Chief Cybersecurity and Innovation Officer

Chief Cybersecurity and Innovation Officer

ECCC - European Cybersecurity Industrial, Technology and Research Competence Centre

Bucharest, Romania

About the job

Unlock your potential as the Chief Cybersecurity and Innovation Officer at the ECCC. As the Chief Cybersecurity and Innovation Officer you will be contributing to the strategic direction and technological advancement of Europe’s cybersecurity ecosystem. In this role, you will provide high -level advice on cybersecurity policy, innovation, and emerging technologies, supporting informed decision -making and ensuring alignment with the Centre’s strategic priorities.

Working closely with the Executive Director, ECCC Teams, Governing Board, and key advisory bodies, you will lead the innovation pipeline for major projects, monitor technological trends and threats, and foster collaboration across EU Member States and stakeholders. You will represent the ECCC in high -level forums, promote best practices and innovation uptake, and support the implementation of cybersecurity initiatives that strengthen Europe’s technological autonomy and capacity.

Duties and responsibilities

Your responsibilities will encompass a broad range of tasks, including but not limited to:

• Provide high -level strategic advice on cybersecurity policy, key stakeholder engagement and technology development to the Executive Director and Governing Board;
• Lead the innovation pipeline for HEP and DEP projects providing strategic advice on the areas of research and implementation taking into account market feedback, technological roadmaps and other available sources;
• Continuously monitor global and European cybersecurity technology trends, emerging threats, and innovation breakthroughs, considering geopolitical scenarios, to inform strategic decision -making and operational priorities;
• Represent the ECCC at high -level conferences, workshops, and forums, delivering speeches and presentations to promote the Centre’s mission, initiatives, and achievements;
• Represent the ECCC in inter -institutional and external stakeholder meetings, fostering partnerships across EU Member States and European institutions and other International Stakeholders;
• Oversee the monitoring and analysis of cybersecurity research activities across EU Member States and international partners, identifying opportunities for collaboration and technology transfer;
• Promote and facilitate the adoption of cybersecurity best practices, standards, and technological showcases among stakeholders including industry, academia, and public authorities;
• Support the formulation, implementation, and monitoring of cybersecurity projects and innovation initiatives within the EU cybersecurity community and industry partners;
• Manage resources and lead teams to deliver excellence and efficiency in cybersecurity capacity building and technological autonomy projects;
• Support communication and dissemination of cybersecurity best practices, reports, and results internally and externally;
• Lead initiatives to communicate success stories, pilot projects, and innovation milestones internally and externally to bolster the EU cybersecurity ecosystem.

The selected candidate may be required to undertake additional responsibilities as directed by the Executive Director, adapting to the evolving needs and structure of the ECCC .

Eligibility and selection criteria

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible, you need to meet the following formal criteria, which need to be fulfilled by the deadline for applications:

General Conditions

• Have the nationality of one of the EU Member States;
• Produce the appropriate character references;
• Be physically fit to perform your duties; fulfilled any obligations imposed by the applicable laws on military service of your country of nationality.

Education

• Have a level of education which corresponds to four years or more university degree; or
• Have a level of education which corresponds to completed university studies attested by a diploma, followed by at least one year full -time professional experience, when the normal period of university education is at least three years.

Professional Experience

• Have at least 15 years of proven full -time professional experience relevant to the duties after the award of the qualification certifying the completion of the level studies required as a condition of eligibility as above;

Languages

• You have a thorough knowledge (C1 level) of one of the 24 EU official languages and a satisfactory knowledge (B2 level) of another EU official language for the performance of your duties.

Selection criteria

Candidates will be considered for the selection phase on the basis of the following criteria, to be fulfilled on the closing date for applications:

Essential

• At least 10 years professional experience in tasks and responsibilities comparable to those described under “Duties and responsibilities”;
• Strong knowledge of EU cybersecurity policy frameworks, technological innovation, industrial policy, and capacity -building initiatives;
• Good understanding of the geopolitical landscape and its impact on technology and on cybersecurity innovation;
• Proven experience in advising senior leadership and contributing to strategic decision -making processes;
• Demonstrated ability to analyse complex technological and policy developments and translate them into actionable strategic insights;
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly to both technical and non -technical audiences;
• Excellent command of English (C1 level or equivalent), both written and spoken.

Advantageous

• Master’s degree or PhD in cybersecurity, computer science, engineering, or a related field;
• Experience working in a Research and Innovation role with in EU institutions, industry, or international organisations;
• Experience in managing innovation programmes or R&I (Research and Innovation) projects in cybersecurity or related fields including the Defense sector.

Moreover, the following competencies will be assessed during the selection process

• Strong motivation to join the ECCC and to carry out the assigned tasks with commitment and professionalism;
• Leadership and team management skills, with the ability to provide direction, motivate teams, and deliver results;
• Strategic thinking and problem -solving, with the ability to support and shape organisational priorities;
• Strong networking, stakeholder engagement, and partnership -building skills across public and private sectors.