CDT-0028 Communications Standards Support Services (NS) - TUE 10 Nov

Deadline Date: Tuesday 10 November 2026

Requirement: Communications Standards Support Services

Location: Brussels, BE

Full Time On-Site: Yes

Time On-Site: 100%

Total Scope of the request (hours): 1672 (Estimate)

Required Start Date: 4 January 2027

End Contract Date: 31 December 2027

Extension Options: OPTION 1: 1 January 2028 – 31 December 2028

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 candidate’s 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 NATO’s Military and Non-Military Instruments of Power, enabled by digital technologies, to enhance the Alliance’s ability to execute its core tasks in a Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) environment. In particular, increase Alliance Digital Interoperability, support the modernisation of NATO’s Standardization processes, and enable the adoption of data exploitation capabilities and AI.

The contractor shall support NATO’s digital transformation by developing and advancing communications architectures 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, CIS technical standards. The successful candidate will be the lead modeller (ArchiMate) of reference architectures, will support in the definition of conformance criteria for NATO communications standards and will contribute to the development of NATO’s communications specifications in meeting NATO’s digital transformation.

2.1 Modelling Reference Architectures

Description: The contractor shall have a deep understanding of the use of ArchiMate and modelling to deliver NATO Reference Architectures, with a primary, but not exclusive, focus on the NATO Communications Reference Architecture.

Measurement: Success will be measured by the delivery of the stakeholder-approved NATO Communications Reference Architecture in ArchiMate.

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 development of application layer and routing protocols enabling integration of HF and other BLoS communications systems with IP-based networks.

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 DPC sub-structure objectives, 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 Satellite Communications (SATCOM) 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 NATO SATCOM portfolio, evidence of their adoption in system development or integration activities, and validation by relevant stakeholders.

Timeline: Conformance criteria developed continuously throughout the period of performance, with key deliverables aligned to DPC sub-structure schedules and governance cycles.

2.4 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.

2.5 Governance, Coordination, and Capability Team Support

Description: The contractor shall support governance and coordination activities within the DPC sub-structure, 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 DPC sub-structure outputs, and stakeholder feedback demonstrating effective collaboration and alignment.

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 contractor is expected to work 5 days a week on site and may perform in specific (but very limited in frequency) situations teleworking at his residence in Belgium, following a security assessment of the place. No teleworking is allowed outside of the respective residence in Belgium.

5. TIMELINES

The services of the contractor are required for the period starting 4th January 2027 until 31th December 2027.

A contract extension is possible for the calendar year 2028. The contract extension will be 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

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

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

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

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

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

Requirements

3. PROFILE

• The contractor must possess a university degree in a relevant CIS field such as systems science, or an equivalent technical qualification.
• The contractor must possess a relevant qualification in the use of ArchiMate and TOGAF (or relatable framework).
• The contractor 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 contractor must demonstrate strong project management skills.
• The contractor must demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• The contractor 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 contractor 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 organizational awareness.

8. SECURITY AND NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT

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