Officer, Defensive Cyberspace Operations

Mons - Belgium

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: Yesterday

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

The Cyber and Digital Transformation Division (CDT) oversees all aspects of cyber and digital transformation across the entire NATO Enterprise advancing the Alliances 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 NATOs 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 NATOs 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 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 NATOs 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.

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 stakeholders management skills;
possess good analytical problem solving and verbal and written communication skills;
possess the following minimum levels of NATOs 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 NATOs 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 NATOs cybersecurity environment.

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 incumbents 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.

As CDTs 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

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 Organisations 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 Organisations 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 NATOs 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 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: 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 ( will be subject to receipt of asecurity clearance(provided by the national Authorities of the selected candidate) approval of the candidatesmedical fileby the NATO Medical Adviser verification of your study(ies) and work experience and the successful completion of theaccreditationand 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 NATOs 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 NATOs 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 ourwebsite. 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.

Required Experience:

Unclear Seniority