Deadline Date:
Thursday 16 October 2025
Requirement:
Principal Portfolio Manager
Location:
Braine-l'Alleud, BE
Full Time On-Site:
No
Time On-Site:
50%
Total Scope of the request (hours):
465
Required Start Date:
17 November 2025
End Contract Date:
31 December 2025
Required Security Clearance:
NATO SECRET
Duties & Role:
Under the direction of the Principal Administrator (Internal IT), the incumbent is responsible for:
* 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 and schedule 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
Specific Working Conditions:
Monthly travel to The Hague and Brussels.
Requirements
Skill, Knowledge & Experience:
* The candidate must have a currently active NATO SECRET security clearance
* 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
* Language Proficiency: English proficiency, both written and spoken, is essential
Desirable Experience and Education:
* 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 (Management of 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