Head of Centre, UAS Training and Operations

We are setting up a joint NATO/EU–Ukrainian UAV training centre based in Norway. It will offer realistic training and testing, including flying under electronic warfare (EW) and GNSS jamming. The centre combines Ukrainian combat experience with European standards. It will train, test and demonstrate unmanned systems for armed forces, the Home Guard, government agencies and industry. We are looking for an experienced military leader who can build the centre from the ground up and make it operational. This person will represent the centre to the Norwegian defence and drone communities. Head of Centre will lead the team of pilots and instructors, and make sure training, testing and demonstrations are delivered safely and to a high standard. Flying personally is a strong advantage, but it is not required. In this role, you will: • Launch and lead the centre: set up the organisation, recruit the team, plan operations and handle safety and daily running. • Recruit, lead and support the pilots and instructors who deliver training, test flights and customer demonstrations. • Oversee course content, instructor standards and quality of delivery. • Build relationships with the Armed Forces, Home Guard, defence procurement and research bodies, ranges and industry. • Work closely with Ukrainian instructors and international partners. • Make sure all activity follows aviation, security and export-control rules. Who we are looking for: • Former Norwegian Armed Forces officer or senior NCO with approximately 10+ years of service, including significant command or leadership responsibility. Background in the Army, Special Forces, ISR, artillery, or air defence is preferred. • Demonstrated experience establishing and delivering new military units, capabilities, training programs, exercises, or operational projects. Ideally from concept through implementation. • Proven ability to lead specialist teams and take responsibility for planning, personnel, resources, budgets, delivery, and results. • Experience designing, organizing, or leading military training, courses, exercises, or capability-development programs. • Current or recently held security clearance under the Norwegian Security Act at minimum SECRET/NATO SECRET, with willingness to undergo renewed security vetting. Must demonstrate a high level of integrity and discretion when handling sensitive information. • An active professional network within the Norwegian Armed Forces, Home Guard, Special Forces community, defence industry, test and evaluation environments, or relevant government agencies. • Hands-on experience operating small tactical drones and FPV systems is highly desirable, ideally including instructor experience. Candidates without prior flying experience must be willing to learn. Experience with drone or counter-UAS units, programs, procurement, or capability development is an advantage. • Familiarity with BVLOS operations, night and thermal flying, and drone operations in GPS-denied or electronic-warfare environments is preferred. Knowledge of EU civil drone qualifications—such as A1/A3, A2, and STS—or SORA risk assessments is an advantage. • Experience with test and evaluation, customer demonstrations, defense-industry collaboration, multinational or NATO operations, or Ukraine-related programs is desirable. Familiarity with export-control requirements and licensing for training foreign nationals on military technology is an advantage. • Native-level Norwegian and fluent English are required, together with a willingness to travel regularly within Europe. The successful candidate should be credible with soldiers, senior officers, and commercial customers; be structured, proactive, and comfortable building new capabilities; and demonstrate respect for Ukrainian co