1. POST CONTEXT

Across the spectrum of conflict, Allied Special Operations Forces Command (SOFCOM) provides strategies SOF advice, synchronizes NATO special operations activities and enables related SOF capability development in order to deter potential threats and defend Alliance.

2. PRINCIPAL DUTIES
The incumbent’s duties are:
1) Oversees all Communications and Information Systems (CIS) Capability Programme Plans (CPP) for which SOFCOM is the Senior Requirements Owner (SRO).
2) Represents the interests of the NATO SOF community and the SOFCOM Commander throughout the governance process of the CPP.
3) Integrates and coordinates the efforts of various NATO agencies, international military, and SOFCOM to achieve command programme objectives. This includes NATO Command Structure, NATO Force Structure, and Memorandum of Understanding units.
4) Regularly meets with ACT CPP Managers and NCIA project plan managers to ensure NATO SOF interests are maintained throughout the governance process.
5) Ensures project plans capture the requirements listed in the CPP, and reports updates to the J6 Director.
6) Supervises the development of the CPP’s doctrine, organisation, training, materiel, leadership, personnel, facilities, and interoperability. Lobbies for NSHQ interests throughout the development and report updates to the J6 Director.
7) Leads cross-functional meetings with subject matter experts and internal and external stakeholders to ensure the CPP and associated projects meet the SOFOCOM Commander’s intent.
8) Evaluates the feasibility of proposed new and/or legacy CIS to properly support NATO SOF.
9) Manages timelines, data, information, schematics, and other information about the Programme.
10) mEvaluates relative value, technical and contractual risk and feasibility of proposed approaches to complex CIS issues and projects, justifies and supports crucial changes to NATO SOF stakeholders.
11) Supervises Capability Acceptance Tests to ensure delivered products are fit for purpose.

3. 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.
This post is assigned Level 1 Knowledge Management responsibilities. The incumbent is required to be an Information Management Practitioner in accordance with IKM1 standards as outlined in the IKM Roles section of the NSHQ Information Management Plan.
Performs other related duties as directed or assigned.
The work is normally performed in a Normal NATO office working environment / Secure CIS equipment room with artificial light and air.
Normal Working Conditions apply.
The risk of injury is categorised as: No risk / risk might increase when deployed.

4. ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
1. Professional/Experience
1) Broad IT background and knowledge sufficient to develop and coordinate Communications and Information Systems (CIS) capabilities for the NATO SOF community.
2) Experience in integrating and coordinating IT requirements within the NATO or similar international community (i.e. experience working in international environment, communicating complex IT issues to non-IT / non-native English-speaking audience, etc.).
3) Knowledge of new / emerging technologies and concepts sufficient to identify advantages and limitations of automation capabilities in order to determine the best possible solution.
4) Experience in serving as an IT Project Manager – i.e. leading cross-functional meetings, gatherings stakeholder input, planning and managing timelines, and understanding the less technical aspects of CIS such as lifecycle management, hardware/software upgrades, and IT equipment/facility requirements.
2. Education/Training
University Degree and 2 years function related experience or Higher Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training leading to a professional qualification or professional accreditation with 4 years post related experience.
3. Language
English SPL 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.

5. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
1. Professional/Experience
1) Knowledge of NATO business processes, organisational structure, terminology, etc.
2) Knowledge of SOF organisations and associated CIS requirements or challenges unique to SOF.
3) Experience in using MS Project and related tools/applications.

2. Education/Training
1) A minimum requirement of a bachelor’s degree at a nationally recognized/certified University in an Information Systems Management or Information Technology related discipline and 2 years post-related experience. Or, exceptionally, the lack of a university degree may be compensated by the demonstration of a candidate’s particular abilities or experience that is/are of interest to NSHQ, that is, at least 4 years extensive and progressive expertise in duties related to the function of the post.

2) Project Management Professional or similar project management certification.
3) Intermediate knowledge of computer networking.

CONTRACT

The successful candidate will fill this post as a Project Related NATO International Civilian (PLN) with a three-year definite duration contract within the NATO 2030 Agenda. On expiry of this term the PLN will be deleted or absorbed into the ceiling pending approval or will exceptionally be considered for extension.

The salary will be the basic entry-level monthly salary defined by the NATO Grade of the post, which may be augmented by allowances based on the selected staff member’s eligibility, and which is subject to the withholding of approximately 20% for pension and medical insurance contributions.

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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.

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Application Process

NTAP allows adding attachments. 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. The application should be in English.

Shortlisted candidates will be requested to provide original documentary evidence and a set of copies supporting statements in their applications.

After submitting your application, you will receive an acknowledgement of receipt of your application.

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