Cyber Security Infrastructure Specialists (PKI) – Multiple Roles

Who we are:

For more than 70 years, NATO’s mission has been to preserve peace and security in the Alliance for nearly one billion citizens. The NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency) and its predecessors have worked tirelessly in providing the means that enable the connectedness and togetherness that keep our Alliance strong. We are the NCI Agency, a team of 3000 civilian and military staff in 29 locations throughout Europe, North America and Asia.

Our technology and cyber experts allow NATO to conduct critical operations, protect NATO’s airspace, make data-driven decisions, defend against cyber-attacks, secure NATO networks and maintain superiority in space. This is all possible because of our greatest force, our people. In order to keep this edge we aim to hire, train and retain the very best staff.

Our staff members represent both the diversity and unity of our Alliance. When you join the NCI Agency, you will be part of an organization where you can contribute authentically to the mission and purpose of NATO and help us keep our technological edge.

About the job:

Based in Mons, Belgium you will join the Agency as we embark on a journey to transform our IT services to support NATO’s Digital Endeavour. You will join NATO Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which is responsible for planning and executing all lifecycle management activities for cyber security. In executing this responsibility, NCSC provides specialist cyber security-related services covering the spectrum of scientific, technical, acquisition, operations, maintenance, and sustainment support, throughout the lifecycle of NATO Communications and Information Systems (CIS).

We are looking for driven and enthusiastic Cyber Security Infrastructure Specialists who will take on the following roles and responsibilities:

• Design, implement, manage, and maintain the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) systems;
• Ensure the secure and reliable operation of the PKI services, supporting critical business functions and compliance requirements;
• Drive the adoption of PKI practices for efficient deployment and management of PKI infrastructure;
• Research and recommend emerging technologies, tools, and best practices for PKI and cryptographic services;
• Lead the deployment of new NPKI-related tools, features, and enhancements, ensuring seamless integration with existing infrastructure;
• Track and evaluate team performance, providing feedback and addressing issues.

Note that we have two different types of roles open:

• Senior Cyber Security Infrastructure Specialist – G17 – 2 posts - for a full list of duties review the job description on the NCI Agency career site. Salary: 7970.25.44 EUR monthly.
• Cyber Security Infrastructure Specialist – G15 – 3 posts - for a full list of duties review the job description on the NCI Agency career site. Salary: 6467.30 EUR monthly.

Your performance during the recruitment process will be the primary factor in determining the post and grade you will be offered (if applicable).

About you:

The valuable knowledge and experience that you bring to this role are:

• Bachelor’s degree at a nationally recognised/certified University in a related discipline and 2/3 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 NCI Agency, that is, at least 6/10 years extensive and progressive expertise in duties related to the function of the post;
• At least 2/3 years practical experience of designing, implementing, and maintaining security infrastructure;
• 5+ years of experience in managing critical PKI systems with minimum of 50.000 customers or comparable cryptographic infrastructures;
• Expertise in NPKI technologies, including X.509 certificates, Certificate Authorities, and related protocols (e.g., OCSP, CRL, S/MIME);
• Experience with Microsoft Active Directory Certificate Services (ADCS) or other enterprise PKI solutions (e.g., Venafi, DigiCert, EJBCA);
• Strong understanding of cryptography, encryption algorithms, and secure key management practices;
• Practical experience identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities;
• At least 2 years of experience in management of CMS (Card Management System);
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage and coordinate a technical team;
• Experience with HSMs and their integration with PKI systems;
• Proficiency in system administration (Windows/Linux), network security, and troubleshooting;
• Familiarity with compliance frameworks and standards (e.g., NIST);
• Ability and desire to stay up to date with the latest security technologies and trends;
• Strong communication and analytical skills;
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

Please note that the work is conducted mainly on site in Mons, Belgium.

What we offer:

• Genuinely meaningful work as part of the most successful alliance in history;
• 3 year contract with competitive tax-free salary and household and children’s allowances;
• Privileges for expatriate staff including expatriation and education allowances (where appropriate) and additional home leave;
• Excellent private health insurance scheme;
• Generous annual leave of 30 days plus official holidays;
• NATO Pension Scheme;
• Development programs such as professional training, wellbeing, and more.

To learn more about NCI Agency and our work, please visit our website.

The NCI Agency prides itself on being an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment of mutual respect and value uniqueness and differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnic or cultural origin, age, religion, sexual orientation and physical or neurocognitive ability. 

Additional details on the conditions of application can be found here via the NCI Agency career site.