Principal Technician (Crypto Services)

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 a driven and enthusiastic Principal Technician (Crypto Services) who will take on the following roles and responsibilities:

• Controlling Authority of cryptographic material assigned to NCIA;
• Administer the Crypto Accounting, Reporting and Distribution System (CARDS);
• Support Crisis management exercise and peacekeeping operational crypto procedures and material  requirements;
• Responsible for the delivery, support and  supervision of training courses;
• Write Security Directives;
• Perform Crypto Compliance audits.

For a full list of duties, please review the job description on the NCI Agency career site.

About you:

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

• Higher Vocational training in a relevant discipline and 3 years of relevant experience; Or a secondary educational qualification with 5 years post-related experience;
• 3 years extensive experience with Cryptographic Systems, design, management and implementation of modern Cryptographic systems and applications;
• Very good knowledge of CRYPTO accounting and distribution;
• Experienced in and have a good knowledge of COMSEC principles and practices, including physical security standards relating to COMSEC;
• Extensive experience in operating systems backup and restore;
• Extensive experience in the analysis of risk and in the implementation and integration of INFOSEC protective measures;
• Good knowledge of modern communication and Internet Protocol (IP) based networking technologies and systems including security aspects;
• Good experience with latest Virtualization Technologies;
• Working knowledge of the operation of communications systems and troubleshooting techniques;
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

Please note that the work is conducted fully 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.