Communications & Network Standards Architect.

Spektrum supports apex purchasers (NATO, UN, EU, and National Government and Defence) and their Tier 1 supplier ecosystem with a wide range of specialist services. We provide our clients with professional services, specialised aerospace and defence sales, delivery, and operational subject matter expertise. We are looking for personnel to join our team and support key client projects.

Who we are supporting  

The NATO Communication and Information Agency (NCIA) is responsible for providing secure and effective communications and information technology (IT) services to NATO's member countries and its partners. The agency was established in 2012 and is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.

The NCIA provides a wide range of services, including:

• Cyber Security: The NCIA provides advanced cybersecurity solutions to protect NATO's communication networks and information systems against cyber threats.
• Command and Control Systems: The NCIA develops and maintains the systems used by NATO's military commanders to plan and execute operations.
• Satellite Communications: The NCIA provides satellite communications services to enable secure and reliable communications between NATO forces.
• Electronic Warfare: The NCIA provides electronic warfare services to support NATO's mission to detect, deny, and defeat threats to its communication networks.
• Information Management: The NCIA manages NATO's information technology infrastructure, including its databases, applications, and servers.

Overall, the NCIA plays a critical role in ensuring the security and effectiveness of NATO's communication and information technology capabilities.

The program

Assistance and Advisory Service (AAS)

The NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency) is NATO’s principal C3 capability deliverer and CIS service provider. It provides, maintains and defends the NATO enterprise-wide information technology infrastructure to enable Allies to consult together under Article IV, and, when required, stand together in the face of attack under Article V.

To provide these critical services, in the modern evolving dynamic environment the NCI Agency needs to build and maintain high performance-engaged workforce. The NCI Agency workforce strategically consists of three major categorise's: NATO International Civilians (NIC)'s, Military (Mil), and Interim Workforce Consultants (IWC)'s. The IWCs are a critical part of the overall NCI Agency workforce and make up approximately 15 percent of the total workforce.

Role ID -CDT-0028  

Role Background  

• Cyber Digital Transformation Division (CDT) drives the end-to-end transformation of NATO’s Military and Non-Military Instruments of Power, enabled by digital technologies, to enhance the Alliance’s ability to execute its core tasks in a Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) environment. Increase Alliance Digital Interoperability, support the modernisation of NATO’s Standardization processes, and enable the adoption of data exploitation capabilities and AI. 

• The contractor shall support NATO’s digital transformation by developing and advancing communications architectures and networking standards that enable persistent, secure, and policy-compliant consultation, command, and control networks in support of Multi-Domain Operations (MDO). 

Role Duties and Responsibilities   

The position of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)/Communications and Information Systems (CIS) standards engineering is a professional who is responsible for developing, in some cases maintaining, CIS technical standards. The contractor will be the lead modeller (ArchiMate) of reference architectures, will support in the definition of conformance criteria for NATO communications standards and will contribute to the development of NATO’s communications specifications in meeting NATO’s digital transformation. 

• Modelling Reference Architectures

• The contractor shall have a deep understanding of the use of ArchiMate and modelling to deliver NATO Reference Architectures, with a primary, but not exclusive, focus on the NATO Communications Reference Architecture. 

• Success will be measured by the delivery of the stakeholder-approved NATO Communications Reference Architecture in ArchiMate. 

• Development of NATO CIS Technical Standards

• The contractor shall contribute to the design, development, and maintenance of NATO Standardization Documents related to communications and networking, including STANAGs, Allied Communications Publications (AComP), and Standards Related Documents (SRD) This includes supporting the modernization and development of application layer and routing protocols enabling integration of HF and other BLoS communications systems with IP-based networks. 

• Success will be measured by the delivery and acceptance of draft and final standardization artefacts by relevant governance bodies, demonstrated compliance with NATO standardization processes, and alignment with operational CIS requirements. 

• 3. Development of Conformance Criteria

• The contractor shall define and document conformance criteria for NATO communications systems, with a particular focus on Satellite Communications (SATCOM) specifications. This includes identifying measurable technical criteria that support interoperability and enable system integration early in the development lifecycle. 

• Success will be measured by the delivery of approved conformance criteria within the NATO SATCOM portfolio, evidence of their adoption in system development or integration activities, and validation by relevant stakeholders. 

• 4. Interoperability and Systems Integration Support

• The contractor shall support interoperability across NATO CIS systems by ensuring that developed standards and specifications enable effective integration across communication domains, including BLoS, LoS, SATCOM, and cellular systems. 

• Success will be measured by demonstrated interoperability outcomes, reduction of integration issues identified by stakeholders, and validation of standards within operational or testing environments. 

• Governance, Coordination, and Capability Team Support

• The contractor shall support governance and coordination activities within the DPC sub-structure, NCIA, and standard custodians, ensuring alignment, consistency, and progress of communications standardization efforts. This includes supporting Chairpersons and contributing to structured standardization processes. 

• Success will be measured by documented coordination activities, timely contributions to DPC sub-structure outputs, and stakeholder feedback demonstrating effective collaboration and alignment. 

Essential Skills, Experience and Certifications  

• University degree in a relevant CIS field such a systems science, or equivalent technical qualification. 

• Relevant qualifications in the use of ArchiMate and TOGAF (or relatable framework). 

• At least five (5) years of experience working with NATO CIS technical specifications, including demonstrated knowledge of their application in operational environments. 

• Strong project management skills. 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. 

• Ability to analyze complex technical specifications and translate them into clear, actionable requirements or technical guidance. 

• Knowledge of the NATO Digital Policy Committee (DPC) and its substructure is desirable. 

• Knowledge of NATO standardization artefacts, including STANAGs, Allied Communications Publications (AComP), and Standards Related Documents (SRD), is desirable. 

• Professional certifications in areas such as ITIL, PRINCE2, PMP, or CIS governance are desirable. 

• Analytical thinking (ability to perform complex analyses and develop structured solutions), clarity and accuracy (ability to produce high-quality, error-free work), conceptual thinking (ability to apply and adapt learned concepts), customer-service orientation (taking ownership of issues and ensuring resolution), initiative (ability to act decisively in a time-sensitive and fast-paced environment), and organizationala wareness. 

Working Location  

•   Brussels, Belgium 

Working Policy  

•  On-site 

Travel  

• The contractor will be expected to undertake business travel in support of specification development and coordination with CIS engineering stakeholders across NATO entities. 

• The frequency and duration of travel will depend on operational requirements and tasking needs. 
• Travel expenses will be reimbursed to the individual directly (in addition to the hourly rate) under NATO rules. Travel to SHAPE will not be reimbursed. 

Security Clearance  

•  NATO Secret Security Clearance