Who we are:

For more than 70 years, NATO’s mission has been to preserve peace and security in the Alliancefor nearly one billion citizens. The NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) and its predecessors have worked tirelessly in providing the means that enable the connectedness and togetherness that keep our Alliance strong. We are the NCIA, a team of 3000 civilian and military staff in 29 locations throughout Europe, North America and Asia.

Our technology and cyber experts allow NATO to conduct critical operations, protect NATO’s airspace, make data-driven decisions, defend against cyber-attacks, secure NATO networks and maintain superiority in space. This is all possible because of our greatest force, our people. In order to keep this edge we aim to hire, train and retain the very best staff.

Our staff members represent both the diversity and unity of our Alliance. When you join the NCIA, you will be part of an organization where you can contribute authentically to the mission and purpose of NATO and help us keep our technological edge.

About the job:

Based in Oeiras you will lead the teams, resources, and programs that keep the NCI Academy at the leading edge of learning and capability development. Working alongside fellow Branch and Section Heads, the role drives shared priorities and ensures every initiative advances the NCI Agency Strategic Plan.

The Head of Learning Innovation & Digital Transformation (internally advertised as Branch Head Learning Innovation & Digital Transformation) is a strategic leader that translates ambition into execution: someone who can steer a diverse portfolio of innovation projects, champion smart use of technology, and deliver lasting learning and development impact across NATO.

Your responsibilities:

  • Set the Branch’s innovation strategy, aligned with the Academy’s mission and the NCIA Strategic Plan.

  • Lead artificial intelligence adoption across learning design, delivery, assessment and workforce analytics.

  • Champion staff-led innovation, creativity and continuous improvement.

  • Transform learning and administrative processes to improve efficiency, quality and value.

  • Guide emerging technology adoption, working with technical partners to ensure strategic alignment and cybersecurity compliance.

  • Manage innovation projects from idea to operational adoption, securing funding and delivering measurable results.

  • Lead change management, empowering staff to embrace new technologies and ways of working.

  • Build cross-functional and external partnerships, and advise senior leadership on innovation priorities.

  • Lead, mentor and develop an inclusive, multidisciplinary team.

For a full list of duties, please review the job description on the NCIA career site.

About you:

The valuable knowledge and experience that you bring to this role are:

  • A Master’s degree at a nationally recognized/certified University in a related discipline (such as Innovation, Technology, Business Administration) and 5 years post-related experience. Or a Bachelor’s degree with 8 years post related experience.

  • Substantial senior leadership experience driving innovation across people, processes and technology.

  • A demonstrated record of leading complex, multidisciplinary innovation projects in a large organization, preferably in education or training.

  • Proven experience managing change and fostering creativity and continuous improvement.

  • Strong understanding of and demonstrable experience with agile project management methodologies, Product Management and Value Management.

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and build strong partnerships.

  • Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

What we offer:

  • Genuinely meaningful work as part of the most successful alliance in history;

  • 5 year contract with competitive tax-free salary and household and children’s allowances;

  • Privileges for expatriate staff including expatriation and education allowances (where appropriate) and additional home leave;

  • Excellent private health insurance scheme;

  • Generous annual leave of 30 days plus official holidays;

  • NATO Pension Scheme;

  • Development programs such as professional training, wellbeing, and more

To learn more about NCIA and our work, please visit our website.

The NCIA prides itself on being an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment of mutual respect and value uniqueness and differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnic or cultural origin, age, religion, sexual orientation and physical or neurocognitive ability.

Additional details on the conditions of application can be found via the NCIA career site.


At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.