Director Research, Technology and Innovation (RTI)

The Research, Technology and Innovation (RTI) Director is accountable to the Chief Executive as Head of the RTI Directorate.

Supported by the Heads of Units and Teams, the jobholder will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction to the Agency’s activities in defence research, technology and innovation, supporting Member States in identifying, developing and maturing technologies that respond to current and future defence capability needs.

The RTI Directorate promotes and supports collaborative defence research and innovation at EU level, including through the coordination and management of cooperative R&T activities, the Capability Technology Groups (CapTechs), EU-funded defence research activities and the Hub for EU Defence Innovation. It also ensures the Directorate’s contribution to EDA’s wider capability development and defence initiatives and promotes coherence and synergies with relevant EU and international activities

Reporting to the Chief Executive, the RTI Director will have overall managerial responsibility for the Directorate and provide strategic advice on defence research, technology and innovation. The jobholder will drive cooperation with Member States and engage with EU institutions, industry, research and technology organisations, academia and other relevant stakeholders, ensuring that research and innovation activities contribute effectively to European defence priorities and the development of future military capabilities.

SELECTION CRITERIA

A. Essential

Only applications meeting all essential selection criteria will be assessed.

(1) Professional

The candidate will be required to demonstrate that he/she has:

• a minimum of fifteen (15) years of relevant professional experience, acquired after the award of the academic qualification required as a condition of eligibility;
• professional experience in a managerial position, with a proven track record in leading multinational and multidisciplinary teams at senior and/or middle-management level;
• knowledge and/or experience of the European institutional framework, EU programmes and policies;
• knowledge and experience in defence and its international environment;
• a strong understanding of collaborative research, technology development and innovation, and their contribution to defence capability development;
• sound knowledge of the Defence technological and industrial environment, with experience engaging with relevant stakeholders, industry and research and technology organisations;
• proven experience in providing strategic advice to senior management and representing RTI matters at a high level, both internally and externally;
• a good understanding of the EDA’s main tasks and functions;
• a track record of delivering successful business outcomes;
• a very good command of written and spoken English.

(2) Personal

All staff must be able to fit into the Agency's way of working (see para. 2). Other attributes important for this post include:

• ability to inspire, motivate and develop multidisciplinary teams;
• ability to develop strategic relations with internal and external stakeholders, using negotiation, influencing and diplomatic skills in a complex political and institutional environment;
• result-orientation and strong intrinsic motivation, combined with proactivity and a “can-do” attitude;
• integrity and a genuine commitment to ethical standards and principles in the public service;
• flexibility and innovativeness, with the ability to adapt effectively to changing circumstances;
• excellent analytical skills;
• resilience and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively while maintaining calmness under pressure;
• excellent communication skills, including strong public-speaking, presentation and chairing skills;
• genuine commitment to the Agency’s mission and objectives.