The NATO Communications and Information Systems Group (NCISG) is looking for an Analyst/Expert (Special Systems) to serve as COI Services Engineer/Analyst and technical advisor for NCISG in the specific domain of Special Systems services. The position will entail leading of the COI Services Working Group and COI Services Support Team for the planning, preparation and execution of COI Services during operations and exercises.

GENERAL BACKGROUND:

NCISG conducts CIS operational planning and provides deployed/deployable CIS services and support in support of NATO military operations and exercises. The NATO CIS Group is located at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) the Headquarters of Allied Command Operations (ACO), one of the two major military commands of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

POST DESCRIPTION:

Location: Casteau/Mons, 60 Km south of Brussels (Belgium)

Division: J2/J6 Division

Post Context/Post Summary

The J2/6 Division is the technical coordination authority for Deployable Communication Information Systems and is responsible for the operational integration, coordination, direction and provision of required technical services for the NATO Communications Information Systems Group and NATO Signal Battalions.

The Deployable Community of Interest Services Support Branch (DCOI) is responsible as the NCISG DCOI Services technical authority to plan, prepare and execute lifecycle management activities for all deployable COI Services matters within NCISG.

The Deployable Community of Interest Services Engineering Section coordinates, validates, integrates and ensures implementation of all Community of Interest (COI) architectures for operations and exercises.

The incumbent is responsible to the Head DCOI Services Engineering Unit for the COI Services engineering and advisory tasks in the specific domain of Special Systems services.

Principal Duties

The incumbent’s duties are:

a. Acts as COI Services Engineer/Analyst and technical advisor for NCISG in the specific domain of Special Systems services.

b. Leads the COI Services Working Group and COI Services Support Team for the planning, preparation and execution of COI Services during operations and exercises.

c. Leads the COI Services (Special Systems) architecture development for mission networks engineered during operations and exercises.

d. Co-ordinates, collates and validates the special systems requirements for COI Services. Liaises with ACO OPS Directorates, ACT C4I, NATO C&I Agency, NATO HQ and subordinate commands regarding the definition of Special Systems requirements.

e. Develops and executes the exercise/operation lessons learnt analysis for the identification of Special Systems capability shortfalls and initiate appropriate actions to address them.

f. Co-ordinates and provides inputs concerning DCOI services for Special Systems to ACO operational concepts and plans.

g. Ensures compliance of ACO Special Systems COI requirements with applicable NATO and/or civilian standards and architectures including security requirements.

h. Provides overall technical direction and guidance on Special Systems services to engineers and technicians in NCISG HQ and subordinate Battalions.

i. Analyses and evaluates the definition and the design of assigned special systems to achieve required effectiveness within planned schedules.

j. Analyses end user requirements related to DCOI services for Special Systems support.

k. Co-ordinates COI Services engineering aspects of current operations with external entities, including NATO C&I Agency and nations.

Special Requirements and Additional Duties

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.

Mandatory Deployment Post. 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. 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 work is normally performed in a Normal NATO office working environment / secure office environment with artificial light and air (e.g. Bunker).

Normal Working Conditions apply.

The risk of injury is categorised as: No Risk.

Essential Qualifications

a. Professional/Experience

The incumbent must possess the technical knowledge, skills. Experience and abilities required to successfully perform the duties of the post.

1. Experience in the operational business processes of Special Systems services (Geographical services, Meteorological services, and Business Support applications).

2. A minimum of four years’ experience in Web platforms and database management.

3. A minimum of four years’ experience in Application Support.

4. A minimum of three years’ experience in Core Information Systems. This includes Windows Server, Active directory, Domain Naming, Group Policies, Desktop deployment and Virtualization.

5. Good knowledge of system interoperability, LAN/WAN and network concepts.

6. A solid knowledge in Service Management, including incident, configuration and change management processes and procedures.

7. Practical experience in creating system documentation and status reports.

b. Education/Training

University Degree in business administration, engineering, economics, public administration, operations research, business process engineering 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 or professional accreditation with 4 years post related experience.

c. Language

English – SLP 3333 (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing)

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

Desirable Qualifications

a. Professional Experience

1. Experience in CIS planning on NATO exercises.

2. Project management skills, and ability to handle multiple projects at a time.

3. Knowledge of risk management procedures.

4. Experience in the development/management of DBMS (SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL).

5. Experience in Web development, management of MS SharePoint and Apache IIS.

6. Experience in the use of UNIX/Linux systems.

b. Education/Training

• MCSA or MCSE Certification.

• COBIT 5 Foundation Certification.

• Risk Management Certification.

• NATO Comprehensive Operations Planning Course (JPL-OP-3555) provided by NATO – School Oberammergau (NSO).

• NATO Exercise Planning Course (EPC) (ETE-CT-21180) provided by NSO.

• NATO C4ISR Orientation for Officers and NCOs (Code: A0101) or equivalent provided by NCI Academy.

• NATO Orientation Course (ETE-IT-3834) or equivalent provided by NSO.

c. Language

None specified.

Attributes/Competencies

a. Personal Attributes

Must possess good interpersonal and communication skills and tact. He/she will be asked to interpret NATO Resource and Technical policies, criteria, standards, to provide his/her judgment at SC level in the development of FS requirements.

He/she originates the NATO CIS Group inputs, including initial concept and procedures, and detailed requirements in support of NATO operations and exercises.  Good health, stress tolerance and ability to work long hours when required. Some travel on temporary duty may be required.

b. Managerial Responsibilities

May act as Head of DCOI Services in a Deployed Network Operations Centre (DNOC) for operations and exercises.

c. Professional Contacts

Frequent (daily) internal contacts with system management and operational staff (A3-A4/OF3-OF4 level) to discuss and resolve system issues (operational, technical, and support) and to represent NATO CIS Group for the functional area systems at formal meetings. Frequent external contact (weekly) with engineering and operational staff (A3-A4/OF3-OF4 level) at other NATO headquarters to resolve problems related to supported systems. This requires a high degree of tact, perseverance and persuasion to influence the discussions and ensure that technically sound decisions are made. Regular contacts with other agencies such as C&I Agency and its contractors, etc. (A3-A4/OF3-OF4) to discuss supported systems and future FS requirements.

d. Contribution to Objectives

Provides technical support essential to ensuring maintenance and continuity of AIS crucial to mission accomplishment.  If the tasks of this post are not properly performed the Special Systems FS perspective on current NATO operations and exercises would not be developed and represented.

There are no reporting responsibilities.

This post reports to: OCG CDEX 0010 – Section Head (Deployable Community of Interest Services Engineering)/Senior Engineer – OF-3.

This post deputises: OCG CDEX 0010 – Section Head (Deployable Community of Interest Services Engineering)/Senior Engineer – OF-3.

This post is not deputised by anybody.

REMARKS:

Duration of contract: Serving staff members will be offered a contract according to the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations (NCPR).  Newly recruited staff will be offered a definite duration contract of three years normally followed by an indefinite duration contract.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A NATO CIVILIAN POST AT SHAPE:

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. 

A copy of the qualification/certificate covering the highest level of education required by the job description must be provided as an attachment.

Essential information must be included in the application form. Particular attention should be given to Education and Experience section of the application form. Each question 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. All answers should be in English.

Shortlisted candidates will be requested to provide original documentary evidence and a set of copies supporting statements in their applications. Appointment is subject to obtaining a NS security clearance and a medical certificate.

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.

Remarks:

A) Only nationals from the 31 NATO member states can apply for vacancies at SHAPE. 

B) Applications are automatically acknowledged within one working day after submission. In the absence of an acknowledgement please make sure the submission process is completed or re-submit the application.  

C) Qualified redundant staff of the same grade interested in this post should inform this office, via their HR/Personnel Office by not later than vacancy’s closing date.

D) Candidates’ individual telephone, e-mail or telefax enquiries cannot be dealt with. All candidates will receive an answer indicating the outcome of their application.