATO’s governance boards and committees.
• Familiarity with national cybersecurity agencies, cyber commands, and NATO cyber adaptation efforts.
• Prior involvement in NATO Enterprise structure, including essential policy and Allied guidance.

Working Conditions

• Work Environment: Secure NATO Headquarters with standard office hours; occasional non-standard hours may be required.
• Travel: Frequent travel to NATO Command Structure locations; reimbursed per NATO’s per diem rates.
• Security Requirements: NATO Secret clearance required; a signed Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) is mandatory.
• Compliance: The contractor must comply with all visa, tax, social security, and national health regulations in Belgium.