Officer, Defensive Cyberspace Operations at NATO

Mons, Wallonia, Belgium -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

21 Apr, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

21 Jan, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Cybersecurity, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Analytical Skills, Problem Solving, Communication Skills, Policy Development, Planning, Execution, Teamwork, Flexibility, Initiative, Organizational Awareness, Cyber Incident Management, Cyber Risk Management, Presentation Skills

Industry

IT Services and IT Consulting

Description

1. SUMMARY The Cyber and Digital Transformation Division (CDT) oversees all aspects of cyber and digital transformation across the entire NATO Enterprise, advancing the Alliance’s agenda on those issues. As a fully integrated civilian-military Division, it combines the strategic insight of the International Staff (IS) with the operational expertise of the International Military Staff (IMS), enabling coherent, credible, and actionable advice to NATO’s senior decision-making bodies. CDT is structured around three core directorates: Strategy and Policy, Capability Development and Plans, and Readiness and Operations. The Readiness and Operations Directorate ensures that NATO’s digital and cyber capabilities are operationally viable, exercised, and maintained at readiness. It serves as the primary link with the NATO Integrated Cyber Defence Centre (NICC), ensuring the execution of the NICC Enterprise Coordinator function, working seamlessly across NATO HQ and SHAPE. In July 2024, Allies agreed to establish the NICC to enhance the protection of NATO and Allied networks, and the implementation of cyberspace as a domain of operations. Bringing together civilian and military personnel from across the NATO Enterprise, Allies and industry, the NICC enhances situational awareness, ensures collective protection and defence, and integrates operational activities. Within the Directorate, the Cyber Operations Section (CYOP) combines two core functions, comprising the provision of authoritative risk guidance to the NATO Enterprise CIS Operational Authority (ECISOA) as the Single Point of Accountability (SPA) for cybersecurity, and the provision of a strong liaison element with key cybersecurity stakeholders (ACO, ACT and NCIA among all). The Section ensures that NATO’s cyber operations reinforce Alliance-wide efforts through the co-leadership of Defensive Cyberspace Operations (DCO), together with the NATO Cyberspace Operations Centre (CyOC). The Section supports the planning, coordination and execution of DCO on NATO networks through the DCO Planning and Coordination Cell (DPCC). The incumbent is located in NICC/SHAPE, Mons with a dual reporting line to both the Senior Section Member in SHAPE and to the Head CYOP, and is responsible for supporting the management of the DCO lifecycle, including the proposal, planning, conduct, assessment and follow-up phases defined in the DCO process, and ensuring appropriate and timely communication and cooperation amongst the relevant NATO Enterprise stakeholders (CyOC, JISD, and NCIA) within and through the NICC. The incumbent provides support to all DPCC meetings, facilitating discussions and contributing to the decision-making process. The incumbent also supports the development and realization of DCO activities in close coordination with the cyber incident management and cyber risk management processes. 2. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE ESSENTIAL The incumbent must: • possess a university degree, or an equivalent level of qualification, from an institute of recognised standing, preferably in information and communications technology or a cybersecurity related discipline; • have at least 3 years of experience in cybersecurity, preferably in a large organisation; • possess experience in developing and implementing processes and procedures in support of cybersecurity operations, and experience in program or project planning; • have good knowledge of the principles, policy and procedures governing cybersecurity in a large organization, preferably in a military context; • be able to prepare and deliver clear and concise presentations and reports to both technical and non-technical audiences; • demonstrate strong stakeholder’s management skills; • possess good analytical, problem solving, and verbal and written communication skills; • possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): V (“Advanced”) in one; I (“Beginner”) in the other; • be flexible and willing to work outside of normal office hours and able and willing to travel when required, including weekly travel to NATO HQ. DESIRABLE The following are considered an advantage: • understanding of NATO’s organization, security policies and directives; • cybersecurity certifications such as CISSP, CCSP, CISM; • a post-graduate degree in cybersecurity; • a good knowledge and experience planning, coordinating and executing advanced cybersecurity operations in federated environments, • experience with cybersecurity procedures such as threat hunting, adversary emulation, red teaming and vulnerability management; • a good understanding of current and emerging cybersecurity technologies and how enterprises are employing them to drive digital business; • experience in cyber incident management and cyber risk management best practices and processes; • knowledge of NATO’s cybersecurity environment. 3. MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES Policy Development Contribute to the development of policies, directives, guidance and administrative documents relating to DCO. Provide advice to the CYOP Section Head on DCO policies, activities, processes and procedures. Provide advice and guidance on DCO to NICC stakeholders, NATO Nations, NATO civil and military bodies, partner nations and international organisations. Develop high-level strategic documents and advice to support the DCO processes and procedures carried out through the NICC. Planning and Execution Propose, plan, keep oversight on, assess and follow-up DCO activities in close coordination with the relevant NATO Enterprise stakeholders. Coordinate DCO activities within the context of the NICC. Identify, develop and test new processes in support of DCOs. Expertise Development Identify cybersecurity capabilities within the NATO Enterprise, as well as new ones to be developed in support of DCO. Maintain full understanding of project and programme plans, provide expertise and support in the resolution of issues. Keep abreast with the latest technology developments in the incumbent’s areas of responsibilities, and provide appropriate advice. Propose updates and improvements based on lessons identified from real life experience and exercises. Stakeholder Management Establish and maintain a network of relations with key civilian and military experts in the NICC, including working seamlessly across SHAPE and NATO HQ. Develop close cooperation and working relations with the relevant NATO stakeholders involved in the lifecycle of Enterprise security processes and practices, with a focus on DCO. Be comfortable in supporting and interacting with executive/senior-level boards and committees. Knowledge Management Draft background briefs, progress reports, prepare presentations, and other items for high- level meetings. Contribute to effective information sharing with the relevant NATO bodies and stakeholders (e.g. NATO Cyber Risk management Group (CRMG), the NATO Board of CISOA (BCISOA), etc.) that may contribute to and support DCO activities. On the basis of briefings, discussions and operational activities, provide advice on evolving security programmes in NATO nations, NATO civilian and military bodies, and non-NATO entities. Financial Management Support the management of a predetermined budget for assigned projects. 4. INTERRELATIONSHIPS As CDT’s presence within the NICC increases, the incumbent reports to the most senior Section member permanently located in SHAPE and through him/her to the Head, Cyber Operations Section and NICC Enterprise Coordination Office. The incumbent also replaces the Senior Officer in SHAPE when needed. The incumbent works in close cooperation with all NICC stakeholders and has a technical dependence from the DCO team leader in the Cyber Ops Section. Direct reports: N/A Indirect reports: N/A 5. COMPETENCIES The incumbent must demonstrate: • Analytical Thinking: Sees multiple relationships. • Flexibility: Adapts to unforeseen situations. • Impact and Influence: Takes multiple actions to persuade. • Initiative: Is decisive in a time-sensitive situation. • Organizational Awareness: Understands organisational climate and culture. • Teamwork: Cooperates 6. 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. Contract clause applicable: 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 Organisation's 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 Organisation's skills profile, and to ensure appropriate international diversity. The maximum period of service foreseen in this post is 6 years. The successful applicant will be offered a 3-year definite duration contract, which may be renewed for a further period of up to 3 years. However, according to the procedure described in the contract policy the incumbent may apply for conversion to an indefinite contract during the period of renewal and no later than one year before the end of contract. If the successful applicant is seconded from the national administration of one of NATO’s member States, a 3-year definite duration contract will be offered, which may be renewed for a further period of up to 3 years subject also to the agreement of the national authority concerned. The maximum period of service in the post as a seconded staff member is six years. Serving staff will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Régulations. 7. USEFUL INFORMATION REGARDING APPLICATION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS Please note that we can only accept applications from nationals of NATO member countries. Applications must be submitted using e-recruitment system, as applicable: For NATO civilian staff members only: please apply via the internal recruitment portal (link); For all other applications: www.nato.int/recruitment Before you apply to any position, we encourage you to click here and watch our video providing 6 tips to prepare you for your application and recruitment process. Do you have questions on the application process in the system and not sure how to proceed? Click here for a video containing the information you need to successfully submit your application on time. When submitting your application, please ensure that your Taleo Candidate Profile is updated and that your CV is correctly uploaded in the Taleo attachments section. More information about the recruitment process and conditions of employment, can be found at our website (http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/recruit-hq-e.htm) Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance (provided by the national Authorities of the selected candidate), approval of the candidate’s medical file by the NATO Medical Adviser, verification of your study(ies) and work experience, and the successful completion of the accreditation and notification process by the relevant authorities. NATO will not accept any phase of the recruitment and selection prepared, in whole or in part, by means of generative artificial-intelligence (AI) tools, including and without limitation to chatbots, such as Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (Chat GPT), or other language generating tools. NATO reserves the right to screen applications to identify the use of such tools. All applications prepared, in whole or in part, by means of such generative or creative AI applications may be rejected without further consideration at NATO’s sole discretion, and NATO reserves the right to take further steps in such cases as appropriate. 8. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 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. NATO is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible working environment, where all candidates living with disabilities can fully participate in the recruitment and selection process. If you require reasonable accommodation, please inform us during your selection process. Candidates will be required to provide documented medical evidence to support their request for accommodation. 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. Applicants who are not successful in this competition may be offered an appointment to another post of a similar nature, albeit at the same or a lower grade, provided they meet the necessary requirements. 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. The organization offers several work-life policies including Teleworking and Flexible Working arrangements (Flexitime) subject to business requirements. Please note that the International Staff at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium is a non-smoking environment. For information about the NATO Single Salary Scale (Grading, Allowances, etc.) please visit our website. Detailed data is available under the Salary and Benefits tab. NATO does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. For more info please click here.

Responsibilities

The incumbent supports the management of the Defensive Cyberspace Operations lifecycle, ensuring communication and cooperation among NATO stakeholders. They also facilitate discussions in DPCC meetings and contribute to the planning and execution of DCO activities.