CDT-0011 Communications Standards Support Services (NS) TUE 12 May

Deadline Date: Tuesday 12 May 2026

Requirement: Communications Standards Support Services

Location: Brussels BE

Full Time On-Site: Yes

Time On-Site: 100%

Total Scope of the request (hours): 1087

Required Start Date: No Later Than 17 June 2026

End Contract Date: 31 December 2026

Required Security Clearance: NATO SECRET

Special Terms and Conditions: The contractor will be responsible for complying with the respective national requirements for working permits visas taxes social security etc. whilst working on site at NATO HQ Brussels Belgium. No special status is either conferred or implied by the host organisation NATO HQ Brussels Belgium to the contractor whilst working on site. If the successful candidate is allowed to work remotely travel to NATO HQ for meetings will be at the candidates expense. Travel to other locations will be reimbursed as if the travel originated in Brussels. Attendance at these meetings is mandatory.

1. INTRODUCTION

Cyber Digital Transformation Division (CDT) drives the end-to-end transformation of NATOs Military and Non-Military Instruments of Power enabled by digital technologies to enhance the Alliances ability to execute its core tasks in a Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) particular increase Alliance Digital Interoperability support the modernisation of NATOs Standardization processes and enable the adoption of data exploitation capabilities and AI.

The contractor shall support NATOs digital transformation by developing and advancing communications and networking standards that enable persistent secure and policy-compliant consultation command and control networks in support of Multi-Domain Operations (MDO).

We are looking for a well-rounded professional with excellent technical and communication skills as well as experience in the military domain. NATO knowledge would constitute an asset.

2. TASKS

The position of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)/Communications and Information Systems (CIS) standards engineering is a professional who is responsible for developing in some cases maintaining technical standards that support NATO CIS. The successful candidate will play a role in the design and development of NATO Standardization Documents pertaining to communications and networking and will be working closely with the Chairpersons of Capability Teams (e.g. Cellular Communications for Defence Line of Sight Beyond Line of Sight SATCOM) engineers National SMEs the Custodian of the relevant technical specifications and relevant stakeholders. The Communications Standards Engineer will support the Interoperability and Standardization Section (ISS) as a cross-functional resource supporting consistent production of Standards for digital technologies that are part of the portfolio of NATO communications and networking standards.

2.1 Requirements Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement

Description: The contractor shall engage with relevant stakeholders including Capability Teams (e.g. Beyond Line of Sight (BLoS) SATCOM Cellular Communications for Defence) Chairpersons national subject matter experts NCIA representatives and standards custodians to elicit analyse and validate requirements related to communications and networking standards. This includes translating complex CIS technical specifications and operational needs into clear actionable and testable requirements.

Measurement: Success will be measured by the delivery of stakeholder-approved requirements documentation evidence of alignment with Capability Team priorities and documented stakeholder interactions decisions and feedback.

Timeline: Continuously throughout the period of performance.

2.2 Development of NATO CIS Technical Standards

Description: The contractor shall contribute to the design development and maintenance of NATO Standardization Documents related to communications and networking including STANAGs Allied Communications Publications (AComP) and Standards Related Documents (SRD). This includes supporting the modernization and consistency of NATO CIS standards across relevant domains.

Measurement: Success will be measured by the delivery and acceptance of draft and final standardization artefacts by relevant governance bodies demonstrated compliance with NATO standardization processes and alignment with operational CIS requirements.

Timeline: Continuously throughout the period of performance with key deliverables aligned to Capability Team schedules and governance cycles.

2.3 Development of Conformance Criteria

Description: The contractor shall define and document conformance criteria for NATO communications systems with a particular focus on Beyond Line of Sight (BLoS) specifications. This includes identifying measurable technical criteria that support interoperability and enable system integration early in the development lifecycle.

Measurement: Success will be measured by the delivery of approved conformance criteria within the BLoS Capability Team portfolio evidence of their adoption in system development or integration activities and validation by relevant stakeholders.

Timeline: Initial conformance criteria developed by the end of Q4 2026 with updates and refinement performed continuously thereafter.

2.4 Development of Application Layer IP Connectivity Standards

Description: The contractor shall support the development of application layer and routing protocols enabling integration of HF and other BLoS communications systems with IP-based networks. This includes working closely with Capability Teams and standards custodians to define interoperable and scalable connectivity solutions.

Measurement: Success will be measured by the delivery of technical specifications or contributions to standards enabling application layer IP connectivity successful validation within Capability Team activities and demonstrated interoperability between systems.

Timeline: Delivery of proposed solutions by the end of Q4 2026.

2.5 Interoperability and Systems Integration Support

Description: The contractor shall support interoperability across NATO CIS systems by ensuring that developed standards and specifications enable effective integration across communication domains including BLoS LoS SATCOM and cellular systems.

Measurement: Success will be measured by demonstrated interoperability outcomes reduction of integration issues identified by stakeholders and validation of standards within operational or testing environments.

Timeline: Continuously throughout the period of performance.

2.6 Governance Coordination and Capability Team Support

Description: The contractor shall support governance and coordination activities across Capability Teams NCIA and standard custodians ensuring alignment consistency and progress of communications standardization efforts. This includes supporting Chairpersons and contributing to structured standardization processes.

Measurement: Success will be measured by documented coordination activities timely contributions to Capability Team outputs and stakeholder feedback demonstrating effective collaboration and alignment.

Timeline: Continuously throughout the period of performance.

2.7 Reporting Briefings and Technical Communication

Description: The contractor shall prepare and deliver briefings technical presentations and reports to NATO committees Capability Teams and working groups clearly communicating progress technical solutions and recommendations.

Measurement: Success will be measured by the timely delivery of high-quality reports and presentations documented briefings and stakeholder feedback indicating clarity relevance and effectiveness of communication.

Timeline: Continuously throughout the period of performance.

3. PROFILE

See Requirements

4. LOCATION OF DUTY

The contractor will be embedded within CDT at NATO HQ Brussels Belgium working in close coordination with the Interoperability and Standardization Section (ISS) within the Strategy and Policy Directorate the NATO Communication and Information Agency (NCIA) Capability Panels and other stakeholders.

The services are to be provided on-site or via teleworking where relevant (NATO nation only) on a case-by-case basis subject to management approval.

5. TIMELINES

5.1 The services of the contractor are required for the period starting as soon as possible but no later than 17 June 2026 until 31 December 2026.

5.2 A contract extension is possible for the calender year 2027. The contract extensions are subject to performance of the contractor and related NATO regulations and budget availability

6 SPECIFIC WORKING CONDITIONS

The work will be performed in an office-based environment within a secure setting under standard working hours. Occasional non-standard working hours may be required to support urgent or high-priority tasks.

7 TRAVEL

7.1 The contractor will be expected to undertake business travel in support of specification development and coordination with CIS engineering stakeholders across NATO entities.

7.2 The frequency and duration of travel will depend on operational requirements and tasking needs.

7.3 Travel expenses will be reimbursed to the individual directly (in addition to the hourly rate) under NATO rules. Travel to Shape will not be reimbursed

8 SECURITY AND NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT

8.1 The contractor must hold or be capable of obtaining a NATO SECRET security clearance.

8.2 The contractor will be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement prior to commencing work.

8 SECURITY AND NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT

• The contractor must hold or be capable of obtaining a NATO SECRET security clearance.

3. PROFILE

• The candidate must possess a university degree in a relevant CIS field such as systems science or an equivalent technical qualification.
• The candidate must have at least five (5) years of experience working with NATO CIS technical specifications including demonstrated knowledge of their application in operational environments.
• The candidate must demonstrate strong project management skills.
• The candidate must demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• The candidate must demonstrate the ability to analyse complex technical specifications and translate them into clear actionable requirements or technical guidance.
• Knowledge of the NATO Digital Policy Committee (DPC) and its substructure is desirable.
• Knowledge of NATO standardization artefacts including STANAGs Allied Communications Publications (AComP) and Standards Related Documents (SRD) is desirable.
• Professional certifications in areas such as ITIL PRINCE2 PMP or CIS governance are desirable.
• The candidate must demonstrate the following competencies: analytical thinking (ability to perform complex analyses and develop structured solutions) clarity and accuracy (ability to produce high-quality error-free work) conceptual thinking (ability to apply and adapt learned concepts) customer-service orientation (taking ownership of issues and ensuring resolution) initiative (ability to act decisively in a time-sensitive and fast-paced environment) and organisational awareness.