OPEN TO NATIONALS OF NATO MEMBER STATES ONLY

STAFF VACANCY 210044                                                                      

DIVISION:                         International Military Staff

                                         NATO HQ C3 Staff

                                         Spectrum and C3 Infrastructure Branch (SC3IB)

TITLE:                               Assistant (Communicaton Services/Spectrum Management)

GRADE:                            B-5

Please note that the final competition for this post will take place on-line and is provisionally scheduled for the month of June 2021.

1.       Post Context.  The NHQC3S is an integrated staff composed of members of the International Military Staff (IMS) and the International Staff (IS) responsible for analysis, advice, and actionable recommendations to Nations and NATO Bodies that will lead to the delivery of C3 capabilities and C3 support to other related systems.  Led by the Director NHQC3S, the Staff supports the different NATO committees and in particular, the Military Committee, the C3 Board and the Cyber Defence Committee.  It functionally operates under the coordinated executive management authority of the Director General of the IMS (DGIMS) and the Assistant Secretary General (ASG) for Defence Investment (DI).

The Spectrum and C3 Infrastructure Branch (SC3IB) acts as the Staff lead for communications, (combat) identification and navigation capabilities; ensures spectrum resources and provides a frequency management service for the commonly agreed NATO brands.

Reporting to the Principal Engineer (Spectrum Management), the post holder is the primary Frequency Assignment Technical Expert for the management of parts of the Radio Frequency Spectrum in ITU Region 1 for which the daily management has been delegated to SC3IB by the NATO Nations and relevant Partner Nations (PNs), as well as for all the information stored in the Spectrum Management Information Repository (SMIR).  These spectrum resources include, but are not limited to, parts of the HF, VHF, and UHF frequency ranges, TACAN Channels (Air/Ground/Air and Air/Air), SATURN Net-Numbers and Mode S Interrogator Codes.

2.       Principal Duties.

• Utilising spectrum engineering to account for communication equipment characteristics, transmission media, extent of use, and the electromagnetic environment;
• Coordinating in a back-up role with NATO Nations and Commands and, as required, with PNs on all frequency assignment requests;
• Applying various spectrum management tools to many aspects of managing the radio frequency spectrum.  These tools include, but are not limited to, the Central Integrated Frequency Assignment System (CIFAS) and the SMIR On Line (SMIROnLine);
• Updating, maintaining and quality controlling the NATO SMIR Database containing all frequency management related information registered by NATO Commands and Nations;
• Performing SMIR Database updates and normalisations as required in support of NATO spectrum management policy and doctrine decisions;
• Overseeing regular updates of the SMIR Database content by the Nations and Commands and performing additional SMIR Database transactions and analysis as required;
• Conducting telephonic and e-mail exchange of radio frequency management data among all NATO and PN National Radio Frequency Management agencies (NARFAs) and associated spectrum users;
• Providing spectrum management operational advice (e.g. on Frequency Hopping, Mode S) to NATO Nations, Commands and organisations, as required;
• Assisting in the preparation of the NATO Civil/Military Spectrum Capability Panel (CaP3) and CaT meetings, workshops, and contributing to the review and update of NATO documents on spectrum management policy and procedures;
• Assisting in the maintenance of the NATO Frequency Management Handbook and Allied Spectrum Publications;
• Performing IT-related radio frequency management activities such as providing advice from an operator’s view in the development of new software tools, evaluating new software tools and training NATO users on NATO approved software tools and applications;
• Providing and/or supporting training on NATO approved software tools and applications for SC3IB-tailored workshops, training sessions and seminars at NATO Headquarters as well as the NCIA Academy for NATO and PN users;
• Maintaining and updating the SMIROnLine on-line tutorial and user’s database;
• Mentoring and providing back-up to the other Frequency Assignment Technical Experts;
• Performing other duties as may be directed by the Branch Head through the Principal Engineer (Spectrum Management).

3.       Special Requirements and Additional Duties. The incumbent may be required to:

• Perform additional related duties, albeit in a different organisational element to which the individual normally works;
• Travel both within and outside of NATO boundaries;
• Attend as directed additional training and specialised courses relevant to the aforementioned duties;
• Work irregular hours and overtime whenever necessary.

4.       Essential Qualifications.

Professional/Experience.  

• Proven experience in operational, national and/or international-level radio frequency spectrum assignment and management;
• Specific experience in:
  • Operation of military C&E systems in a field environment;
  • Antennas and propagation;
  • Frequency-hopping and spread spectrum systems;
  • Frequency management assignment algorithms;
  • Modulation methods;
  • Strategic/operational/tactical military implementation of radio frequency spectrum.
• Experience with applications such as local and central databases using Structured Query Language, graphics, project management and local area networks.

Education/Training.   

• Higher secondary education (majoring in Physics, Maths) coupled with at least 5 years of proven experience in the aforementioned essential duties (at least to ISCED level 3, category 35 subcategories 3/4);
• Spectrum Management for NATO – NCIA Academy
• NATO Deployed Spectrum Management for Operations and Exercises or comparable experience (NCIA Academy);
• SMIROnLine Spectrum Management Web App Tool for NATO (NATO HQ);
• Spectrum Management Tools for NATO Operations – NCIA Academy.

Languages. Candidates must have a very good command of spoken and written English. The working language in the IMS is English and therefore candidates will be required to pass a one-hour multiple-choice computer-based test in English at the required level as well as to demonstrate their abilities in the written test and interview.

Information Technology (IT) Knowledge.   Use of MS-Office applications is crucial to the effective and successful execution of daily duties. Advanced user experience with Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint and web applications and database programs.

5.       Desirable Qualifications.

Professional/Experience.

• Previous experience in radio frequency spectrum management in a NATO environment;
• Previous experience in Local Area Network (LAN) system administration;

Education/Training.

• NATO C4ISR Orientation Course for NCOs – NCIA Academy;
• NATO NCO Orientation Course – NSO;
• NATO C3 Course – NSO;
• Non-specified training that will allow the incumbent to remain current or gain new skills associated with existing or emerging requirements of the post.

Languages.    An intermediate level of spoken and written French.

6.       Personal Attributes.

• Thoughtfulness, maturity and tactfulness;
• Ability to prioritise work;
• Ability to work with minimal guidance;
• Initiative;
• Punctuality;
• Sound judgement to be able to work effectively.

• Candidates must demonstrate the following competencies:

• • Analytical Thinking: Sees multiple relationships;
  • Flexibility: Acts with flexibility;
  • Organisational Awareness: Understands organisational climate and culture;
  • Impact and Influence: Takes multiple actions to persuade;
  • Initiative: Is decisive in time-sensitive situations;
  • Teamwork: Cooperates.

7.       Managerial Responsibilities.     Takes over the managerial responsibilities of the Principal Engineer (Communications Services / Spectrum Management) in his/her absence.

8.       Professional Contacts.    Maintains professional contacts and is able to negotiate technical solutions for frequency management-related issues with NCIA, NATO IMS, NATO and PN Nations’ NARFAs and the NATO Command Structure.

9.       Contribution to the Objectives. Works primarily on tasks and objectives in direct support of Radio Frequency Management and Assignment activities in support of the NATO SC3IB, the NHQC3S and the C3Board in particular the CaP3 as reflected in the CaP3 Lines of development.  This includes support to Radio Frequency Spectrum Management and Assignments in support of NATO and National Exercises and Operations.

10.      Remarks.

• • Security Clearance–NATO SECRET (if not currently held, the incumbent must be eligible for this level of clearance).
  • Multinational environment and work with groups where members represent sovereign Nations;
  • Work Environment –  Normal office environment.

11.     How to apply.

 Applications must be submitted by 11 April 2021 (23:59 Brussels time) using one of the following links, as applicable:

• • For NATO civilian staff members only: please apply via the internal recruitment portal (for more information, please contact your local Civilian HR Manager);
  • For all other applications:www.nato.int/recruitment

12.      Additional Information.

The successful applicant will be offered a three-year definite duration contract which may be renewed.  If the successful candidate is seconded from a national administration, public institution or the armed forces of a NATO member state, he/she will be offered a three-year definite duration contract which may be renewed for a further period of up to three years. The maximum time of service in post for seconded staff is six years. Serving NATO international civilian personnel will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations.

Appointment will be subject to the deliverance of a NATO SECRET security clearance by the national authorities and approval of the medical file by the NATO Medical Adviser.

A written test will be held as part of the selection procedure.

Due to an ongoing revision of the IMS structure, NHQC3S will probably undergo an organizational review in the near future, which might have an impact on its structure and on this post.

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.

NATO as an employer values diverse backgrounds and perspectives and is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and talented workforce. NATO welcomes applications of nationals from all Member States and strongly encourages women to apply.

Building Integrity is a key element of NATO’s core tasks. As an employer, NATO values commitment to the principles of integrity, transparency and accountability in accordance with international norms and practices established for the defence and related security sector.

Selected candidates are expected to be role models of integrity, and to promote good governance through ongoing efforts in their work.

Due to the broad interest in NATO and the large number of potential candidates, telephone or e-mail enquiries cannot be dealt with.

The nature of this position may require the staff member at times to be called upon to travel for work and/or to work outside normal office hours.

Please note that the IMS at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium is a non-smoking environment.

NOTIFICATION OF AN “A” GRADE VACANCY

NATO COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION AGENCY

OPEN TO NATIONALS OF NATO MEMBER STATES ONLY

Please note that the final assessments for this post are provisionally scheduled on 10th, 11th, and 12th May 2021 at NATO HQ in Brussels, Belgium.

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

The position of General Manager is a senior appointment within the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) of NATO Grade A7. The NCIA was established as part of a NATO subsidiary body, namely the NATO Communications and Information Organisation (NCIO), to meet Nations’ requirements in the fields of Consultation, Command and Control (C3), Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR), as well as Target Acquisition, Cyber Defence and Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

The NCIA is the largest single Agency within NATO. It acts as NATO’s principal C3 capability deliverer and ICT service provider for a broad range of customers. It is a customer-funded, service-based organisation, operating in a complex, multinational, political environment. Currently, 80% of the NCIA’s financing is derived from NATO’s common-funded customers. As such, it responds to multiple stakeholders for the execution of its mission, functions and tasks.

The NCIA is governed by the Agency Supervisory Board (ASB). This provides strategic and operational direction and guidance to the NCIA and oversees its activities and performance whilst ensuring the efficiency, effectiveness, accountability and transparency of the Agency. As part of its governance function, the ASB nominates the General Manager after consultation with the NATO Secretary General, who will confirm the selection through the signing of the nominee’s contract. The ASB also establishes annual Goals and Objectives for the General Manager, and considers the ensuing annual performance appraisal by the ASB Chair.

The NCIA must respond efficiently to customer’s needs and enable the delivery of modern CIS capabilities and services, whilst providing cyber defence measures for NATO assets. The General Manager manages approximately 3,000 staff, including military, civilian and contractors. S/he runs an annual business volume of roughly 900 million Euros. The General Manager is directly responsible to the ASB for the efficient and effective operation and administration of the NCIA.

2. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL

The candidate must have:

• A solid background in defence matters, specifically in the field of C4ISR1 and ICT, developed through a minimum of 15 years of experience; leadership of change management in large organisations;
• A university degree at Master’s level, or the national equivalent at a recognised / certified University, in a discipline relevant to the post (preferably IT);
• Experience working in an environment with a variety of stakeholders from multicultural backgrounds including military, industry and science and technology communities;
• A proven track record of experience in progressively senior posts. Recent experience in senior-level leadership positions and significant professional experience in managerial positions, including working with high-level political and military authorities;
• Substantial experience in successfully implementing complex programmes;
• Substantial experience in consensus building, combined with strong negotiation and influencing skills at senior-level, with key stakeholders across the organisation and within complex contexts;
• Substantial experience in improving the performance of a large organisation supporting a diverse customer base across a broad geographic area;
• Possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): V (“Advanced”) in one; II (Elementary) in the other, with the demonstrated capacity to draft clearly, concisely and rapidly in one of the official languages.

DESIRABLE

• Experience of creating a high-level vision and directing organisational change as necessary to implement the vision;
• A good understanding of the political and operational environment in which NATO operates, and the ability to meet customers demand within a constrained resource environment;
• A good understanding of NATO’s technological edge as an essential enabler of defence and deterrence, with a proven ability to participate in the adoption, adaptation, integration and response to new and emerging disruptive technologies such as Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, Quantum, Autonomy and Space;
• A good understanding of cyber defence issues NATO is confronted with;
• A proven ability to oversee the capability life cycle and adopt processes to ensure that service assets and resulting services are ‘Evergreen’;
• A good understanding of commercial business, industry and academia, with a view to outsourcing the development and delivery of (non-core) capabilities and services;
• Relevant background in Joint ISR as well as Integrated Air and Missile Defence matters;
• Private sector management experience, or in comparable government position, especially in the IT sector;
• A level of the second NATO official language higher than Elementary would be considered as an asset

3. RESPONSIBILITIES

In the area of Personnel and Administration, s/he:

• Directs and manages the activities of the NCIA, leading and overseeing a large team of civilian and military staff managed by selected Directors and Service Line Chiefs, in accordance with the ASB-agreed matrix model organisation, spread across multiple locations;
• Exercises the authority delegated to him/her by the ASB, including the signing of contracts or agreements which fall within the purview of routine management or business activities;
• Represents the NCIA, also speaking in public fora and to the Press on behalf of the Agency, and participates in every ASB Plenary meeting, unless otherwise decided by the Board;
• Monitors and promotes performance at organisational level and ensures common standards are applied across the NCIA.

In the area of Planning and Reporting, s/he:

• Supports decision-making processes of Nations by providing adequate information, including a set of planning documents and reports as defined by Nations;
• Reports regularly on progress against the plans and objectives, in accordance with established key performance indicators, and promptly notifies about any issue which requires urgent guidance by Nations.

In the area of Capability Delivery and Service Provision, s/he:

• Provides secure ICT services to the NATO Enterprise, working in close consultation with the NATO Chief Information Officer (CIO);
• Under Nations’ direction and guidance, leads the modernisation of NATO’s ICT and C4ISR, and protects NATO information infrastructure;
• Ensures internal cross-coordination and resolution of managerial conflicts between programmes assigned to the NCIA, and takes action to resolve issues which may impact the programme delivery, in close coordination with respective governing bodies;
• Supports customers’ needs by executing the agreed Programme of Work, and being responsible for the performance shown for assigned tasks;
• Ensures continuous Communications and Information Services (CIS) support to ongoing operations, as defined in the Command and Control (C2) Arrangements with the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR).

4. COMPETENCIES

Candidates must demonstrate the following competencies:

• Adding Value for Stakeholders
• Deciding and Initiating Action
• Leading and Supervising
• Persuading and Influencing
• Formulating Strategies and Concepts
• Delivering Results and Meeting Customer Expectations
• Adapting and Responding to Change
• Entrepreneurial and Commercial Thinking
• Creating and Innovating

5. KEY CHALLENGES

Key challenges for this post in the next three years (2021-2024) will likely include the following:

A. NATO’s Digital Endeavour (including cyber resilience) is to enable information superiority for consultation, command and control by embracing innovation, change and adaptability. Please, elaborate on how you would ensure the provision of modern and resilient CIS/cyber capabilities and services to NATO in the most effective and efficient way, including planning for timely technology refreshment.

B. The incumbent will develop a 5-year Strategic Plan aligned with NATO’s goals and objectives (including the NATO 2030 Vision) and the Agency Supervisory Board’s Strategic Direction and Guidance. Please elaborate on how you would engage with stakeholders to establish clear and robust linkages with NATO’s strategic priorities and meet the strategic needs of the wider NATO Enterprise and Nations at the speed of relevance.

C. Staff competencies and skills, agile processes, an agile organizational structure, and effective leadership are preconditions for the successful fulfilment of the NCIA mission. Please, elaborate on how you would pursue alignment of the NCIA’s processes and structures to effectively adapt to change and ensure a coherent, efficient and effective delivery of needed capabilities and provision of requested services to NCIA’s eligible customers.

Candidates are asked, as part of their answers to the pre-screening questions in the application form, to answer the above-mentioned questions to each key challenge.

6. EMPLOYMENT

The successful candidate will be offered an initial 3-year contract. There may be a possibility of an extension up to two years thereafter, based on successful performance and decision by the ASB.

7. HOW TO APPLY

Please note that we can only accept applications from nationals of NATO member countries. 

Applications must be submitted using Taleo - our e-recruitment system, as applicable:

• For NATO civilian staff members only: please apply via the internal recruitment portal
• For all other applications:NATO - NATO Vacancies (taleo.net)

Please note that at the time of the interviews, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of their education and professional experience as relevant for this vacancy.

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 NATO Medical Adviser.

8. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Salary value as per 2021 is subject to future adjustments in accordance with North Atlantic Council decision.

NATO is committed to diversity and inclusion, and strives to provide equal access to employment, advancement and retention, independent of gender, age, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, cultural background, sexual orientation, and disability. NATO welcomes applications of nationals from all member Nations, and strongly encourages women to apply.

Building Integrity is a key element of NATO’s core tasks. As an employer, NATO values commitment to the principles of integrity, transparency and accountability in accordance with international norms and practices established for the defence and related security sector. Selected candidates are expected to be role models of integrity, and to promote good governance through ongoing efforts in their work.

Due to the broad interest in NATO and the large number of potential candidates, telephone or e-mail enquiries cannot be dealt with.

Please note that NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium is a non-smoking environment.