Organisation Summary and Post Context:

The Allied Air Command (AIRCOM) is the Single Service Command (SSC) responsible for delivering Air and Space Power for Alliance Air operations and missions. Provides the core of the NATO Command Structure (NCS) Joint Force Air Component (JFAC), capable to establish suitable Command & Control (C2), to operate as a Joint Task Force (JTF) if so directed by SACEUR, and is the Air C2 competency organisation for the Alliance.

The Operations Directorate is responsible for directing, monitoring and co-ordinating operational staff functions.  Assists and advises COS in the execution of his responsibilities and duties regarding all operational activities.

The Core Joint Force Air Component (C-JFAC) is responsible for providing the nucleus for the NCS JFAC.  Engaged in all JFAC air and space-related projects, tasks and issues with particular focus on preparation and execution of personnel and infrastructure to support the timely stand-up of the NCS JFAC.

The Combat Plans Branch (CPB) provides the nucleus of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in support of Air Command & Control (C2) exercises and is engaged in all Joint Force Air Component (JFAC) air and space-related projects, tasks and issues with particular focus on ensuring appropriate transition planning and training is in place to enable the rapid creation of the NCS JFAC Combat Plans Division (CPD).

The incumbent is responsible for maintaining the HQ operational databases and creating exercises/simulation databases to support the Division mission and acts as the HQ CAX manager.

This post reports to OAC OJPX 0150 – Analyst (Database and Software Design) – A3/G17

Main responsibilities: 

• Collects and populates data in HQ AIRCOM C2 databases for use in both operations and CAX-based exercises.
• Ensures all data is operationally correct and compliant with official data standards as defined in AdatP-3.
• Manages User accounts and Permissions to ensure the integrity & security of the operational data.
• Provides immediate resolution for technical problems when required.
• Maintains configuration control of all operational databases.
• Ensures that all required data links to outside agencies are correctly configured.
• Controls replication of data to other (normally external) databases.
• Organises and conducts User CCIS Operational Training as required.
• Provides continuous support during exercises both to ensure correct function of the CCIS database and to assist users in the operation of the CCIS software.
• Provides on the job training to military database administration assistants to support the operational & training systems.
• Acts as HQ AIRCOM’s technical expert on all computer simulation (CAX) models used by the headquarters in operational training exercises.
• Liaises with external Agencies NCIA/NSPA or Industry Providers for the specification of interfaces from/to JFAC AirC2 in the following domains; Air Policy, Air Defense, Joint Targets and Ballistic Missile Defence as well as their integration within ACCS, AIRC2IS.
• Develops and maintains software tools to provide configuration control of all databases.
• Liaises with outside agencies (typically NCIA) on future CCIS requirements.
• In conjunction with outside agencies, prepares and tests all CAX model databases used in HQ AIRCOM exercises.

Qualifications

• University Degree in information technology, computer science, business administration or related discipline and 2 years function-related experience or, Higher Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training in that discipline leading to a professional qualification/accreditation with 4 years post-related experience.
• At least 3 years experience of military modeling, simulation and war gaming together with expertise on computer systems and related applications.
• Sound understanding of the principles of relational database design with particular regards to the concept of Referential Integrity.
• Advanced knowledge of the UNIX operating system and SQL (Structure Query Language)
• At least 4 years practical experience of working with relational databases and SQL.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft T-SQL (Transact SQL) and Oracle PL/SQL (Procedural language for SQL) is desirable.
• An understanding of the modern concept of military operations, covering the spectrum from peace support to war fighting is an asset.
• A sound understanding of ITIL, preferably demonstrated with V3 Foundation Certificate or ITIL Managers Certificate, is desirable.

Language skills:

English – Good – NATO Standard Proficiency 3333 (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing)

NOTE: The work both oral and written in this post and in this Headquarters is mainly conducted in English.

Personal Attributes and Competencies

Personal Attributes: Requires good interpersonal and professional communications capabilities to work in a military headquarters. Much of the output depends on the ability to work with staff officers to acquire an understanding of problems and situations and develop solutions and implement those solutions. Must understand the staff, its function and the nature of the military operations being conducted. Must be able to brief results succinctly and write effectively. Needs to understand the modern concept of military operations, covering the spectrum from peace support to war fighting. Must have a sound scientific background as well as an inquisitive mind to come up with solutions to difficult problems. Works well under pressure and can cope effectively with a demanding multinational operational military headquarters. Is poised, tactful, cheerful and adaptable.  Must be prepared to perform training / attend courses so that cross-training with the non specialist section members can be performed.

Professional Contacts: Executes duties and functions requiring frequent internal and external contacts including coordination and negotiation with civilian and military authorities.  In representing the HQ, the Database Designer will be expected to influence decisions which will have long term consequences for our CCIS systems.  Although placed within Capabilities Development Branch the post’s responsibilities extend to all operational branches.  The job requires constant communication with key representatives within each of these branches in order to be effective.  Examples of such contacts include liaising with outside agencies to specify, design, implement and operate software interfaces between the HQ AIRCOM CCIS and external agencies operating different CCIS systems. Liaison with NATO agencies such as NCIA, and SSC Kolsaas, as well as national and commercial groups on future CCIS requirements, and on the testing of new CCIS software versions. Liaison with outside agencies to prepare and test all CAX model databases used in HQ AIRCOM exercises, and to identify new requirements, models or tools.

Contribution to the Objective:

This post is critical to the headquarters mission, to conduct efficient, real world operations (or exercises). The function enhances the HQ’s ability to command & control air power.

Special Requirements

The employee may be required to perform a similar range of duties elsewhere within the organisation at the same grade without there being any change to the contract.

The incumbent may be required to undertake deployments in support of military operations and exercises, and/or TDY assignments, both within and without NATO boundaries and be willing to work unsocial hours. Such operational deployment may exceed 30 days duration up to 183 days in any period of 547 days, and may be on short notice. For NATO International Civilian Staff, acceptance of an employment contract linked to this post constitutes agreement to deploy in excess of 30 days if required.

The incumbent may be directed to undertake operational duties supporting AIRCOM in its Air Power projection role, and when HQ AIRCOM executes its role as the NCS JFAC. When COM AIRCOM so directs, personnel will be assigned to a JFAC CE position to support operational tasks within the JFAC structure; this will require that the individual undergoes appropriate training and preparation. The expected deployment location will be HQ AIRCOM at Ramstein Air Base.  Personnel may also be directed to support activities in the framework of delivering Air Power for the Alliance.  All additional operational duties take precedence over peacetime tasks, involve regular/frequent operational training, and may lead to operational deployments or TDY assignments within and beyond NATO boundaries.

The work is normally performed in a normal NATO office working environment. Normal working conditions apply.

The risk of injury is categorised as: No Risk / risk might increase when deployed.

Security Clearance

The successful applicant will be required to apply for and receive a NATO COSMIC TOP SECRET Security Clearance prior to final confirmation of contract and commencement of employment.

Contract

The successful selected candidate must complete a NATO medical examination and have NATO security clearance before an employment offer will be released.  AIRCOM’s medical consultant must confirm the recommended candidate is fit to perform the duties and is deployable to NATO’s regional areas of operation.

In accordance with current policy, newly recruited staff will be offered a three year contract which may be extended, subject to a satisfactory recommendation, to an indefinite duration contract. Serving NATO International Civilian staff will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations.

Recruitment process

Applications are to be submitted using NATO Talent Acquisition Platform (NTAP) (https://nato.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobsearch.ftl?lang-en) Applications submitted by other means (e.g. mail, e-mail, fax, etc) are not accepted.

Essential information must be included in the application form. Particular attention should be given to the Education and Experience sections of the application form.  Each section should be answered completely.  Expressions such as “please see attached CV, please see annex / enclosed document” or invitations to follow links to personal webpages are not acceptable and will be disregarded.

After submitting your application, you will receive an acknowledgement of receipt. In the absence of an acknowledgement, please make sure the submission process is completed or re-submit the application.

Current and past civilians working for NATO or any Coordinated Organization, shall indicate their last grade and step held (next to job title), and specify the name of employing NATO body or Coordinated Organization.

Interviews are tentatively planned for November 2023.