Staff Support - Cryptography

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-0023  

Role Duties and Responsibilities   

• Prepare draft documents related to NATO cryptographic device approval and release processes. 

• Provide expertise in the field of cryptography in support of ongoing NATO and national initiatives. 

• Support NATO Enterprise Risk Management, considering and incorporating the cryptographic elements to risks analysis, to support informed decision making. 

• Manage organization of events and develop records of the meetings. 

• Prepare presentations, speeches and speaking notes for senior officials as directed. 

• Provide continuous and quality executive advice to the Staff Officers on the relationship with the NATO cryptographic stakeholders. 

• Manage the cryptographic communities of interest portals and support external engagement. 

Essential Skills, Experience and Certifications  

• A university degree in Computer or Communication Science, Information Management, Information Security, or a related field. 

• Demonstrated experience (5+ years) in post-related field. 

• Possess comprehensive knowledge of the principles network security and symmetric and asymmetric cryptography; including quantum threat to cryptography. 

• It is desirable that the contractor has previous experience with NATO-related cryptographic issues, such as the use of Type A algorithms, symmetric key distribution in a military environment and NATO policies on cryptography and cryptography procurement. 

• Demonstrate experience with risk management as applied to cryptographic and/or cyber security fields, including creation of related artifacts, estimation and evaluation methodologies, risk mitigation planning and escalation process. 

• Knowledge of NATO’s internal structures, decision-making processes, stakeholder environment and civil-military working practices, gained through relevant professional experience is desirable. 

• Possess excellent written and spoken English (SLP 4343+), with the ability to communicate complex technical and policy issues clearly to a range of stakeholders. 

• The contractor must have proven communication and negotiation skills matured within a large international environment. 

• Possession of a valid NATO security clearance required for the assignment. 

Working Location  

• Brussels, Belgium 

Working Policy  

• On-site 

Travel  

• Some travel to other NATO sites may be required 

Security Clearance  

• Valid National or NATO Secret personal security clearance