You want to join the most vibrant scientific community in a supporting role?
The CSO offers a unique structure supporting a constellation of scientists aiming at empowering NATO’s technological edge. If you are an experienced expert in CIS affairs, with a recognized leadership experience, you might wish to join our community for an exciting journey.
- Post Context
1. The mission of the NATO STO is to help position the Nations and NATO’s S&T investments as a strategic enabler of the knowledge and technical advantage for the defence and security posture of NATO Nations and partner Nations.
2. As described in the STO Charter, the STO Collaboration Support Office (CSO) is one of the executive bodies of the STO. Within the framework of the STO Collaborative business model, the CSO provides executive and administrative support to the S&T activities conducted through the STO level 2 committees and level 3 working groups.
3. The Branch Head (CIS Support) is responsible for managing the team of technicians and external contractors to ensure the effective operation and maintenance of all CSO’s Communications and Information Systems (CIS) and Cyber Security systems and services. This also involves the scheduled planning, implementation and upgrade of all services and systems to meet the CSO strategy, plus the integration and management of CIS related acquisitions and modifications, either contractor-supplied or in-house developed. As CIS System Manager, CIS System and Network Security Officer (CISSNSO), Cyber Security Officer and Crypto Custodian, the Branch Head is also responsible for the Cyber Security aspects of all information processed and stored on CIS systems at the CSO.
- Reporting Lines
The Branch Head (CIS Support) reports to the Chief of Staff (COS), he/she supervises three CIS Technicians and the Principal Technician (Cyber Security).
- Principal Duties
The Branch Head (CIS Support) is responsible for:
A – Head CIS Support
- Supervising the work of the CIS Support Branch Technicians and external contractors.
- Managing the work of contractor-provided CIS services for the CSO.
- Designing, developing and managing the CSO IT systems architecture.
- Planning and project managing the implementation of change to CIS services and systems.
- Supervising the management and execution of maintenance tasks on all CIS hardware and software.
- Managing the CIS and Cyber Security training program for Branch Technicians and CSO staff.
- Managing software licenses for all software applications used by the CSO.
- Working with external support contractors (NCIA and commercial), developing and monitoring required maintenance support contracts.
- Preparing the CSO’s long-range CIS Plan, incorporating provision for balanced, cost-effective growth and expansion, and effective utilization of CIS management information, in particular keeping abreast of Information Systems and Communication technology developments in NATO and Industry.
- In close cooperation with the BUDFIN Branch, and as CIS Fund Manager, preparing annual budgetary estimates for operating expenses, maintenance actions, equipment and service upgrades and replacements. Preparing forecasts for long range budget requirements for future and existing CIS services and systems; for presentation to CSO leadership and to the BC’s CIS and Communications working group.
B – CIS System Manager, CIS System and Network Security Officer (CISSNSO) and Cyber Security Officer
- In conjunction with the Information System Operational Authority (ISOA), developing and regularly reviewing the documentation for security accreditation (including System Security Requirement Statement (SSRS) and SecOPs), in accordance with NATO security policy.
- Providing Cyber Security advice to the ISOA, system administration staff and users.
- Managing the design and implementation of Cyber Security measures specified in the SSRS and approved by the Security Accreditation Authority (SAA).
- Providing the necessary information to the SAA, through the ISOA, in order for accreditation to be achieved in an effective manner, and requesting re-accreditation when deemed necessary.
- Reacting to, and performing forensic analysis following suspected or actual, compromise of security of the CIS systems or network, and reporting the conclusions, through the ISOA, to the SAA and NOS as applicable.
- Managing records of all personnel with access to CSO CIS systems to ensure they hold appropriate security clearance and are aware of the local security regulations.
- Monitoring the implementation of hardware, firmware and software modifications and enhancements to the CSO CIS systems to ensure that security is not compromised.
- Ensuring classified computer storage media and other CIS system machine or human-readable documents are correctly controlled.
- Ensuring that CIS equipment or media, are declassified following an approved procedure, and no longer contain classified data.
- Liaising with the SAA, through the ISOA, on all aspects of System Security.
Crypto Custodian
- Performing duties as Cryptographic Custodian, including Inventory and documentation management.
- Supervising alternate Crypto Custodians, including ensuring training and security clearances remain current.
- Preparing for and responding to scheduled NCIA inspections.
- Special Requirements and Additional Duties
Performing other related functions as requested by the COS.
- Essential Qualifications
- Professional / Experience
- A previous overall professional experience of approximately 15 years in the field is required, including 3 years at same level of technical and supervisory responsibility.
- Broad and detailed knowledge and experience related to the management of computer systems and services and associated networks throughout their lifecycle.
- Experience in the design, implementation and management of complex IT security systems.
- Experience of budgetary principles and sound knowledge of NATO procurement procedures.
- Education / Training
A University Degree, preferably at Masters level, in Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Computing with a minimum of 15 years related experience, or a Higher Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training to the level of ITIL Expert or equivalent, in Telecommunications and Computing coupled with a minimum of 15 years professional experience in the field.
- Language Requirements
Good knowledge of one of the two official NATO languages (SLP 3333) and fair knowledge of the other (SLP 2222). The work at the CSO is mainly conducted in English.
- Desirable Qualifications
- Professional / Experience
- Experience with e-business.
- Familiar with the NATO Information Policy.
- Education/Training
Recognised certifications in IT Service Management, IT Security, Project Management and IT services.
- Language
- Very good knowledge of both NATO official languages.
- Knowledge of other European language(s).
- Civilian Post
- Personal Attributes
- Leadership.
- Initiative.
- Tact and capacity to co-operate and work harmoniously with high-level civilian and military personnel of different NATO nations.
- Reliability.
- Trustworthiness, discretion and high sense of responsibility.
- Demonstrated capability to supervise personnel.
- Managerial Responsibilities
The incumbent supervises a team comprised of four Technicians, also the work of external consultants when on site. He/she also has responsibility for all CIS and Cyber Security related services and systems at the CSO, including equipment used off site at STO meetings.
In addition to managing the CIS budget, the incumbent is also responsible for the definition of requirements for of all CIS Services and Systems. He/she manages the training budget for all CIS and Cyber Security related training and formulates requirements for future CIS Budgets. Payments of all external CIS consultants are validated by the post holder.
- Professional Contacts
- Reporting to the COS.
- Working with other CSO Staff members in an interactive manner to determine and satisfy operational requirements.
- Interacting with staff members of other NATO bodies to establish and coordinate requirements.
- Contribution to the Objectives
The importance of Communications and Information Systems (CIS) in the operation of the CSO and the CSO cannot be underestimated. CIS are not simply used as support tools to assist the CSO staff in their daily work, but rather as an architecture that underpins the way the CSO and the STO function. The incumbent of this position, being responsible for all operations and maintenance, budget and procurement and future development, is essential to the operation of the CSO, indeed without it the CSO and STO could not function given its reliance on CIS. As such this post is pivotal to the effective operation of the Organization.
- Remarks
- Security Clearance
NATO COSMIC TOP SECRET
- Hand-over Period
Not applicable.
- Tour Length
Not applicable.
- De-confliction
Not applicable.
- Work Environment
The incumbent will normally operate in an open office environment, with occasional exposure to excessive noise in a Server Room environment. Long working hours and travel abroad are infrequent but expected.