Principal scientific assistant

3000 people are working 24/7 to protect 1 billion citizens. We serve 29 nations by defending its networks, and providing real-life support to NATO operations and missions. We connect the Alliance. We are leading subject matter experts. We are the NCI Agency.

Role responsibilities: 

Under the direction of JISR SL Chief, you will perform duties such as the following:

• Responsible to a Project Leader or Task leader, the incumbent will be assigned to participate directly in the NCI Agency’s JISR Programme of Work;

• Execution of project related tasks, in particular; training and field support for software tools in support of military intelligence functional area, including data analysis;

• Provide assistance to scientists in scientific investigations, data collection and analysis;

• Participate in preparation of requirements specifications;

• Design and develop training material;

• Participate in delivery of specialist training to NCI Agency staff, military sponsors and visitors;

• Maintain up-to-date intelligence knowledge;

• Compile trip reports and training analysis feedback;

• Involvement in training aspects of full project lifecycle of software for intelligence support, graphical, geographic and intelligence analysis tools;

• Participate in collection, integration, and analysis of recorded data from operational systems;

• Assist in specification, documentation and testing of software;

• Assist in fielding of prototype systems for operational evaluation;

• Assist in preparation of specifications for purchase of training equipment;

• Provide advice on development of training packages for software to internal staff and/or external contractors;

• Deputize for higher grade staff, if required,

• Perform any other duties as may be required.

Person specification 

Qualifications required

We are looking for a candidate with a vocational training at a higher level in a relevant discipline, or equivalent combination of qualifications and experience.

Experience required

At least 8 years relevant experience in at least one of the following areas:

• Training of Military personnel in the Intelligence. Surveillance and Reconnaissance Discipline;
• HUMINT (Human Intelligence) role in an active operational environment;
• SIGINT (Signal Intelligence) role in an active operational environment;
• IMINT (Imagery Intelligence) role in an active operational environment;

• Proven ability to communicate effectively orally, using tact and diplomacy, and in writing with good presentation skills;

• Experience in developing training material for the Intelligence discipline including eLearning packages;

• Knowledge of modern operating systems.

The following will be considered as an advantage:

• Knowledge in the use of SharePoint sites

• Familiarity with computer hardware and networking techniques;

• 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

We are looking for a person who demonstrates the following behavioural competencies:

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.

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.

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.

Travel

May be required to undertake duty travel to operational theatres inside and outside NATO boundaries

Language skills

Most of the work of the NCI Agency is conducted in the English language, and therefore a thorough knowledge of English, both written and spoken, is essential and some knowledge of French is desirable.

Contract

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 definite duration contracts 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.

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;
• Generous annual leave and home leave (if eligible).
• Retirement Pension Plan.

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