Operational Readiness Validation Manager

Spektrum supports apex purchasers (NATO, UN, EU, and National Government and Defence) and their Tier 1 supplier ecosystem with a wide range of specialist services. We provide our clients with professional services, specialised aerospace and defence sales, delivery, and operational subject matter expertise. We are looking for personnel to join our team and support key client projects.

Who we are supporting

The NATO Communication and Information Agency (NCIA) is responsible for providing secure and effective communications and information technology (IT) services to NATO's member countries and its partners. The agency was established in 2012 and is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.

The NCIA provides a wide range of services, including:

• Cyber Security: The NCIA provides advanced cybersecurity solutions to protect NATO's communication networks and information systems against cyber threats.
• Command and Control Systems: The NCIA develops and maintains the systems used by NATO's military commanders to plan and execute operations.
• Satellite Communications: The NCIA provides satellite communications services to enable secure and reliable communications between NATO forces.
• Electronic Warfare: The NCIA provides electronic warfare services to support NATO's mission to detect, deny, and defeat threats to its communication networks.
• Information Management: The NCIA manages NATO's information technology infrastructure, including its databases, applications, and servers.

Overall, the NCIA plays a critical role in ensuring the security and effectiveness of NATO's communication and information technology capabilities.

The program

Assistance and Advisory Service (AAS)

The NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency) is NATO’s principal C3 capability deliverer and CIS service provider. It provides, maintains and defends the NATO enterprise-wide information technology infrastructure to enable Allies to consult together under Article IV, and, when required, stand together in the face of attack under Article V.

To provide these critical services, in the modern evolving dynamic environment the NCI Agency needs to build and maintain high performance-engaged workforce. The NCI Agency workforce strategically consists of three major categorise's: NATO International Civilians (NIC)'s, Military (Mil), and Interim Workforce Consultants (IWC)'s. The IWCs are a critical part of the overall NCI Agency workforce and make up approximately 15 percent of the total workforce.

Role ID – C004926

Role Duties and Responsibilities

• 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.

Essential Skills, Experience and Certifications

• 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.

Education

• Bachelor's degree with a focus in Information Technologies or related discipline.

Desirable

• 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.

Desirable Education

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technologies or related discipline.

Working Location

• Northwood, Great Britain

Working Policy

• Onsite

Travel

• Some travel to other NATO sites may be required

Security Clearance

• Valid National or NATO Secret personal security clearance