Scientist (Cyber Security)

Are you a Cyber Security professional with experience developing leading edge security solutions and capabilities?  Do you enjoy conducting research and preparing high quality technical products?  Are you committed to providing Cyber Security expertise and professional guidance by conveying technical ideas to all levels of the organization?  Does the sound of working in the International community amongst a team of world class experts intrigue you?  If yes, we want to hear from you!

The NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency) is looking for an enthusiastic Scientist with sound Cyber Security experience in cryptographic scientific and engineering projects that include concept development, research, experimentation, prototyping, demonstrations.  A passion to learn and willingness to collaborate in a fast changing environment is a must.

Role responsibilities

This post is assigned to the Cyber Security Service Line (CS SL) which is responsible for planning and executing all lifecycle management activities for cyber security.

The Capability Development Branch ensures that cyber security requirements are properly addressed during the design and transition of security services and capabilities implemented in Information Communications and Technology (ICT). These security services and capabilities are also provided and managed throughout the ICT lifecycle so as to meet the security expectations of the customer as well as the requirements of the NATO security policies and supporting directives. The branch also leads CS innovation.

Under the direction of the Head, Capability Development Branch, you will perform duties such as the following:

• Provide technical and professional guidance to the development of cryptographic policy, guidance, communication standards and interoperability specifications;
• Provide technical support to cryptographic capability-related acquisition projects including, but not limited to, writing and reviewing requirements and specifications, contributing to contractor statements of work, supporting bids; evaluations, and reviewing deliverables;
• Develop business cases, strategies, and implementation plans related to the modernisation and transformation of NATO’s cryptographic capabilities;
• Participate as required in the formulation, planning, and execution of technical and scientific Programmes of Work;
• Develop and present scientific, engineering, technical, and marketing information suitable for official meetings and high quality publications;
• Deputize for higher grade staff, if required;
• Performs other duties as required. 

Person specification

Qualifications required:

You must hold a Master of Science (MSc) degree at a nationally recognised/certified University in Cyber Security, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a related scientific or engineering discipline, with 2 years post-related experience, or a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree at a nationally recognised/certified University in Cyber Security, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a related scientific or engineering discipline, with 4 years post related experience. Exceptionally, the lack of a degree may be compensated by a lower academic qualification combined with the demonstration of particular abilities or experience of relevance to this post, with a minimum of 10 years relevant experience;

It is desirable for you to hold relevant certifications, such as Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or GIAC Security.

Academic background in the theory of cryptology will be considered as a plus.

Experience required:

You will be required to prove up to date knowledge and at least two years of experience in the following areas:

• Design and implementation of Cyber Security solutions for use in an operational environment;
• Cryptographic technologies including key management;
• Assessment of the state of Cyber Security, including risk management.

It will be considered as asset if you can demonstrate:

• Experience in development of cryptographic hardware;
• Experience in development, implementation, or operational use of cryptographic interoperability standards;
• Prior experience of working in an international environment comprising both military and civilian elements;
• Knowledge of NATO responsibilities and organization, including ACO and ACT.

Competencies Required

Delivering Results and Meeting Customer Expectations - Focuses on customer needs and satisfaction; sets high standards for quality and quantity; monitors and maintains quality and productivity; works in a systematic, methodical and orderly way; consistently achieves project goals.

Relating and Networking - Easily establishes good relationships with customers and staff; relates well to people at all levels; builds wide and effective networks of contacts; uses humour appropriately to bring warmth to relationships with others.

Working with People - Shows respect for the views and contributions of other team members; shows empathy; listens, supports and cares for others; consults others and shares information and expertise with them; builds team spirit and reconciles conflict; adapts to the team and fits in well.

Presenting and Communicating Information - Speaks fluently; expresses opinions, information and key points of an argument clearly; makes presentations and undertakes public speaking with skill and confidence; responds quickly to the needs of an audience and to their reactions and feedback; projects credibility.

Language skills:

A thorough knowledge of one of the two NATO languages, both written and spoken, is essential and some knowledge of the other is desirable.

NOTE: Most of the work of the NCI Agency is conducted in the English language.

Travel:

Business travel to NATO and national (NATO and non-NATO) facilities as well as travel between NCI Agency locations. You may be required to undertake duty travel to operational theatres inside and/or outside NATO boundaries.

What do we offer?

• Excellent tax-free salary, including (where eligible) expatriation household and children's allowances and additional privileges for expatriate staff.
• Education allowance for children (where appropriate) and an excellent private health insurance scheme.
• Ample annual leave and home leave (if eligible).
• Retirement pension plan scheme with generous employer contributions.
• Yearly training opportunities for scientific staff to remain current.
• Flexible working hours, with opportunities to telework, in support of work life balance.
• An opportunity to make a difference and work in a team of world class experts.

To learn more about the NCI Agency and our work, please visit our website.

Contract

The NCI Agency normally offers contracts of employment of a definite duration, not exceeding three years. Contracts may be for less than three years as required to support short-term projects, meet uncertainty with respect to the business outlook, staff performance and other factors. Definite duration contracts may be extended for further periods. When extending contracts, the following is taken into consideration:

• Renewal is in the interest of the Agency.
• Staff member's desire to remain with the Agency.
• The financial situation provides sufficient funding for the post held.
• The skills, competencies and behaviours, potential and work experience of the staff, versus the requirements of the Agency's work and/or availability of funding.
• Staff member has served the Agency with performance to the required standard as defined by the Agency,
• Staff member's deployability to operational theatre.

Serving civilian members of NATO will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations.

The first six months of a definite duration contract are a probationary period. During this period the staff member's work is assessed to ensure that he/she has the ability to carry out the duties of the post. At or before the end of the probationary period, the staff member will be notified in writing that the appointment is confirmed or terminated or, in exceptional cases, that the probationary period is extended.

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