Requirement: Operational Readiness Validation Manager (FLAGCIS)
Location: Northwood, UNITED KINGDOM
Full Time On-Site: Yes
Time On-Site: 100%
Not to Exceed Rate: 54 EUR
Total Scope of the request (hours): 836
Required Start Date: 4 August 2026
End Contract Date: 31 December 2026
Required Security Clearance: NATO SECRET
Please do NOT apply for any NATO contract positions unless you meet ALL the following criteria:
- Current National or NATO SECRET clearance
- Nationality of one of the NATO member countries
- Current work visa for the specific location if applying for an in-country position
Duties & Role:
- Coordinates overall system service delivery integration of the FLAGCIS (maritime deployable communication & information system modules).
- Conducts validation of system technical criteria during milestone phases to ensure the system is brought to a state of operational readiness.
- Modifies and communicates system integration timeline changes to key stakeholders.
- Supports each of the assigned technical leads for the system integration milestones with planning and execution of each event.
- Publishes a System Operational Readiness Status document for signature by CSU Commander (NCIA) and the Operational User (MARCOM HQ N6) in advance of the final Phase of Operational validation.
- Supports the coordination of infrastructure and CIS connectivity works to upgrade facilities for FLAGCIS.
- Monitor, records, and reports progress of validation of system technical criteria achievement, while recording observations and exceptions, proposing viable plan to achieve criteria.
- Provides advice to key stakeholders including, but not limited to: NCIA Service Level and Service Delivery Managers, Service owners, Commander CSU, Branch Heads, Principal Technicians, MARCOM HQ personnel, and AIRBUS technicians.
- Assists in the production, validation, and refinement of system documentation, operating procedures, maintenance plans, technical schematics, checklists, as well as operator/technical manuals.
- This position requires personnel to be able to work on board naval vessels including use of ladders and exposure to confined spaces.
- Personnel must have individual medical and personal liability cover.
- Place of Work and Working Hours: The services under this contract shall be performed primarily on-site at the designated Agency location. The mandatory working time shall be 38 hours per week, to be performed Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00, in accordance with Agency practices. A daily unpaid lunch break shall be taken in line with applicable local regulations and Agency practices. Remote work may be authorised on an exceptional basis, subject to project requirements and prior approval by the Agency. When remote work is authorised, the Contractor shall maintain reliable communication with the Agency, remain available during the agreed working hours, and ensure secure access to all required Agency systems, networks, and documentation platforms. All access and connectivity shall comply with applicable Agency security regulations, information assurance policies, and data protection requirements.
- Use of Agency Vehicles: Where required for official duties and subject to prior authorization by the Agency, the Contractor may be permitted to operate Agency vehicles. Any such use shall be undertaken at the Contractor's sole responsibility and in compliance with applicable Agency rules and traffic regulations. The Contractor shall remain fully liable for any incidents, damages, or claims arising from the use of Agency vehicles, in accordance with the contract terms and the Contractor's insurance coverage.
Skills, Knowledge & Experience:
- The candidate must have a currently active NATO SECRET security clearance
- Bachelor's degree with a focus in Information Technologies or related discipline AND Minimum 7 years of relevant hands-on experience in IT project management.
- Formal and current Project Management certification (PRINCE2, PMP, or equivalent).
- Formal and current ITIL Foundations certification.
- Expert knowledge of MSOffice suite is required.
- Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technologies or related discipline.
- Experience in coordinating CIS operational readiness planning, execution, validation.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Server Technologies, including active Directory and Microsoft Exchange.
- Knowledge and experience in Virtualization Technologies, including VMWare.
- Knowledge and experience with military grade cryptographic Technologies.
- Knowledge of the SDE process, such as Ansible playbooks, is desirable.
- Knowledge and experience with Networking and digital communication service Technologies.
- Knowledge and experience with NATO Maritime software applications, including NIRIS, MCCIS, ICC, EDMS, JCHAT, NCOP, and ARCGIS is highly desirable.Ability to write clear and concise technical documentation and user guides is required.
- Effective oral and written communication skills in English are essential.
- Customer focus: Focuses on customer needs and satisfaction; acts with customers in mind; high standards for quality and quantity; monitors and maintains quality and productivity; works in a systematic, methodical, and orderly way; consistently achieves project goals; gets first-hand customer information and uses it for improvements in products and services; establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and gains their trust and respect.
