NATO Internship Cyber and Digital Transformation Division (CDT)

Internship Call - CDT - Vacancy Notice

Are you eager to play an active role in shaping NATOs Cyber Defence and Digital Transformation efforts for the Alliance Do you want to contribute to strategic decisions that will impact NATO operations capabilities and exercises across cutting-edge digital and technological domains Or perhaps youre passionate about cybersecurity cyberspace operations information assurance and innovative technologies If so this internship is perfect for you!

As of September 1 2026 the NATO Digital Staff (NDS) has been integrated into the new Cyber and Digital Transformation Division (CDT) within the NATO International Staff (IS) alongside the Integration Hub for Coordination (IHC) and the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO). The CDT is now at the forefront of advancing and safeguarding NATOs digital innovation and cyber defence.

As part of this dynamic forward-thinking division you will join an integrated team of civilian and military personnel working together to propel NATOs technological edge enable data-driven decision-making and release the potential of Multi-Domain Operations. You will contribute to shaping the strategies and policies that drive NATOs digital future while collaborating with experts and leaders across the Alliance.

In this exciting internship you will:

Develop your research and analytical skills by contributing to high-level meetings drafting strategic documents and shaping policy that influences NATOs digital and cyber initiatives.

Work with NATOs civil and military experts engage with international delegations and connect with industry leaders and academic professionals in a uniquely diverse and global environment.

Be part of a groundbreaking team driving NATOs Cyber Defence strategies Multi-Domain Operations and the Alliances digital transformation efforts ensuring that NATO stays ahead in the fast-evolving world of technology and security.

Join us in building NATOs future where you can make an impact shape strategy and advance your career among leaders in innovation and defence.

The CDT Division is recruiting Interns in the following branches:

Section 1: Cyber Plans and Capabilities (CYPCAP) Section. This joint civilian military section delivers technical and capability expertise in the field of cyber defence planning and capability development.

Section 2: Digital Readiness and Operations (DROP) Section: aligns digital enablers with operational requirements and ensures that resilient interoperable and mission-focused digital capabilities and services are effectively supporting Alliance readiness.

Section 3: Cyber Operations (CYOP) Section: Leads and coordinates two distinct but complementary functions across NATOs Enterprise-wide cyber landscape: on a strategic level it enables risk management and risk-informed decision-making across the Enterprise while on the operational level it ensures the planning coordination and execution of cyber operations including the activities of the NATO Integrated Cyber Defence Centre (NICC).

Section 4: Interoperability and Standardization (ISS) Section is seeking a motivated and analytically minded intern to support its work in digital interoperability enterprise architecture and standardization.

ISS enables the Alliance to operate coherently effectively and securely by leading efforts in technical procedural terminology and data standardization. The Section contributes to NATOs digital governance framework by developing and maintaining enterprise architecture foundations interoperability standards semantic resources and compliance mechanisms that underpin capability development acquisition and operational employment.

The Sections portfolio spans AI/ML cloud technologies next-generation communication networks secure information exchange cyber security and identity and access management. A core objective is to ensure that NATO capabilities are interoperable- and secure-by-design enabling trusted information sharing and federated operations across the Alliance.

The selected intern will contribute to this effort through tasks such as:

Supporting the development and maintenance of a wide variety of technical interoperability standards;

Contributing to semantic resources data models and ontologies to improve information exchange;

Supporting analysis related to artificial intelligence and machine learning interoperability considerations;

Exploring interoperability implications of cloud computing and emerging communication technologies;

Assisting in enterprise architecture modelling and documentation;

Assisting in the preparation of briefings analytical reports and technical documentation; or

Supporting coordination with stakeholders across NATO bodies and agencies.

Section 5: Digital Strategy and Policy Section (DSP) is the lead Section for NATO Digital Transformation; orchestrates the development of Alliance digital strategies and policies including compliance monitoring: conducts strategic foresight analysis and oversees the coherent application of architectural expertise and methodologies Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Technology across NATO.

As a result of the ongoing Digital Transformation as well as the many initiatives concerning the NATOs Digital Backbone and data-centricity there is an increased workload concerning architecture. Within DSP architecture is a tool to facilitate policy coherence promote interoperability and effective data-sharing across relevant Communities of Interest.

For this work strand the Intern would support a dedicated team of experts consisting of one IS Civilian and one Military Officer.

Section 6: Digital Plans and Capabilities Section (DPCAP) is the Staff Lead for C3 Capability Development in support of NATOs ambitions and operational concepts as well as the coherent planning of the C3 aspects of the NATO Defence Planning Process (NDPP). The Section will in support of the IMS lead the development of Common Funded Capability Development Governance Model management products for C3 intensive Capabilities. DPCAP coordinates the C3/CIS input to the NATO Defence Planning Process (NDPP) to support the implementation of the required capabilities both in quantity as well as in quality in both the nations as well as NATO. This requires the alignment of the NATO Enterprise Capabilities provided through Common Funded Capability Development and the National Capabilities through the addition DPCAP ensures the Alliance-wide coherent development of Combat Identification and Navigation Capabilities to include Navigation Warfare. DPCAP is the focal point within CDT for the C3 and Cyber support provided to Ukraine with the aim to improve Ukraines C3 and Cyber Capabilities as well as improving the interoperability with NATO. DPCAP supports the Alliance wide interoperability initiatives most notably through the development of multi-domain (Air Land Maritime Cyberspace Space) specific requirements as well as provide Subject Matter Expertise to the development of operational concepts and ensure liaison with the operational community as well relevant Senior Policy Committees and the Military Committee.

The selected intern would be supporting the Ukraine related workstrand mainly by:

Ensuring coordination between Ukraine and NATO Stakeholders most notably NCIA IS-OPS;

Monitoring progress of Ukraine C3/CIS projects;

Drafting Project Proposals in support of Ukraine Requirements.

Section 7: Cyber Strategy and Policy Section (CSP) focuses on the Alliances political and political-military cyber defence objectives in support of NATOs overarching deterrence and defence posture. CSP develops and maintains NATOs cyber defence strategy policy frameworks and implementation action plans translating strategic intent into practical guidance for capability development operations and resiliencebuilding. CSP develops operational doctrine for cyberspace as a domain of multi-domain operations ensuring cyber is fully embedded in NATOs deterrence and defence posture.

The selected intern will be contributing to the political-military team through tasks such as:

Supporting the revision of military cyber defence policies and strategies;

Assisting in the preparation of briefings reports and military advice for political consideration; or

Supporting coordination with stakeholders across NATO bodies and agencies.

What do we offer

• A 6-month traineeship at NATO Headquarters in Brussels starting in March / September 2027.
• A full-time traineeship (38 hours a week).
• A monthly grant and a travel reimbursement upon joining and leaving the organisation.
• Teleworking subject to business requirements.
• A rich programme of activities attending regular events and participating in meetings with several stakeholders.
• NATO HQ Staff Centre which promotes employee well-being and foster a healthy work environment (click here for more info special membership price for NATO interns)

Selection Criteria

Please note that you can apply for up to three (3) different vacancies!

Apply until 30/04/2026 23.59 Brussels time

Essential:

The candidate must:

1. be a national of a NATO member state

2. be at least 21 years old

3. have at least two years of university level studies OR equivalent education OR be currently a student OR a recent graduate (degree obtained no longer than 12 months ago)

4. have proficiency in one of the two official NATO languages (English/French).

Desirable:

The following criteria will be considered an advantage:

1. have a Bachelors degree or in the final stage of a Masters degree relevant to the requested area of expertise

2. elementary knowledge of the second official NATO language (English/French)

3. be an advance user of IT tools including Microsoft Office SharePoint;

4. previous experience with other international organizations national administration research or industry.

Competencies required:

The candidate must demonstrate the following competencies:

Achievement: Works to meet standards.

Analytical thinking: Breaks down problems and see basic relationships.

Clarity and accuracy: Shows general concern for order and clarity and checks own work.

Customer service orientation: Responds appropriately maintains clear communication.

Empathy: Listens actively.

Flexibility: Acts with flexibility.

Initiative: Reacts to short-term opportunities or problems.

Organizational awareness: Understands the Organizations structure.

Teamwork: Cooperates shares information and knowledge freely offering support and cooperation.

Our Values:

Please see another vacancy notice to read about our values.

Special Notice:

In order for the Internship Office to assess your eligibility for the Internship Programme please attach the following documents:

1. Copy of university qualifications you have completed and/or

2. Proof of ongoing studies with the dates clearly mentioned if you are still studying.

We prefer that these documents are in one of the NATO official languages (English or French). If you dont have these documents in English or French please attach a self translation.

Please ensure that all information is complete and accurate before submitting your application.

Please note that the application cannot be updated after the relevant deadline.

The pool of candidates will be available to all NATO IS / IMS Divisions Offices and NATO Bodies in case there is a need for a similar profile.

Due to the broad interest in NATO and the large number of potential candidates telephone or e-mail enquiries cannot be dealt with.

Read more about the Internship Programme including terms and conditions and what we offer at our website.

Please see another vacancy notice to read about our AI Policy.