Job Description
Deadline Date: Monday 6 April 2026
Requirement: Data Project Manager for CDT Capability Coherence Section
Location: Brussels, BE
Full Time On-Site: No
Time On-Site: 50%
Total Scope of the request (hours): 1350 (estimate)
Required Start Date: 11 May 2026
End Contract Date: 23 December 2026
Required Security Clearance: NATO SECRET
Note: For all Level-of-Effort and Completion-Type requests processed outside of the IWC Value Stream, and for which the contractor will not be reimbursed directly by NHQC3S for travel expenses, additional travel funding shall be allocated on a Not-to-exceed basis when the yearly Option is exercised.
Special Terms and Conditions: The contractor will be responsible for complying with the respective national requirements for working permits, visas, taxes, social security etc. whilst working on site at NATO HQ Brussels, Belgium. No special status is either conferred or implied by the host organisation, NATO HQ Brussels, Belgium to the contractor whilst working on site. The contractor will be responsible for complying with all the respective National Health COVID-19 regulations in Belgium before taking up the position.
1. INTRODUCTION
The NATO Cyber and Digital Transformation (CDT) Division, led by the Assistant Secretary General (ASG), ensures ICT coherence across NATO’s 50+ civil and military bodies, serving over 25,000 users. Reporting to the Secretary General, the ASG oversees enterprise directives and advises on IT acquisition and services.
In 2026, the ASG is prioritizing the transition to a data-driven organization, a strategic initiative to modernize and transform NATO’s approach to utilizing data effectively and enabling AI. This shift is crucial for enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring security, and optimizing costs. By harnessing data-driven strategies and adopting data and AI technology, NATO aims to bolster the Alliance’s warfighting capabilities, aligning with strategic objectives and technological advancements. Linked to cloud migration, this transition will offer scalable resources, advanced technologies, and improved decision-making capabilities while safeguarding classified information’s confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
To achieve this, the CDT seeks expert support for managing and coordinating key data initiatives and improve data governance across NATO. The candidate will act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to guide these initiatives, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and timelines. The contractor will facilitate communication between stakeholders and project teams for seamless collaboration. Additionally, the contractor will help organize and manage data workshops with relevant stakeholders to tackle specific data-related issue, bring coherence and improve data governance aspects. He/she will maintain a comprehensive Data Strategy Roadmap, detailing target architectures, ongoing use cases and strategic milestones.
Furthermore, the contractor will support the Alliance’s Data Sharing Ecosystem (ADSE), addressing not only technical challenges but also those related to processes and people in data exploitation, data management, and data governance. The contractor will follow the NATO Enterprise Data Strategy Action Plan, identifying and implementing mitigation measures to overcome obstacles and providing ongoing support and expertise to resolve emerging issues across these domains.
2. TASKS
The Data Contractor will provide project management, data architecture and analytical support to the Enterprise Architecture team in the CDT Capability Coherence Section to drive the Alliance Data Sharing Ecosystems project.
The scope of this work includes four tasks:
Task 1: Coordination of Alliance Data-Sharing Initiatives
The contractor will focus on fostering alignment and collaboration across NATO’s federated data-sharing initiatives and data related projects (e.g. Alliance Data Sharing Ecosystem).
This includes collaborating with stakeholders from different data domains on the development of a federated data catalogue or marketplace, supporting centralized structures such as reference data systems, and coordinating efforts to ensure consistency across data governance initiatives.
Task 2: Data Governance for NATO
The contractor will support the implementation and refinement of NATO’s data governance framework, focusing on “people, process, and technology” aspects of federated data-sharing and exploitation capabilities. He/She will develop roadmaps to enhance governance practices, improve data quality, and ensure alignment with NATO’s Enterprise Data Strategy.
The contractor will also play a key role in supporting the establishment and effective functioning of the Chief Data Officer (CDO) role within NATO by helping define its supporting governance structure and responsibilities.
Task 3: Data Advisory
Providing subject matter expertise in the field of data on data-related projects is a core element of the contractor’s role. They will contribute technical expertise to key initiatives, such as the Alliance Data Sharing Ecosystem, the federated data catalogue, and the development of NATO’s data platform. This entails gathering requirements, documenting insights, and identifying ways to align technical and operational aspects of data governance and implementation with NATO’s strategic priorities.
The contractor will engage with data communities to facilitate adoption of best practices in the field of data, understand and overcome challenges in NATO’s federated environment, and provide advisory support to enhance data discoverability and collaboration. Additionally, he/she will support efforts to adopt innovative capabilities, such as a data mesh architecture, while contributing to the creation of roadmaps for scalable solutions that improve access to NATO’s data assets.
Task 4: Stakeholder Management, Project Management, and Communications
The contractor shall lead the coordination and steering of flagship data initiatives within CDT, ensuring technical and strategic alignment across the NATO Enterprise and Alliance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Project Planning and Execution: Develop and execute project plans that align with agreed upon mandate in the context of cloud adoption. Manage project timelines, budgets and resources.
- Manage Stakeholder Engagements: Coordinate and manage interactions with key stakeholders - including program teams, security accreditation bodies, business owners, and service providers - to guarantee success in cloud adoption endeavours.
- Risk and compliance management: Identify potential risks, develop mitigations, and proactively address challenges in coordination with senior leadership when required.
3. PROFILE
[See Requirements]
4. LOCATION OF DUTY
The service will be executed through a mix of telework and on-site at the NATO HQ offices in Brussels, Belgium. Limited travels to NATO bodies and Committee meetings in NATO Countries may be required.
5. TIMELINES
The contractor’s services will commence upon contract signature and will continue until 23rd December 2026. Contract extensions are subject to performance of the contractor, budget availibility and related NATO regulations.
6. REPORTING
The contractor reports to the assigned CDT Team Lead. Status reporting can be conducted either on-site at NATO HQ Brussels or through a scheduled conference call, based on what is most effective and feasible. The preference and availability of the CDT assigned Team Lead should be considered in determining the mode of communication.
The contractor shall comply with all general rules, terms, and conditions applicable to working within the CDT at NATO HQ Brussels. This includes security protocols, data protection guidelines, and any specific operational procedures.
7. TRAVEL
Occasional business travel may be required. Travel expenses will be reimbursed to the individual directly (in addition to the hourly rate) under NATO rules.
8. SECURITY AND NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT
The contractor must be in possession of a NATO SECRET security clearance.
A signed Non-Disclosure Agreement will be required.
3. PROFILE
The consultant must have demonstrated knowledge and experience as follows:
Mandatory
- Demonstrated relevant experience (5+ years) in the area of Digital Transformation, specifically in Data Governance, Data Management, Data Engineering and Data Visualization.
- Proven experience in delivering data-related projects delivering clear value in large international organizations, including data platforms.
- Strong communication skills in English with the ability to develop (in written-form) and present complex concepts in a clear and succinct manner.
- The awardee must hold a NATO SECRET Security Clearance.
Desirable
- Experience working in NATO and understanding of relevant NATO policy.
- Experience with market solutions in the domain of data management, data visualization, data catalogs, and data engineering.
- Experience with commercial cloud provider platforms and/or on-premise cloud platforms.
- Proven ability to navigate complex multi-national environments (e.g., NATO/military contexts)
- Understanding of Enterprise Architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF), IT Governance (e.g. COBIT) and service management (ITIL).
