Staff Assistant (Tactical Data Link Manager) - CAOC Uedem

Vacancy:

Job Title:                                     Staff Assistant (Tactical Data Link Manager)

NATO Civilian Grade:                  NATO Grade 10

Duty Location:                             Uedem, Germany

Post filling date:                           as soon as possible

Closing date for applications:           10 August 2025

Organisation:

The Allied Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC) is to plan, direct, task, coordinate, supervise, assess, and report on air operations of all allocated assets in peace, crisis, and conflict in accordance with the Commander Allied Air Command’s directives. The Static Air Defense Centre (SADC) will conduct the basic mission of the CAOC, including Air Policing. The Deployable Air Operation Centre (D –AOC) is available to be deployed and contribute to the formation of a Joint Force Air Command (JFAC).

The SADC and Combat Service Support Division (CSSD) is responsible for the execution of the Air Policing mission.

The SADC, incorporating the Air Policing Cell, is responsible for NATO Air Policing operations in its assigned Air Policing Area.

The incumbent is responsible for managing digital Tactical Data Link (TDL) interface systems.

The main duties of Staff Assistant (Tactical Data Link Manager) are to:

·       Operate and manage TDL Management / Interface systems (real-time management).

·       Monitor and supervise TDL nets to ensure transfer and display of Air and Missile Defense information; NATO links used are Link 16 (incl. Joint Range Extension Application Protocol (JREAP-C)), Link 11B, Variable Message Format, Armee Tactical Data Link-1 (ATDL-1) etc..., primary TDL is JREAP-C (Link 16 J-messages).

·       Assist in the design of Data Link communication architecture and ensure correct compilation and display of the Recognize Air Picture (RAP) / Common Operations Pictures (COP) when applicable.

·       Write Operational Tasks (OPTASK) in accordance with NATO architecture and documents.

·       Derive information provided in Information Exchange Requirements (IER) to incorporate new participants into the network(s).

·       Monitor interface actions of subordinate command and control agencies and advise the CAOC TDL and SADC of observed limitations in Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) operations.

·       Support national Data Link Management Cells (DLMC) to monitor and ensure that the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) operations comply with civil and any other restrictions on JTIDS transmissions in the operating areas.

·       Implement contingency procedures for an unscheduled loss of part or all digital data links and notify the chain of command.

·       Coordinate TDL crypto changes, use of data filters and recommend and implement changes to ensure or enhance surveillance coverage.

·       Be the net control authority for the Data Coordination Net (DCN) and Track Supervision Net (TSN) for NATO-led operations.

·       Supports TDL Planner in Combat Plans Division (CPD).

·       Shift work and standby duties are required.

·       Supports the NATO Command Structure / NATO Force Structure Joint Air Command in the appropriate Tactical Data Link Management Cell (TDLMC) when so ordered.

·       Represents CAOC at various meetings on TDL related subjects.

The work is usually performed in a normal NATO office environment. Normal Working Conditions apply. The candidate must be deployable.

The employee may be required to undertake deployments in support of military operations and exercises, and/or temporary assignments, both within and without NATO boundaries. Such operational deployment may exceed 30 days of duration up to 183 days in any period of 574 day and may be on short notice. For NATO International Civilian (NIC) staff, acceptance of an employment contract linked to this post constitutes agreement to deploy more than 30 days if required.

 Required Qualifications are:

Ø  English – good – NATO Standard Language Proficiency 3322

(Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing) in accordance with NATO standard agreement (STANAG) 6001.

NOTE: The work both oral and written in this post and in this Headquarters is conducted in English.

Ø  Secondary education and completed vocational training in related field/discipline

Ø  Completion of Joint Multi TDL Course on NATO LEVEL 2 or National equivalent course in compliance with STANAG 5555 / ATDLP-5.55.

Ø  Minimum two years professional experience in a Tactical Data Link Management Cell (TDLMC)

Ø  Minimum two years professional experience as a TDL Manager.

Ø  Professional experience applying NATO Integrated Air Missile Defense System procedures and equipment.

Ø  Professional experience of TDL Management at Air Surveillance and Control System unit, Surface Based Air Defense unit or Combined Air Operations Centre or National Air Operations Centre.

Desirable Qualifications are:

Ø  Experience working in NATO or in an international joint military environment.

Ø  Participation in a multinational exercise.

Ø  Joint Multi TDL Course on NATO LEVEL 3.

Ø  Interface Control Officer or comparable.

Ø  Completion of other for this position relevant courses / training.

The successful candidate has following personal attributes:

Ø  Very good communication skills both oral and written;

Ø  Very good interpersonal skills;

Ø  Flexibility – adaptability;

Ø  Ability to use logical approach to solve problems;

Ø  Ability to work under pressure.

The successful selected candidate needs to have a NATO security clearance and is required to pass a medical examination before an employment contract offer will be released. The medical examination will take place with our medical consultant and is required to determine if the recommended candidate is fit to perform the duties and is deployable to NATO's areas of operation.

Closing date for applications is Sunday 10 August 2025, 23:59.

Candidates must apply electronically in NATO Talent Acquisition Program:

https://nato.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en

Please be aware that a Selection Board will assess the information provided in the job submission form including the answers to the pre-screening questions. Attachments are supporting documents and should not be referred to in the application form. Only candidates meeting ALL required qualifications will be considered. Results of the applications are expected in the second part of August 2025. Test & Interviews for the shortlisted candidates will be in the second part of September 2025 and will be organised in Uedem, Germany.