TEMPORARY POST - Assistant AIRC2 Capability Assessment, Mons

SHAPE is looking for employing a qualified and suitable candidate to fill this post as a temporary staff. The contract is foreseen to start as soon as possible and has an end date set on 31 December 2026. The full duration of the contract is thus dependent on the start date. If you meet the requirements described in the job description below and wish to work in a fast-paced international environment, this post is for you.

In view of the nature and of the urgency of this temporary position, it is important for candidates to be available for temporary employment. In practice, this implies being in possession of valid NATO security clearance at the time of application, or having been in possession of such a clearance with the possibility to reactivate it swiftly.  We therefore only encourage applications for this post if you are already, or have previously been, in possession of a valid NATO security clearance. 

POST CONTEXT

The Command and Control Systems Operational User and Support Branch (C2SOUS) develops, identifies, manages and coordinates operational requirements and interoperability aspects of C2 systems. The Branch conducts configuration management, maintenance and technical support, technical evaluations, and provisions in-service-support, through-life system management and supports budget issues for NATO and legacy C2 systems and radars.
The Requirements Coordination Section (COO) coordinates operational requirements for C2 systems and synchronizes/assures coherence with related policies, doctrines and directives.
This post contributes to the COO Section tasks by supporting the selection and delivery process of future IAMD capabilities. This post assists the AIRC2 Analyst in his tasks in the Independent Programme Office (iPO). More specifically, this post participates to all the trials and testing events that are conducted for the assessment of selected AIRC2 solutions in close coordination with the users, SACT, NATO Agencies and the industrials. In his/her reports, this post provides the necessary information required for a comprehensive decision on the operational acceptance of every new AIRC2 system components.

Principal Duties

-  Supports the selection and acquisition process of future IAMD capabilities required by the enhanced AIRC2 programme.
-  Supports the development of the Operational Acceptance roadmap and timeline as per the ACO Directives.
-  Contributes to the development and reviewing of Operational Acceptance Criteria (OAC) aligned with Operational Requirement Statement (ORS).
-  Supports the development of operational specifications to evaluate available solutions.
-  Supports the development of technical specifications and criteria to evaluate available solutions.
- Support the planning activities related to the upgrade of the ATTF facilities and hardware, and the initial tests that will be conducted by the ATTF staff and make regular reports on the progresses.
- Facilitate all the trials and testing events that support the evaluation of AIRC2 solutions.
- Supports the preparation and participates to the User / Operational Acceptance Testing (UAT/OAT), Operational Live Testing (OLT), Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) plus other Operational Verification events as required.
- Coordinates with AIRCOM Headquarters the support of the operational users in-situ in the dedicated NATO laboratories, testing facilities and industry facilities as required.
- Identifies the suitable Air Exercises (CPX/CAX – LIVEX) for the use and assessment of the new AIRC2 system components in close coordination with AIRCOM, CAOCs and DACCC.
- Supports Verification, if the selected AIRC2 system components meet the agreed upon Acceptance Criteria to confirm their usability, suitability and sustainability.
- Produces an ACO report after each trials and testing event in order to support the ACO decision and the final Capability Acceptance Report.
-  Supports Analysis of Alternatives and related industry surveys led by the iPO.
- Participates to the evaluation of available technologies and contributes to the implementation of a set of recommendations for an Allied decision on technical solutions to pursue.
- Works closely with and reporting to SHAPE PLANS SDF C2SOUS COO.
- Assists the AIRC2 Analyst in his tasks in the Independent Programme Office (iPO).
- Support the C2OUS Branch Head in his new responsibilities of eAirC2 POC for the iPO and member of the Senior Responsible Owner Programme.

Additional Duties

The employee may be required to perform a similar range of duties elsewhere within the organization at the same grade without change to the contract. The work is usually performed in a Normal NATO office working environment. Normal Working Conditions apply. The risk of injury is categorised as No risk / Risk might increase when deployed. The incumbent may be required to undertake TDY assignments both within and outside NATO’s boundaries and be willing to work unsocial hours.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS 

a) Professional/Experience

- Comprehensive knowledge of Air Command & Control systems/softwares used in the NCS and NFS
- Comprehensive knowledge of operational assessment and acceptance procedures used in NATO
- Working experience in conducting operational trials and testing events aiming to evaluate/assess AirC2 systems/softwares.                                                                                                                                     
- Experience at the NCS/NFS level dealing with IAMD related issues
- Understanding of the NCS Air C2 organisation and the battle management of air operations

b) Education/Training

Higher Secondary education and intermediate vocational training  which might lead to a formal qualification with 2 years experience, or Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training  leading to a professional qualification or professional accreditation with 4 years post related experience.

In case of ambiguity the required job specific experience have priority over the standard education and training levels and experience described here.

c) Language        

English (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing) - SLP 3333

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

- Knowledge of the NATO IAMD Policy and capabilities, AirC2 concept of operations and relevant doctrines and tactics.
- Comprehensive understanding of the NATINAMDS organization and capability.
- Previous posting within an NATO Command and Headquarters Staff experience.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
The incumbent has strong written and oral communication and analytical skills. Has a flexible mind, and has the ability to grasp complex ideas rapidly and accurately. Exhibits sound practical judgement and has the ability to contribute to and work in multi-disciplinary teams. Has the ability to set priorities and organise work effectively in order to meet deadlines. Personal skills include tact, inter-personal sensitivity, very good communication skills. Considerable professional judgement is required to make determinations of appropriate courses of action, with all NCS Commands and Nations.

WHAT WE OFFER

38 hours per week schedule; 2.5 paid days of leave per month worked; Fulfilling working atmosphere in an international and military community; Contract period: up to a maximum of 6 months (contractual end date set on 31st December 2026) with possibility of extension Salary: the remuneration of temporary personnel will be specified in their contracts. It is exempt from taxation in the Host Nation; Benefits package: temporary personnel are covered by a benefits package which consists of an additional sum of 12% of basic salary for pension purposes basic medical and accident insurance provided under the NATO Group insurance contract (death and invalidity). The cost for insurance amounts to 2.57% of basic salary (2/3 payable by the Organisation and 1/3 payable by staff); For staff eligible under NATO rules, there is also a dependent child allowance and coverage for dependent children for medical benefits.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Candidates possessing a valid NATO or National security clearance will be given priority consideration.

Applications are to be submitted using NATO Talent Acquisition Platform (NTAP) (  Applications submitted by other means (e.g. mail, e-mail, fax, etc) are not accepted.

NTAP allows adding attachments.  A copy of the qualification/certificate covering the highest level of education required by the job description must be provided as an attachment.

Essential information must be included in the application form. Particular attention should be given to Education and Experience section of the application form. Each question should be answered completely.  Expressions such as “please see attached CV, please see annex / enclosed document” or invitations to follow links to personal webpages are not acceptable and will be disregarded. All answers should be in English.

Shortlisted candidates will be requested to provide original documentary evidence and a set of copies supporting statements in their applications.

Remarks:

Only nationals from the 32 NATO member states can apply for vacancies at SHAPE. Applications are automatically acknowledged within one working day after submission. In the absence of an acknowledgement please make sure the submission process is completed, or, re-submit the application.   Candidates’ individual telephone, e-mail or telefax enquiries cannot be dealt with. All candidates will receive an answer indicating the outcome of their application.