Are you a professional with vast experience in support and maintenance of OS (e.g. Linux Redhat, Ubuntu, Windows, Windows Server)? Do you have experience in supporting deployed work (e.g. at sea), with limited access to land-based supporting infrastructures? Do you enjoy working in a challenging international environment? If so, CMRE is looking for you!

POST CONTEXT

This is a position within the Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE), an organization of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

CMRE is an established, world-class scientific research and experimentation facility that organizes and conducts scientific research and technology development, centred on the maritime domain, delivering innovative and field tested Science & Technology (S&T) solutions to address defence and security needs of the Alliance.

This position is within the Engineering and Information Technology Division (EITD), which supports the execution of the Programme of Work. EITD consists of the Engineering Department (ED) and the Information Technology Department (ITD).

•  ED

ED addresses the engineering and technological requirements of the Centre’s research activity, by designing, developing, constructing, testing at-sea and maintaining, repairing and calibrating electronic, oceanographic, mechanical, acoustical assemblies and unmanned systems, especially prototypes, or combinations of such units as required.

• ITD

ITD supports the conception, design, development and construction of state-of-the-art technologies in computing, networking and data infrastructure as well as developing, integrating, and validating software applications, services and products. All this is done while ensuring interoperability, security and compliance with relevant NATO policies and regulations.

The position is within the Information Technology Department, Scientific CIS Section.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

The successful candidate will be responsible for providing systems administration, hardware/software, and network support, working within a project team supporting the Programme of Work of the Centre, ashore and at sea.

Under the supervision of the IT Coordinator, the incumbent is required to perform duties such as the following:

• Execute day-to-day administration of CMRE Communication and Information Systems (CIS) ashore and at sea, including but not limited to:
  • Installation, configuration and administration of Microsoft Windows Active Directory and Linux clients and servers, configuration of user/group accounts, access permissions, DNS, DHCP, File and Print services.
  • Install and maintain software ranging from standard office automation software to specialized applications including custom NATO software applications.
• Install or remove hardware and/or software, and associated connections, using supplied installation instructions and tools. Conduct tests and correct malfunctions. Document results in accordance with agreed procedures. Assist with the evaluation of change requests. Contribute, as required, to investigations of problems and faults concerning the installation of hardware and/or software and confirms the correct working of installations.
• Apply tools, techniques and processes to administer, track, log, report on and correct configuration items, components and changes. Assist with audits to check the accuracy of information and undertake any necessary corrective action under direction.
• Provide 1st line support at the Centre and to deployed installations (e.g. Centre Research Vessels), in coordination with system administrator(s). Assist in the investigation and resolution of issues relating to applications. Assist with specified maintenance procedures.
• Assists in investigation and resolution of network problems. Assists with specified maintenance procedures.
• The incumbent is responsible for:
• • Close collaboration with colleagues on reliability, availability and maintainability matters;
  • Close collaboration with customers of the IT Service Desk and project staff;
  • Interfacing with representatives and suppliers of infrastructure services;
  • Represents the Scientific CIS team during experimentations ashore and at sea.

The incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.

COMPETENCIES

The successful candidate possesses the following competencies / personal attributes:

• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written – able to communicate at all levels;
• Very good interpersonal skills. Solicits inputs and encourages others;
• Innovative and driven. Always displaying sound judgement;
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.

All CMRE personnel are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the current NATO Code of Conduct agreed by the North Atlantic Council (NAC), and thus display the core values of integrity, impartiality, loyalty, accountability, and professionalism.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND ADDITIONAL DUTIES

a.     Flexibility Clause

The incumbent may be required to perform other related duties as directed. All other related duties should correspond with the required competencies for the job.

b.    Deployment/Travel

The incumbent may be required to perform his/her duties onboard Centre or chartered vessels. The incumbent may be required to undertake TDY assignments within and outside NATO boundaries.

c.     Certification

The incumbent needs to hold a fit for sea certificate in line with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Labour Organization (ILO) standards before taking up duty.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Higher vocational training in a relevant discipline with 3 years post-related experience.

or

• A secondary educational qualification with 5 years post-related experience.

Experience:

• Minimum 3 – 5 years post-related experience.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem solving skills;
• Experience with hardware and software first level support (helpdesk);
• Relevant and proven experience in support and maintenance of OS (e.g. Linux Redhat, Ubuntu, Windows, Windows Server);
• Knowledge of basic networking and TCP/IP fundamentals, working experience in configuring and troubleshooting network services such as LDAP, Active Directory, DNS and DHCP;
• Experience and demonstrated ability to support deployed work (e.g. at sea), with limited access to land-based supporting infrastructures, adhering to standard operating procedures and exercising judgement to handle evolving situations in a balanced way;
• Good knowledge of internet security and data privacy principles;
• Service minded attitude with a strong interest in working directly with users;
• Demonstrated ability to be timely and agile in a dynamic environment.

Language Skills:

• A thorough knowledge of one of the two NATO languages, both written and spoken, is essential and some knowledge of the other is desirable.
• English SLP 3333 (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing).

NOTE:  Most of the work of CMRE is conducted in the English language.

DESIDERABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with any of the following technologies: Cisco Switching and Routing, McAfee ePo, Splunk, Solarwinds, GitLab;
• Knowledge and working experience with virtualization technologies based on VMware ESXi Server;
• Good knowledge of network protocols and network devices;
• Experience implementing security controls;
• Prior experience of working in an international environment comprising both military and civilian elements;
• Service minded attitude with a strong interest in working directly with users;
• Good knowledge of IT security best practices;
• Proficiency in Italian language.

REMARKS

The duties are performed in an office, laboratory, workshop environment or on-board Centre ships.

About Us:

The Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) is part of the NATO Science and Technology Organization (STO).  The mission of the STO is to help position both national and NATO science and technology investments as a strategic enabler and technology advantage for the defence and security posture of NATO Allies and partners. The Centre conducts scientific research and technology development and delivers innovative field-tested S&T solutions to address the defence and security needs of the Alliance. CMRE has more than 60 years of experience and has produced a cadre of leaders in ocean science, modelling and simulation, acoustics and other disciplines, as well as producing critical results and understanding that have been built into the operational concepts of NATO and the Nations.

What we offer:

• Salary (Pay Basis): 3,598.24 (EUR) Monthly*
  *Salary value as per 2023. Subject to future adjustments in accordance with North Atlantic Council decisions.
• Grade ABCL grade B3/B4 / NATO grade G8-10
• A world class research facility located in the sea port of La Spezia, Italy supported by two specialised research vessels. 
• An exciting place in which to work situated at an ideal location, the port of La Spezia, Italy, enabling synergy with regional and global academic institutes and industry.
• Salary and conditions of employment will be in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations (NCPR), which includes a rewarding salary and a comprehensive system of allowances, supplements and insurances to support families and, in case of expatriated staff, offers an interesting “expatriate” package. 
• A generous annual leave and, (where eligible) home leave.
• The successful candidate will be offered a three years’ definite duration contract which may be renewed for subsequent periods subject to business needs, satisfactory performance and the need to rotate skills and talent within the Organization.

      – ONLY FOR TWIN GRADED POSITIONS –

NOTE:

Typically, 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.

• Applicants who prove to be competent for the post but who are not successful in this competition may be offered an appointment to another post of a similar nature, which might become vacant in the near future, albeit at the same or a lower grade, provided they meet the necessary requirements.

Our recruitment process:

• Please note that we can only accept applications from nationals of NATO member countries.
• Applications (including the most relevant publications, the diplomas – stating the highest level of education – and a CV) for this vacancy are to be submitted using the E-recruitment system;
• Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance (provided by the national Authorities of the selected candidate) and approval of the candidate’s medical file by the CMRE Medical Adviser.

 Additional information:

• CMRE values diverse backgrounds and perspectives and is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and talented workforce. We welcome applications of nationals from all Member States and strongly encourage women to apply.
• Selected candidates are expected to be role models of integrity, and to promote good governance through ongoing efforts in their work.