YPP, Cyber Operations and Threat Intelligence

The Young Professionals Programme (YPP)

In a more dangerous and competitive security environment NATO continues to do everything that is needed to keep one billion people across Europe and North America safe. We are strengthening our defences responding swiftly and decisively to threats to our security and working together as allies and partners to protect our freedom and shared interests.

We are launching an accelerator for your international career the fourth cycle of our Young Professionals Programme (YPP). Through this global three-year programme you will experience the frontline of a political and military alliance and start a journey of personal and professional development in a diverse and inclusive work environment. Together we will ensure NATO continues to:

• respond with unity strength and resolve to growing dangers to our security across the Euro-Atlantic area and in all domains land sea air space and cyberspace;

• build stronger defences by investing more in defence and accelerating defence production and innovation;

• harness new technologies for our security and stay ahead in cutting-edge domains such as cyber and space;

• leverage partnerships including with the European Union individual countries and the private sector to protect our freedom and shared interests; and

• contribute to fighting terrorism and rampant instability in NATOs southern neighbourhood.

Do you want to make a difference and help protect close to one billion people across 32 NATO member states including your own If you are ready to take on this challenge and are a national of a NATO member state hold a Masters degree and have at least one year of work experience then apply for the YPP.

With you we are stronger.

#WeAreNATO

Your role

During the three years of the programme you will be assigned to two different NATO bodies:

For more information please see the path narrativehere. You can also find more information about the NATO bodieshere& the NATO Young Professionals Programmehere.

This is an opportunity for you to apply your knowledge and skills in the broader area ofCyber Operations and Threat Intelligence. As you gain experience you will be given increasing responsibilities such as:

• Supporting NATOs efforts in systematically introducing innovation in defence planning and capability development processes and activities;
• Supporting a secure conduct of the Alliances operations and business through the provision of scientific technical acquisition operations maintenance and/or sustainment support in the cyber & EDTs domains;
• Contributing to elements of the entire lifecycle of cyber defence capabilities development from definition of requirements to planning delivery and retirement;
• Staying abreast on the current cyber threats from internal and publicly available external sources and assessing risk to NATO and its Member States;
• Applying data and insights from operational incidents to strengthen existing as well as develop new cyber defence capabilities policies products and processes;
• Providing IT security SME knowledge and support during applicable IT security incidents;
• Contributing to conducting cyber security operations participating in incident management and associated coordination and support activities;
• Providing actionable intelligence to Cyberspace Situation Awareness (CySA) security analysts Threat and Vulnerability Management Global Physical Security global business units and industry partners on cyber security-related matters;
• Collaborating with SOC Analysts Security Engineering and Security Architecture Threat and providing documentation to maintain develop and create runbooks and SOPs for CTI and CySA;
• Analysing malicious traffic and IOCs hits for attributing to threat actors;
• Researching and providing reports on attacker campaigns as required. Analysing and developing documents and presenting general & technical presentations on security threats to business units and Information Security Risk Management personnel;
• Informing the Strategic Level about military implications of technological innovation; and
• Reviewing weekly monthly and on-demand threat intelligence reports. Contributing to the measurement of the effectiveness of the cyber threat intelligence within NATO;
• Contributing to the integration of cyber threat intelligence in NATOs cyber defence mechanisms and controls; and
• Researching new trends within the areas of responsibilities of cyber defence & EDTs.
  
  

Who we are looking for

The changing pace of the world demands that NATO and its people remain flexible eager to learn and able to work effectively with a variety of stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. For a YPP position we are looking for candidates with at least one year of professional experience.

For the YPPCyber Operations and Threat Intelligence path we are generally interested in the following educational backgrounds:

• Masters degree in the field of cyber studies international security engineering information and communication technology computer science;

• Any other degree that you believe can be useful to the area of Cyber Operations and Threat Intelligence let us know how your knowledge and skills can be applied!

Any of the following experience or skills would be considered as an asset:

• Experience in the area of cyber operations or analysis or in relevant position for the path;

• Be prepared to approach cyber defense from both strategic and operational perspectives and understand the principles and procedures governing cybersecurity in a large organization;

• Knowledge of security software and familiarity with cyber security regulations;

• Comprehensive understanding of the principles of computer and communication security networking and the vulnerabilities of modern operating systems and applications;

• Experience in development and implementation of computer security or EDTs policies and a good understanding on how enterprises are employing them to drive digital business;

• Experience in developing and/or implementing processes and procedures especially in support of cybersecurity operations and experience in program or project planning;

• Experience with cybersecurity procedures such as threat hunting adversary emulation red teaming and vulnerability management;

• Knowledge of planning coordinating and executing cybersecurity operations in federated environments;

• Interest in hacking and activities that derive intelligence on cyber threats (capabilities and intent of cyber threat actors) and cyber vulnerabilities;

• Experience in malware protection technologies malicious code techniques and associated countermeasures;

• Strong passion for information technology & EDTs with a strong commitment to maintaining and improving oversight on technology evolution;

• Interest in business information application technology and system architecture and integration;

• Knowledge of cyber threat intelligence lifecycle levels sources and products;

• Experience in using and managing threat intelligence platforms;

• Knowledge of intrusion detection systems and security information and event management (SIEM) systems;

• Experience with qualitative and quantitative analytical methodologies and technologies;

• Ability to prepare and deliver clear and concise presentations and reports to both technical and non-technical audiences;

• Any additional training/certification(s) related to cyber defence & emerging technologies (such CEH CompTIA SANS etc) and project or programme management certification;

• Strong analytical & drafting skills;

• Proactivity can-do attitude & willingness to learn and share information; and

• Teamwork excellent communication facilitation and interpersonal skills.

What we offer

NATO will offer the Young Professionals:

• An experience of a lifetime at the forefront of an international organization where youll have the opportunity to develop your skills and expand your professional network;

• A diverse and stimulating work and personal experience where you will be assigned to three different NATO bodies around the globe one each year; and

• A competitive salary and other benefits including excellent health insurance and a generous annual leave package of 30 days

Are you interested in being part of NATO and the YPP Apply by 31 May 2026 23:59 Brussels time

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: note that at the time of the interviews candidates will be asked to provide evidence of their education and professional experience as relevant for this vacancy.

  Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance (provided by the national Authorities of the selected candidate) and approval of the candidates medical file by the NATO Medical Adviser.

  More information about the recruitment process and conditions of employment can be found at our website ( 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.

  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.

  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.