- International Staff, NATO HQ
- Brussels, Belgium (Remote)
- Full-time
Officer, Digital Backbone CIS and Cybersecurity
- International Staff, NATO HQ
Brussels, Belgium
Full-time
Published:
Application Deadline: March 30, 2025
- International Staff, NATO HQ
Brussels, Belgium
Full-time
Published:
Application Deadline: March 30, 2025
SUMMARY:
The NATO Office of Resources (NOR) provides independent and integrated expert advice to the Secretary General, NATO Resource Committees, Allies, and other stakeholders on the planning, allocation and utilisation of military common funding made available to achieve NATO’s goals and objectives.
The NOR advice is based on sound judgement underpinned by facts, figures, expertise and knowledge. It follows NATO policies, procedures and standards, and is independent of external stakeholder’s viewpoints. It supports efficient and effective use of public funds by assessing the policy compliance, eligibility, affordability, technical viability, and lifecycle implications of military requirements and proposed solutions. Furthermore, the NOR facilitates resource-informed political decision-making.
Within the NOR, the Communications and Information Systems (CIS) and Cyber Capabilities Branch provides technical, financial, economic, and political advice and support regarding implementation of NATO common-funded CIS and Cyber capabilities, in particular regarding capital investments under the NATO Security Investment Programme (NSIP) and operations & maintenance funded by the NATO Military Budget.
The CIS and Cyber Capabilities Branch covers various domains of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) including security, cyber-defence and service management and control aspects. The work of the Branch is focused on providing governance expert advice and facilitating the planning, programming and operations and maintenance of modern digital CIS, including CIS security and Cyber aspects, as well as on ICT service provisioning in support of the NATO Command Structure in both static and deployed environments including military operations in Article 5 and non-Article 5 situations.
The Officer, Digital Backbone CIS and Cybersecurity manages, under direction and guidance from the Branch Head, a portfolio of hardware and software packages in the areas of Communication Services, Core Services and Cybersecurity aimed at improving the Command and Control capabilities of the Alliance. They coordinate with other stakeholders, provide guidance to the Capability Management Function, and provide advice to the Resources Committees in all aspects related to their portfolio.
The Officer works in close coordination with other staff officers to identify and manage interdependencies and commonalities among the major projects and budgets related to the Digital Backbone. They also work in close coordination with other NOR branches and all NATO stakeholders involved in common funded capability delivery.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
Essential
The incumbent must:
Desirable
The following would be considered as an advantage:
MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Project Management
Manage at programme level the full life cycle of projects in the areas of Communication Services, Core Services and Cybersecurity and coordinate with other Staff Officers as required. In their responsibility for projects and programmes, prepare and present reports to the Resource Policy and Planning Board (RPPB) for programming approval of groups of projects needed to achieve an area of military capability. These reports address investment and operation and maintenance implications as well as implementation schedules and technical appraisals. Prepare and present programme implementation plans, project implementation reports and capability area status reports to the Investment Committee (IC) and other NATO bodies. Prepare and present reports and seek authorisation for project implementation from the IC. Liaise with the Strategic Commands on the timeliness and quality of project implementation. Provide technical advice and liaise with NATO Military Authorities and host nations for NATO projects.
Expertise Development
Provide expert advice to stakeholders in committees, national delegations and authorities of member nations, NATO agencies, as well as military authorities at various levels on NATO capabilities and related resource issues in the areas of Communication Services, Core Services and Cybersecurity. Conduct technical meetings with civilian and military staff of member nations considering projects and associated engineering required by the Strategic Commanders. Advise and collaborate with other staff and programme coordinators engaged in defining cost-effective ways of meeting military requirements. Apply engineering skills, with a good understanding of NATO’s political environment, within the wider context of NATO’s common funded activities. Present and defend the assessment on costing and technical solutions before the NATO resource committees, the NATO Military Authorities and the NATO Agencies.
Policy Development
Contribute to policy development on NATO military common-funded resources through the provision of expert technical advice as required. Determine the impact of existing policies and architectures on the design and implementation of NATO projects. Produce and present screening reports on the submitted military requirement, proposed technical solution, implementation plans and resource estimates, to the NATO resources and other committees.
Stakeholder Management
Develop coordination between all NATO bodies and national authorities leading or supporting the implementation of NATO capability projects. Proactively develop a network of stakeholders to ensure that the resource-impact of decisions is considered as early as possible. Assist, as directed, in the formulation of technical architectures and standards that guide participating nations of the Alliance. Act as Chairperson of Joint Final Inspection and Formal Acceptance (JFAI) teams and prepare reports, which recommend acceptance.
Knowledge Management
Contribute to knowledge management through systems and processes with relevant technical and project/system management expertise on projects funded by NATO. Contribute an expert view on the appropriate technology and systems required to manage project work effectively.
Financial Management
Review costed project proposals and Initial Budget Estimates, screen the submissions and requests for funds for compliance with NATO policy. Monitor and report on the funding profiles and expenditures profiles of projects/systems or groups of projects/systems at all stages during their life cycle. Liaise with the Strategic Commanders for the preparation of and screen Initial Budget Estimates for the Operation & Maintenance of relevant systems. Prepare and present reports on budgetary issues related to these systems to the Budget Committee.
Representation of the Organization
Act as Chairperson of various technical meetings representing the NATO Office of Resources. Represent NATO as a technical expert and advisor during site visits and inspections of project implementation as well as in other circumstances linked to the assessment, design or implementation of NATO-funded projects and programmes. Conduct and lead meetings on NATO common-funded projects involving different stakeholders from NATO member nations, NATO Military Authorities and NATO Agencies, at different work and management levels. Perform any other related duty as assigned.
INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
The incumbent reports to the CIS and Cyber Capabilities Branch Head through the Head, Technical Team and Coordination. They must be able to operate with diplomacy and tact in a multinational environment where decisions are reached by consensus among NATO Member Nations. They participate in, leads and advises during discussions with national Delegations and Authorities of member countries. The incumbent also liaises with appropriate NATO Agencies, NATO Military Authorities and national Authorities at Ministries of Defence and other members of the International Staff.
COMPETENCIES:
The incumbent must demonstrate:
CONTRACT:
Contract to be offered to the successful applicant (if non-seconded): Definite duration contract of three years; possibility of renewal for up to three years, during which the incumbent may apply for conversion to an indefinite duration contract.
Contract clause applicable
NOTE: Irrespective of previous qualifications and experience, candidates for twin-graded posts will be appointed at the lower grade. Advancement to the higher grade is not automatic, and will not normally take place during the first three years of service in the post. Under specific circumstances, serving staff members may be appointed directly to the higher grade, and a period of three years might be reduced by up to twenty four months for external candidates. These circumstances are described in the IS directive on twin-graded posts.
USEFUL INFORMATION REGARDING APPLICATION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS:
Please note that we can only accept applications from nationals of NATO member countries. Applications must be submitted using e-recruitment system, as applicable:
Before you apply to any position, we encourage you to click here and watch our video providing 6 tips to prepare you for your application and recruitment process. Do you have questions on the application process in the system and not sure how to proceed? Click here for a video containing the information you need to successfully submit your application on time.
More information about the recruitment process and conditions of employment, can be found at our website ( http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/recruit-hq-e.htm ).
Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance (provided by the national Authorities of the selected candidate), approval of the candidate’s medical file by the NATO Medical Adviser, verification of your study(ies) and work experience, and the successful completion of the accreditation and notification process by the relevant authorities.
NATO will not accept any phase of the recruitment and selection prepared, in whole or in part, by means of generative artificial-intelligence (AI) tools, including and without limitation to chatbots, such as Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (Chat GPT), or other language generating tools. NATO reserves the right to screen applications to identify the use of such tools. All applications prepared, in whole or in part, by means of such generative or creative AI applications may be rejected without further consideration at NATO’s sole discretion, and NATO reserves the right to take further steps in such cases as appropriate.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
For information about the NATO Single Salary Scale (Grading, Allowances, etc.) please visit our website. Detailed data is available under the Salary and Benefits tab.
The NATO Office of Resources (NOR) provides independent and integrated expert advice to the Secretary General, NATO Resource Committees, Allies, and other stakeholders on the planning, allocation and utilisation of military common funding made available to achieve NATO’s goals and objectives.
The NOR advice is based on sound judgement underpinned by facts, figures, expertise and knowledge. It follows NATO policies, procedures and standards, and is independent of external stakeholder’s viewpoints. It supports efficient and effective use of public funds by assessing the policy compliance, eligibility, affordability, technical viability, and lifecycle implications of military requirements and proposed solutions. Furthermore, the NOR facilitates resource-informed political decision-making.
Within the NOR, the Communications and Information Systems (CIS) and Cyber Capabilities Branch provides technical, financial, economic, and political advice and support regarding implementation of NATO common-funded CIS and Cyber capabilities, in particular regarding capital investments under the NATO Security Investment Programme (NSIP) and operations & maintenance funded by the NATO Military Budget.
The CIS and Cyber Capabilities Branch covers various domains of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) including security, cyber-defence and service management and control aspects. The work of the Branch is focused on providing governance expert advice and facilitating the planning, programming and operations and maintenance of modern digital CIS, including CIS security and Cyber aspects, as well as on ICT service provisioning in support of the NATO Command Structure in both static and deployed environments including military operations in Article 5 and non-Article 5 situations.
The Officer, Digital Backbone CIS and Cybersecurity manages, under direction and guidance from the Branch Head, a portfolio of hardware and software packages in the areas of Communication Services, Core Services and Cybersecurity aimed at improving the Command and Control capabilities of the Alliance. They coordinate with other stakeholders, provide guidance to the Capability Management Function, and provide advice to the Resources Committees in all aspects related to their portfolio.
The Officer works in close coordination with other staff officers to identify and manage interdependencies and commonalities among the major projects and budgets related to the Digital Backbone. They also work in close coordination with other NOR branches and all NATO stakeholders involved in common funded capability delivery.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
Essential
The incumbent must:
- Have a university degree in computer science, communications engineering, electronic engineering, cybersecurity or very closely related science/engineering from an institute of a recognised standing;
- Have at least 8 years of experience working in modern ICT systems over the entire lifecycle, out of which at least 5 years of experience working with Communication Services, Core Information Services or Cybersecurity;
- Have extensive demonstrated experience as a system or project manager of modern ICT systems, be able to apply their knowledge and skills within NATO’s political environment and the military common-funding processes and procedures;
- Have excellent communication, drafting and presentation skills;
- Possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): V (“Advanced”) in one; I (“Beginner”) in the other.
Desirable
The following would be considered as an advantage:
- Master’s degree in computer science, communication engineering, electronic engineering or very closely related science/engineering field; from an accredited university;
- Experience in NATO common funding policies, procedures and processes;
- Experience in support of military deployments in operational areas;
- Rxperience in outsourcing and implementation of ICT services;
- Recognised industry cybersecurity certification (e.g., CISSP, CISA, CISM, etc.);
- Prince2 and ITIL certifications (or equivalent).
MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Project Management
Manage at programme level the full life cycle of projects in the areas of Communication Services, Core Services and Cybersecurity and coordinate with other Staff Officers as required. In their responsibility for projects and programmes, prepare and present reports to the Resource Policy and Planning Board (RPPB) for programming approval of groups of projects needed to achieve an area of military capability. These reports address investment and operation and maintenance implications as well as implementation schedules and technical appraisals. Prepare and present programme implementation plans, project implementation reports and capability area status reports to the Investment Committee (IC) and other NATO bodies. Prepare and present reports and seek authorisation for project implementation from the IC. Liaise with the Strategic Commands on the timeliness and quality of project implementation. Provide technical advice and liaise with NATO Military Authorities and host nations for NATO projects.
Expertise Development
Provide expert advice to stakeholders in committees, national delegations and authorities of member nations, NATO agencies, as well as military authorities at various levels on NATO capabilities and related resource issues in the areas of Communication Services, Core Services and Cybersecurity. Conduct technical meetings with civilian and military staff of member nations considering projects and associated engineering required by the Strategic Commanders. Advise and collaborate with other staff and programme coordinators engaged in defining cost-effective ways of meeting military requirements. Apply engineering skills, with a good understanding of NATO’s political environment, within the wider context of NATO’s common funded activities. Present and defend the assessment on costing and technical solutions before the NATO resource committees, the NATO Military Authorities and the NATO Agencies.
Policy Development
Contribute to policy development on NATO military common-funded resources through the provision of expert technical advice as required. Determine the impact of existing policies and architectures on the design and implementation of NATO projects. Produce and present screening reports on the submitted military requirement, proposed technical solution, implementation plans and resource estimates, to the NATO resources and other committees.
Stakeholder Management
Develop coordination between all NATO bodies and national authorities leading or supporting the implementation of NATO capability projects. Proactively develop a network of stakeholders to ensure that the resource-impact of decisions is considered as early as possible. Assist, as directed, in the formulation of technical architectures and standards that guide participating nations of the Alliance. Act as Chairperson of Joint Final Inspection and Formal Acceptance (JFAI) teams and prepare reports, which recommend acceptance.
Knowledge Management
Contribute to knowledge management through systems and processes with relevant technical and project/system management expertise on projects funded by NATO. Contribute an expert view on the appropriate technology and systems required to manage project work effectively.
Financial Management
Review costed project proposals and Initial Budget Estimates, screen the submissions and requests for funds for compliance with NATO policy. Monitor and report on the funding profiles and expenditures profiles of projects/systems or groups of projects/systems at all stages during their life cycle. Liaise with the Strategic Commanders for the preparation of and screen Initial Budget Estimates for the Operation & Maintenance of relevant systems. Prepare and present reports on budgetary issues related to these systems to the Budget Committee.
Representation of the Organization
Act as Chairperson of various technical meetings representing the NATO Office of Resources. Represent NATO as a technical expert and advisor during site visits and inspections of project implementation as well as in other circumstances linked to the assessment, design or implementation of NATO-funded projects and programmes. Conduct and lead meetings on NATO common-funded projects involving different stakeholders from NATO member nations, NATO Military Authorities and NATO Agencies, at different work and management levels. Perform any other related duty as assigned.
INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
The incumbent reports to the CIS and Cyber Capabilities Branch Head through the Head, Technical Team and Coordination. They must be able to operate with diplomacy and tact in a multinational environment where decisions are reached by consensus among NATO Member Nations. They participate in, leads and advises during discussions with national Delegations and Authorities of member countries. The incumbent also liaises with appropriate NATO Agencies, NATO Military Authorities and national Authorities at Ministries of Defence and other members of the International Staff.
- Direct reports: N/A;
- Indirect reports: N/A.
COMPETENCIES:
The incumbent must demonstrate:
- Achievement: Creates own measures of excellence and improves performance;
- Analytical Thinking: Sees multiple relationships;
- Change Leadership: Expresses vision for change;
- Impact and Influence: Uses indirect influence;
- Initiative: Is decisive in a time-sensitive situation;
- Organisational Awareness: Understands organisational politics;
- Teamwork: Solicits inputs and encourages others.
CONTRACT:
Contract to be offered to the successful applicant (if non-seconded): Definite duration contract of three years; possibility of renewal for up to three years, during which the incumbent may apply for conversion to an indefinite duration contract.
Contract clause applicable
- In accordance with the contract policy, this is a post in which turnover is desirable for political reasons in order to be able to accommodate the Organisation's need to carry out its tasks as mandated by the Nations in a changing environment, for example by maintaining the flexibility necessary to shape the Organisation's skills profile, and to ensure appropriate international diversity;
- The maximum period of service foreseen in this post is 6 years. The successful applicant will be offered a 3-year definite duration contract, which may be renewed for a further period of up to 3 years. However, according to the procedure described in the contract policy the incumbent may apply for conversion to an indefinite contract during the period of renewal and no later than one year before the end of contract;
- If the successful applicant is seconded from the national administration of one of NATO’s member States, a 3-year definite duration contract will be offered, which may be renewed for a further period of up to 3 years subject also to the agreement of the national authority concerned. The maximum period of service in the post as a seconded staff member is six years;
- Serving staff will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations.
NOTE: Irrespective of previous qualifications and experience, candidates for twin-graded posts will be appointed at the lower grade. Advancement to the higher grade is not automatic, and will not normally take place during the first three years of service in the post. Under specific circumstances, serving staff members may be appointed directly to the higher grade, and a period of three years might be reduced by up to twenty four months for external candidates. These circumstances are described in the IS directive on twin-graded posts.
USEFUL INFORMATION REGARDING APPLICATION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS:
Please note that we can only accept applications from nationals of NATO member countries. Applications must be submitted using e-recruitment system, as applicable:
- For NATO civilian staff members only: Please apply via the internal recruitment portal (link);
- For all other applications: www.nato.int/recruitment.
Before you apply to any position, we encourage you to click here and watch our video providing 6 tips to prepare you for your application and recruitment process. Do you have questions on the application process in the system and not sure how to proceed? Click here for a video containing the information you need to successfully submit your application on time.
More information about the recruitment process and conditions of employment, can be found at our website ( http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/recruit-hq-e.htm ).
Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance (provided by the national Authorities of the selected candidate), approval of the candidate’s medical file by the NATO Medical Adviser, verification of your study(ies) and work experience, and the successful completion of the accreditation and notification process by the relevant authorities.
NATO will not accept any phase of the recruitment and selection prepared, in whole or in part, by means of generative artificial-intelligence (AI) tools, including and without limitation to chatbots, such as Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (Chat GPT), or other language generating tools. NATO reserves the right to screen applications to identify the use of such tools. All applications prepared, in whole or in part, by means of such generative or creative AI applications may be rejected without further consideration at NATO’s sole discretion, and NATO reserves the right to take further steps in such cases as appropriate.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- NATO is committed to diversity and inclusion, and strives to provide equal access to employment, advancement and retention, independent of gender, age, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, cultural background, sexual orientation, and disability. NATO welcomes applications of nationals from all member Nations, and strongly encourages women to apply;
- Building Integrity is a key element of NATO’s core tasks. As an employer, NATO values commitment to the principles of integrity, transparency and accountability in accordance with international norms and practices established for the defence and related security sector. Selected candidates are expected to be role models of integrity, and to promote good governance through ongoing efforts in their work;
- Due to the broad interest in NATO and the large number of potential candidates, telephone or e-mail enquiries cannot be dealt with;
- Applicants who are not successful in this competition may be offered an appointment to another post of a similar nature, albeit at the same or a lower grade, provided they meet the necessary requirements;
- The nature of this position may require the staff member at times to be called upon to travel for work and/or to work outside normal office hours;
- The organization offers several work-life policies including Teleworking and Flexible Working arrangements (Flexitime) subject to business requirements;
- Please note that the International Staff at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium is a non-smoking environment.
For information about the NATO Single Salary Scale (Grading, Allowances, etc.) please visit our website. Detailed data is available under the Salary and Benefits tab.
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