Section Head Cyber Exercises

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 Section Head Cyber Exercises who will take on the following roles and responsibilities:

• Direct and supervise the work priorities of the NCSC Exercise Section by providing professional guidance, instruction and advice to the staff members and specialist contractors. Responsible for the planning and execution of the Program of Work (POW) and associated tasks related to the Exercise portfolio;
• Coordinate NCSC participation to Exercise Core Planning Teams to develop cyber in exercising across NATO, representing NCSC requirements as Subject Matter Expertise (SME) ensuring support to Core Planning Teams, storyline development, MEL/MIL development, plan and resource cyber defence support and services to NATO Response Forces (NRFs);
• Exercise Coordination: coordinate and work with NCI Agency Operations and Exercise (OPEX) Business Area to identify and quantify Cyber Security requirements and resources necessary to deliver real-life support to exercise networks;
• Chair the NCSC Cyber Operations Exercise Support Working Group.

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:

• Bachelor’s degree at a nationally recognised/certified University in a related discipline and 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 10 years extensive and progressive expertise in duties related to the function of the post; At least 2 years Cyber Defence related experience;
• At least 3 years Cyber Defence related experience;
• Specific experience of participating in 2 or more Cyber Defence Exercises;
• Practical experience gained within a CIRC/CERT activity;
• Proven experience of Operational Planning, including familiarity with key J3 and J5 roles;
• A good knowledge of Computer Security Tools (Vulnerability Assessment, Anti-virus, Protocol Analysis, Anti-Spyware, etc.);
• Ability to use office automation tools to an advanced standard (MS Office Professional);
• A good familiarity and understanding of military communication systems and networks;
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

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.