NATO
Officer, Digital Backbone CIS and Cyber Security
NATO, Belgium, Wisconsin, United States, 53004
Officer, Digital Backbone CIS and Cyber Security
The NATO Office of Resources (NOR) provides independent and integrated expert advice to the Secretary General, NATO Resource Committees, Allies, and other stakeholders on the planning, allocation and utilisation of military common funding made available to achieve NATOs goals and objectives. The NOR advice is based on sound judgement underpinned by facts, figures, expertise and knowledge. It follows NATO policies, procedures and standards, and is independent of external stakeholders viewpoints. It supports efficient and effective use of public funds by assessing the policy compliance, eligibility, affordability, technical viability, and lifecycle implications of military requirements and proposed solutions. Furthermore, the NOR facilitates resource-informed political decision-making. Within the NOR, the Communication and Information Systems (CIS) and Cyber Capabilities Branch provides technical, financial, economic, and political advice and support regarding implementation of NATO common-funded CIS and Cyber capabilities, in particular regarding capital investments under the NATO Security Investment Programme (NSIP) and operations & maintenance funded by the NATO Military Budget. The CIS and Cyber Capabilities Branch covers various domains of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) including security, cyber-defence and service management and control aspects. The work of the Branch is focused on providing governance expert advice and facilitating the planning, programming and operations and maintenance of modern digital CIS, including CIS security and Cyber aspects, as well as on ICT service provisioning in support of the NATO Command Structure in both static and deployed environments including military operations in Article 5 and non-Article 5 situations. The Officer, Digital Backbone CIS and Cyber Security manages, under Direction and Guidance from the Branch Head, a portfolio of hardware and software packages in the areas of Communication Services, Core Services and Cybersecurity aimed at improving the Command and Control (C2) capabilities of the Alliance. The Officer coordinates with other stakeholders, provides guidance to the Capability Management Function and provides advice to the Resources Committees in all aspects related to their portfolio. They work in close coordination with other staff officers to identify and manage interdependencies and commonalities among the major projects and budgets related to CIS and Cybersecurity. They also work in close coordination with other NOR branches and all NATO stakeholders involved in common funded capability delivery. Qualifications and Experience
Essential: Have a university degree in computer science, software engineering or very closely related science/engineering from an institute of recognised standing; Have at least 8 years of experience working in modern ICT systems over its entire life cycle, as well as experience with Communication Services, Core Information Services or Cybersecurity; Have extensive demonstrated experience as a system or project manager of modern ICT systems and be able to apply their knowledge and skills within NATOs political environment and the military common-funding processes and procedures; Have experience in project and programme management in the fields relevant for this position; Have excellent communication, drafting and presentation skills; Possess the following minimum levels of NATOs official languages (English/French): V (Advanced) in one; I (Beginner) in the other; Desirable: Masters degree in computer science, communication engineering, electronic engineering or very closely related science/engineering from an accredited university; Experience in NATO common funding policies, procedures and processes; Experience in support of military deployments in operational areas; Experience in outsourcing and implementation of ICT services; Recognised industry cybersecurity certification (e.g. CISSP, CISA, CISM, etc.); Prince2 & ITIL certifications (or equivalent). Main Accountabilities
Project Management Manage at programme level the full life cycle of projects in the area of Communication Services, Core Services and Cybersecurity and coordinate with other Staff Officers as required. In their responsibility for projects and programmes, prepare and present reports to the Resource Policy and Planning Board (RPPB) for programming approval of groups of projects needed to achieve an area of military capability. These reports address investment and operation and maintenance implications as well as implementation schedules and technical appraisals. Prepare and present programme implementation plans, project implementation reports and capability area status reports to the Investment Committee (IC) and other NATO bodies. Prepare and present reports and seek authorisation for project implementation from the IC. Liaise with the Strategic Commands on the timeliness and quality of project implementation. Provide technical advice and liaise with NATO Military Authorities and host nations for NATO projects. Expertise Development Provide expert advice to stakeholders in committees, national delegations and authorities of member nations, NATO agencies, as well as military authorities at various levels on NATO capabilities and related resource issues in the areas of CoI Services (e.g. Conduct technical meetings with civilian and military staff of member nations considering projects and associated engineering required by the Strategic Commanders). Advise and collaborate with other engineers and programme coordinators engaged in defining cost-effective ways of meeting military requirements. Apply engineering skills, with a good understanding of NATOs political environment and within the wider context of NATOs common funded activities. Present, argue and defend the assessment on costing and technical solutions before the NATO resource committees, the NATO Military Authorities and the NATO Agencies. Policy Development Contribute to policy development on NATO military common-funded resources through the provision of expert technical advice as required. Determine the impact of existing policies and architectures on the design and implementation of NATO projects. Produce and present screening reports on the submitted military requirement, proposed technical solution, implementation plans and resource estimates, to the NATO resources and other committees. Stakeholder Management Develop coordination between all NATO bodies and national authorities leading or supporting the implementation of NATO capability projects. Proactively develop a network of stakeholders to ensure that the resource-impact of decisions is considered as early as possible. Assist, as directed, in the formulation of technical architectures and standards that guide participating nations of the Alliance. Knowledge Management Contribute to knowledge management through systems and processes with relevant technical and project/system management expertise on projects funded by NATO. Contribute an expert view on the appropriate technology and systems required to manage project work effectively. Financial Management Review costed project proposals and Initial Budget Estimates, screen the submissions and requests for funds for compliance with NATO policy. Monitor and report on the funding profiles and expenditures profiles of projects/systems or groups of projects/systems at all stages during their life cycle. Liaise with the Strategic Commands for the preparation of budgets and screen budget estimates for the Operation & Maintenance of relevant systems. Prepare and present reports on budgetary issues related to these systems to the Budget Committee. Representation of the Organization Act as Chairperson of various technical meetings representing the NATO Office of Resources. Represent NATO as a technical expert and advisor during site visits and inspections of project implementation as well as in other circumstances linked to the assessment, design or implementation of NATO funded projects and programmes. Conduct and lead meetings on NATO common-funded projects with involving different stakeholders from NATO member nations, NATO Military Authorities and NATO Agencies, at different work and management levels. Perform any other related duty as assigned Interrelationships The incumbent reports to the CIS and Cyber Capabilities Branch Head through the Head, Technical Team and Coordination. They must be able to operate with diplomacy and tact in a multinational environment where decisions are reached by consensus among NATO Member Nations. They participate in, lead and advise during discussions with national Delegations and Authorities of member countries. The incumbent also liaises with appropriate NATO Agencies, NATO Military Authorities and national Authorities at Ministries of Defence and other members of the International Staff. Direct reports: N/A Indirect reports: N/A Competencies
Achievement: Creates own measures of excellence and improves performance; Analytical Thinking: Sees multiple relationships; Change Leadership: Expresses vision for change; Impact and Influence: Uses indirect influence; Initiative: Is decisive in a time-sensitive situation; Organisational Awareness: Understands organisational politics; Teamwork: Solicits inputs and encourages others. Contract
Contract to be offered to the successful applicant (if non-seconded): Definite duration contract of three years; possibility of renewal for up to three years, during which the incumbent may apply for conversion to an indefinite duration contract. In accordance with the contract policy, this is a post in which turnover is desirable for political reasons in order to be able to accommodate the Organisations need to carry out its tasks as mandated by the Nations in a changing environment, for example by maintaining the flexibility necessary to shape the Organisations skills profile, and to ensure appropriate international diversity. The maximum period
The NATO Office of Resources (NOR) provides independent and integrated expert advice to the Secretary General, NATO Resource Committees, Allies, and other stakeholders on the planning, allocation and utilisation of military common funding made available to achieve NATOs goals and objectives. The NOR advice is based on sound judgement underpinned by facts, figures, expertise and knowledge. It follows NATO policies, procedures and standards, and is independent of external stakeholders viewpoints. It supports efficient and effective use of public funds by assessing the policy compliance, eligibility, affordability, technical viability, and lifecycle implications of military requirements and proposed solutions. Furthermore, the NOR facilitates resource-informed political decision-making. Within the NOR, the Communication and Information Systems (CIS) and Cyber Capabilities Branch provides technical, financial, economic, and political advice and support regarding implementation of NATO common-funded CIS and Cyber capabilities, in particular regarding capital investments under the NATO Security Investment Programme (NSIP) and operations & maintenance funded by the NATO Military Budget. The CIS and Cyber Capabilities Branch covers various domains of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) including security, cyber-defence and service management and control aspects. The work of the Branch is focused on providing governance expert advice and facilitating the planning, programming and operations and maintenance of modern digital CIS, including CIS security and Cyber aspects, as well as on ICT service provisioning in support of the NATO Command Structure in both static and deployed environments including military operations in Article 5 and non-Article 5 situations. The Officer, Digital Backbone CIS and Cyber Security manages, under Direction and Guidance from the Branch Head, a portfolio of hardware and software packages in the areas of Communication Services, Core Services and Cybersecurity aimed at improving the Command and Control (C2) capabilities of the Alliance. The Officer coordinates with other stakeholders, provides guidance to the Capability Management Function and provides advice to the Resources Committees in all aspects related to their portfolio. They work in close coordination with other staff officers to identify and manage interdependencies and commonalities among the major projects and budgets related to CIS and Cybersecurity. They also work in close coordination with other NOR branches and all NATO stakeholders involved in common funded capability delivery. Qualifications and Experience
Essential: Have a university degree in computer science, software engineering or very closely related science/engineering from an institute of recognised standing; Have at least 8 years of experience working in modern ICT systems over its entire life cycle, as well as experience with Communication Services, Core Information Services or Cybersecurity; Have extensive demonstrated experience as a system or project manager of modern ICT systems and be able to apply their knowledge and skills within NATOs political environment and the military common-funding processes and procedures; Have experience in project and programme management in the fields relevant for this position; Have excellent communication, drafting and presentation skills; Possess the following minimum levels of NATOs official languages (English/French): V (Advanced) in one; I (Beginner) in the other; Desirable: Masters degree in computer science, communication engineering, electronic engineering or very closely related science/engineering from an accredited university; Experience in NATO common funding policies, procedures and processes; Experience in support of military deployments in operational areas; Experience in outsourcing and implementation of ICT services; Recognised industry cybersecurity certification (e.g. CISSP, CISA, CISM, etc.); Prince2 & ITIL certifications (or equivalent). Main Accountabilities
Project Management Manage at programme level the full life cycle of projects in the area of Communication Services, Core Services and Cybersecurity and coordinate with other Staff Officers as required. In their responsibility for projects and programmes, prepare and present reports to the Resource Policy and Planning Board (RPPB) for programming approval of groups of projects needed to achieve an area of military capability. These reports address investment and operation and maintenance implications as well as implementation schedules and technical appraisals. Prepare and present programme implementation plans, project implementation reports and capability area status reports to the Investment Committee (IC) and other NATO bodies. Prepare and present reports and seek authorisation for project implementation from the IC. Liaise with the Strategic Commands on the timeliness and quality of project implementation. Provide technical advice and liaise with NATO Military Authorities and host nations for NATO projects. Expertise Development Provide expert advice to stakeholders in committees, national delegations and authorities of member nations, NATO agencies, as well as military authorities at various levels on NATO capabilities and related resource issues in the areas of CoI Services (e.g. Conduct technical meetings with civilian and military staff of member nations considering projects and associated engineering required by the Strategic Commanders). Advise and collaborate with other engineers and programme coordinators engaged in defining cost-effective ways of meeting military requirements. Apply engineering skills, with a good understanding of NATOs political environment and within the wider context of NATOs common funded activities. Present, argue and defend the assessment on costing and technical solutions before the NATO resource committees, the NATO Military Authorities and the NATO Agencies. Policy Development Contribute to policy development on NATO military common-funded resources through the provision of expert technical advice as required. Determine the impact of existing policies and architectures on the design and implementation of NATO projects. Produce and present screening reports on the submitted military requirement, proposed technical solution, implementation plans and resource estimates, to the NATO resources and other committees. Stakeholder Management Develop coordination between all NATO bodies and national authorities leading or supporting the implementation of NATO capability projects. Proactively develop a network of stakeholders to ensure that the resource-impact of decisions is considered as early as possible. Assist, as directed, in the formulation of technical architectures and standards that guide participating nations of the Alliance. Knowledge Management Contribute to knowledge management through systems and processes with relevant technical and project/system management expertise on projects funded by NATO. Contribute an expert view on the appropriate technology and systems required to manage project work effectively. Financial Management Review costed project proposals and Initial Budget Estimates, screen the submissions and requests for funds for compliance with NATO policy. Monitor and report on the funding profiles and expenditures profiles of projects/systems or groups of projects/systems at all stages during their life cycle. Liaise with the Strategic Commands for the preparation of budgets and screen budget estimates for the Operation & Maintenance of relevant systems. Prepare and present reports on budgetary issues related to these systems to the Budget Committee. Representation of the Organization Act as Chairperson of various technical meetings representing the NATO Office of Resources. Represent NATO as a technical expert and advisor during site visits and inspections of project implementation as well as in other circumstances linked to the assessment, design or implementation of NATO funded projects and programmes. Conduct and lead meetings on NATO common-funded projects with involving different stakeholders from NATO member nations, NATO Military Authorities and NATO Agencies, at different work and management levels. Perform any other related duty as assigned Interrelationships The incumbent reports to the CIS and Cyber Capabilities Branch Head through the Head, Technical Team and Coordination. They must be able to operate with diplomacy and tact in a multinational environment where decisions are reached by consensus among NATO Member Nations. They participate in, lead and advise during discussions with national Delegations and Authorities of member countries. The incumbent also liaises with appropriate NATO Agencies, NATO Military Authorities and national Authorities at Ministries of Defence and other members of the International Staff. Direct reports: N/A Indirect reports: N/A Competencies
Achievement: Creates own measures of excellence and improves performance; Analytical Thinking: Sees multiple relationships; Change Leadership: Expresses vision for change; Impact and Influence: Uses indirect influence; Initiative: Is decisive in a time-sensitive situation; Organisational Awareness: Understands organisational politics; Teamwork: Solicits inputs and encourages others. Contract
Contract to be offered to the successful applicant (if non-seconded): Definite duration contract of three years; possibility of renewal for up to three years, during which the incumbent may apply for conversion to an indefinite duration contract. In accordance with the contract policy, this is a post in which turnover is desirable for political reasons in order to be able to accommodate the Organisations need to carry out its tasks as mandated by the Nations in a changing environment, for example by maintaining the flexibility necessary to shape the Organisations skills profile, and to ensure appropriate international diversity. The maximum period