Requirement: Communications Standards Support Services
Location: Brussels, BELGIUM
Full Time On-Site: Yes
Time On-Site: 100%
Not to Exceed Rate: 99 EUR
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Requirements
- 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.
