Senior Staff Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) has been operational for over 70 years, dedicated to preserving peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security for nearly one billion citizens. With a workforce of approximately 3000 civilian and military staff, NCIA operates in 29 locations across Europe, North America, and Asia. The organization focuses on providing the technological and cyber capabilities necessary for NATO to conduct critical operations, protect airspace, and defend against cyber threats. The mission of NCIA is to ensure that NATO maintains its technological edge by hiring, training, and retaining the best talent available.

Job Overview:
The Senior Staff Officer position is based in Mons, Belgium, and is integral to the transformation of NATO's IT services in support of its Digital Endeavour. The role involves joining the Chief Service Operation (CSO) team, which is responsible for planning, operating, and maintaining Communication and Information Systems (CIS) services across the designated Area of Responsibility. The CSO also serves as the signature authority for Agency orders related to the deployment of staff and equipment for Operations and Exercises, and is tasked with providing operational situational awareness to the General Manager and Chief of Staff. The Senior Staff Officer will lead the OPEX planning team and represent NCIA in strategic and operational planning groups, ensuring that NCIA's support aligns with operational CIS requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Staff Officer will have a variety of duties, including leading the OPEX planning team, representing NCIA in ACO strategic and operational planning groups, coordinating NCIA support in accordance with operational CIS requirements, and acting as the central point of contact for SHAPE and ACO headquarters on planning matters. The officer will also be responsible for ensuring effective communication and coordination across the Agency's portfolio, and for maintaining situational awareness regarding CIS operations. A full list of duties can be found in the job description on the NCIA career site.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of a Bachelor's degree from a nationally recognized or certified university in a related field, particularly in the CIS/IT domain, along with at least three years of post-related experience. Alternatively, candidates without a university degree may qualify if they can demonstrate at least 10 years of extensive and progressive expertise relevant to the position. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in management support mechanisms or similar professional activities, and a good understanding of NATO Operations Planning processes or equivalent planning methodologies.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline, particularly in the fields of Communication and Information Systems (CIS) or Information Technology (IT). Candidates lacking a degree may still be considered if they can demonstrate significant relevant experience and capabilities that align with the needs of NCIA.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience, ideally in the context of delivering and implementing management support mechanisms or other professional-level activities. Experience in military CIS planning for operations and exercises, whether in a national or international environment, is highly desirable. Familiarity with NATO's operational planning processes or similar frameworks is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a five-year contract with a competitive tax-free salary, along with allowances for household and children where applicable. Expatriate staff will receive privileges such as expatriation and education allowances, as well as additional home leave. The role includes excellent private health insurance and generous annual leave of 30 days plus official holidays. Additionally, the NATO Pension Scheme and various development programs, including professional training and wellbeing initiatives, are part of the employment package. The NCIA is committed to being an equal opportunity employer, fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity in all its forms.