This is a project linked requirement in support of the NATO 2030 agenda to be filled as soon as possible after 01 September 2023.

In view of the nature and of the urgency of this temporary position, it is important for candidates to be available for project linked employment asap. In practice, this implies being in possession of a valid security clearance at the time of application, or having been in possession of such a clearance with the possibility to reactivate it swiftly. Therefore, candidates possessing a valid NATO or National security clearance will be given priority consideration.

BACKGROUND

NATO offers you more than a job. It gives you a mission: building peace and security for one billion people in Europe and North America.

We are a unique multinational flying force with operational capability located at the NATO Airbase Geilenkirchen. With its 14 E-3A aircraft, our organization plays a critical role in NATO and our mission is to deliver ready, responsive Airborne Early Warning, Battle Management, and Command and Control capability to operational commanders in support of NAC-approved tasks.

The Operations, Plans & CIS Division is responsible for the development, promulgation, and enforcement of NAEW&CF operational, flying-training, and for CIS policies, regulations, and standards.

The CIS Plans & Policy Branch is responsible for the development and promulgation of NAEW&CF IT/CIS short, medium and long term policies and plans governing Communication and Information Systems and Services (including Cyber Defense) required for effective and efficient C4ISR in support of NAEW&CF static and deployed operations.

The incumbent supports the Branch Head in all matters related to the NAEW&C Force IT/CIS systems and services and is the Force focal point for Cyber Defense/CIS Security issues. All Cyber Defense/CIS Security technical implementation is executed through internal and external CIS Providers.

To find out more about the background, please visit our Homepage https://awacs.nato.int/

THE ROLE

• Contributes to the development and maintenance of the NAEW& Force security accreditation strategy and Program of Work (PoW) for all assigned CIS requiring security accreditation as directed;
• Gives principle/specialized advise in support of Cyber Defense/CIS Security and recommends technical solutions and risk mitigation in support of NAEW&C Force security accreditation efforts;
• Monitors the effectiveness of Cyber Defense/CIS Security posture of NAEW&C Force CIS and the information that is stored, processed or transmitted in respect to confidentiality, integrity, availability, non-repudiation and authentication;
• Identifies security vulnerabilities, misconfiguration and anomalous CIS behavior, reports, alarms and responds in accordance with defined incident handling strategies and processes;
• Assists in investigations of security breaches and works in close conjunction with Headquarter Security Officer and other security stakeholders;
• Assesses and reports on means to achieve and execute defensive measures to counter cyberattacks and mitigate their effects, and thus preserve and restore the security of NAEW&C Force CIS or the information that is stored, processed or transmitted;
• Contributes to Cyber Defense/CIS Security engineering assessment, advice and input during stages of CIS projects and acquisition;
• Tracks latest CIS innovations and keeps abreast of Cyber Defense/ CIS Security technologies;
• Develops and maintains the NAEW& Force security accreditation strategy and Program of Work (PoW) for all assigned CIS requiring security accreditation as directed;
• Provides for a Cyber Defense/CIS Security Compliance Audits and Inspections program throughout NAEW&C Force, including Force HQ, E-3A Component (incl. FOBs/FOL), the Mission System Engineering Center and potential Deployable Operating Bases (DOB’s), provides participation in all internal and external inspections and audits and  reports results and recommends ways for mitigation of risk;
• Provides principle/specialized advice in support of Cyber Defense/CIS Security matters (incl. the FP advisor);
• Communicates and coordinates with SHAPE J2, the NNCIA Cyber Security Service Line (NCIA CSSL), CIS Operational Authorities (CISOAs), CIS Planning and Implementation Authorities (CISPIAs)  and the CIS Service Providers (CISPs) and other relevant stakeholders;
• Ensures formal security accreditation for NAEW&C Force CIS (excl E-3D) and is responsible for the upkeep of CIS Security Accreditation Status Index;
• Provides for Security Risk Assessment of CIS under NAEW&C Force accreditation scope and recommends on ways to minimize threats;
• Provides for the monitoring of the effectiveness Cyber Defense/CIS Security posture of NAEW&C Force CIS and the information that is stored, processed or transmitted in respect to confidentiality, integrity, availability, non-repudiation and authentication;
• Develops Cyber Defense/CIS security incidents handling strategies and processes, responds to security incidents, initiates and/or participates in security investigations on detected security breaches and works in close cooperation with the HQ Security Officer in these matters;
• Tracks latest CIS innovations and keeps abreast of Cyber Defense/ CIS Security technologies;
• Permanent member of the CIS-Change Advisory Board (CIS-CAB), routinely reports and advises to the board in Cyber Defense/CIS Security matters;
• Represents the Headquarter as CIS Officer and Chief CIS flight during Operations and Exercises at deployed locations.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• University Degree in information security, computer science or related discipline and 4 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 6 years post related experience;
• Cyber Defence NATO COMPUSEC Practicioner Level 1, NCI Academy, Oeiras, Portugal (code 0731) or similar;
• SANS Advanced Security Essentials (or similar), Code 3126,  NCI Academy, Oeiras, Portugal or similar;
• The work, both oral and written, in this post and in this Headquarters as a whole is conducted mainly in English. Subsequently, adequate English proficiency is essential;
  
• Adequate knowledge of Standard Automatic Data Processing systems is required.

THE FOLLOWING WOULD BE CONSIDERED AS AN ADVANTAGE

• Experience working with defined set of regulations covering all aspects of Cyber Defense/CIS Security, including security accreditation, installation, day-to-day operation, training and investigation, providing technical solution and risk mitigation recommendations;
• Experience in Project Work, and/or management and supervision of Cyber Defense/CIS Security related projects;
• Experience with Cyber Defense/CIS Security, Security Audits and Accreditation programmes;
• Proven ability to perform advice and consultancy tasks within subject field.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

Please attach any documentation (proof of highest education, diplomas, certificates, testimonials etc.) that you consider to be particularly relevant to the qualification requirements specified in this advertisement.

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.

SALARY

Salary value indicated in this vacancy notice is based on NATO`s Single Salary Spine scale.

WHAT DO WE OFFER?

Excellent tax-free salary, including (where eligible) expatriation, family and children’s allowances and additional privileges for expatriate staff; 

Education allowance for children (where applicable) and an excellent private health insurance scheme; 

Generous annual leave and home leave (if eligible); 

Retirement Pension Plan.

TEST/INTERVIEW

Our recruitment team will provide further guidance for invited candidates.