Hybrid Principal Portfolio Manager

at EMW

• Job title: Principal Portfolio Manager
• Job type: Contract
• Experience level: Lead
• Salary: Not specified
• Degree requirement: No Education Requirement
• Tech skills: PMP
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Brussels, Belgium

About the role

• Principal Portfolio Manager responsible for ICT portfolio management at NCI Agency. Leading innovation and governance, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives across multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• 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

• 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.