Chief Data Officer

Who We Are The NCIA exists for one reason: to ensure the Alliance can communicate securely and reliably, whether in critical political consultations or during complex military operations. We are a key enabler of NATO’s core mission to keep one billion people safe. Our technology and cyber experts power NATO’s digital capabilities. From data-driven decision making and secure networks to resilient operations and mission execution across land, air, sea, cyber and space domains. Our people make this mission possible. Join a team of 3500 civilian and military staff across 30 locations throughout Europe, North America and Asia. The Role Impact As Chief Data Officer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping how data, AI, and operational information drive NATO’s decision-making and mission effectiveness. This is a highly strategic leadership role at the intersection of technology, operations, and intelligence. Acting as the NCIA’s authority on data and AI, you will ensure that information is treated as a critical strategic asset - enabling better situational awareness, faster decision-making, and stronger interoperability across the NATO enterprise. You will define how data is governed, integrated, and exploited at scale, ensuring that systems are built on consistent, secure, and future-ready foundations. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will help position data and AI as key enablers of NATO’s transformation and operational advantage. What You’ll Do • Embody and role model the NCIA culture principles of Customer First, Together and Impact • Lead with the customer at the center of every decision, build bridges across organizational pillars and drive delivery with the ownership and pace the mission demands • Build and lead a cohesive, multicultural and multidisciplinary team, promoting excellence, the highest professional standards and inspiring work environments that enable managers and staff to develop their full potential • Define and lead the enterprise data strategy, vision, and governance framework across the NCIA • Establish and enforce data standards, including ownership, quality, metadata, and lifecycle management • Oversee data quality, issue resolution, and continuous improvement processes • Define and evolve data architectures supporting enterprise and operational (C4ISR/cyber) needs • Ensure data supports military workflows, situational awareness, and decision-making across domains • Lead the design of data platforms, analytics pipelines, and AI-enabled capabilities • Drive interoperability standards, enabling secure data sharing across NATO, Allies, and partners • Promote reusable, scalable, and modular data architecture patterns across programs For a full list of duties, please review the job description on the NCIA career site. Who You Are • A senior executive leader with 15+ years (holding a Master’s degree) or 20+ years (holding a Bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in complex technical organizations • Proven experience leading large, multidisciplinary data organizations (data engineering, analytics, governance, AI) • A strong track record of defining and executing enterprise data strategies aligned to organizational goals • Demonstrated success delivering data transformation programs (e.g. modernization, cloud platforms, data democratization) • Experience evolving organizations from data silos to integrated, enterprise-wide ecosystems • Deep expertise in data governance frameworks • Experience establishing and scaling data operating models (centralized, federated, or hybrid) • Strong understanding of modern data technologies, including: o Cloud-based data platforms o Data integration and pipelines o APIs and real-time data processing • Experience working in close partnership with CIO and enterprise architecture functions • Excellent communication and influencing skills, with experience in senior and politically complex environments • Proven experience in managing large, diverse and multidisciplinary teams, successfully employing modern, inspirational leadership practices If you are a visionary data and AI leader who thrives in complex environments and is passionate about turning information into strategic advantage, this is a unique opportunity to shape how NATO leverages data to deliver mission success. What Do We Offer? • Genuinely meaningful work as part of the most successful alliance in history • Initial three year contract with a competitive monthly tax-free salary and household and children’s allowances • Privileges for staff including expatriation and home leave (where applicable), as well as education allowances • Excellent private health insurance scheme • Generous annual leave of 30 days plus official holidays • Retirement Pension Plan To learn more about our mission and goals at the NCIA, 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.