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 Background

NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) CIS Support Unit (CSU), located in NORTHWOOD (UK) enables end-to-end Communication and Information Systems (CIS) services via the installation, operation, maintenance and support of the full range of CIS capabilities to their operational partner, Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM).

The Automated Information Systems (AIS) CORE Section manages and supports the fundamental Information Communications Technology (ICT) services to users, comprising infrastructure storage and processing, platform services, managed desktop and end user device solutions, communication and collaboration tools and web functionality. The AIS Core Section supports ICT services locally provided to MARCOM in addition to providing remote on-site support and assistance to assigned maritime vessels across all NATO countries.

Role Duties and Responsibilities

• Activating user accounts.
• Addressing issues related to locked accounts, password resets, and reactivations.
• Offering guidance and support on account creation.
• Applying operating system and application updates to ensure software is current and secure.
• Updating firmware and drivers for hardware components.
• Monitoring logs for operating systems, applications, and databases to detect and resolve issues.
• Configuring automated backup processes for critical data and systems.
• Testing and verifying integrity of backups.
• Analysing credentials, making necessary changes, and securing POC approvals.
• Addressing delivery failures by checking and modifying accounts.
• Providing support to cyber security incident investigations.
• Providing support and ensuring compliance to the organizational configuration management program.
• Carry out technical evaluation on failed CIS assets in preparation for disposal.
• Addressing content-related issues and forwarding correction requests.
• Performing regular diagnostics and stress testing to identify potential hardware issues
• Supporting the deployment of organizationally approved images on end user devices.
• Provide support in migrating data from other systems.
• Managing and executing disaster recovery plans, including system restoral after failure.
• Provide rapid response to all user issues.
• All support inquiries must receive a written response within 30 minutes, either resolving the issue or providing a status update with a resolution prognosis.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Three years of general experience in the following IT areas:
  • System Administration of MS Windows Server
  • Active Directory
  • MS Exchange Server
• Practical experience in diagnosing deficiencies in networks and associated equipment.
• Expertise in the installation and maintenance of system software such as operating systems, data management products, office automation products and other utility software.
• Knowledge of the operation and control of all equipment within an IT network infrastructure to include data backup and restore, production of network performance statistics, provision of network diagnostic information, and site surveys.
• Experience in reviewing system software updates and identifying those that merit action.
• Experience with installation and testing of system software and tailoring system software to maximize hardware functionality.
• Experience in a help desk or technical support role, with a broad knowledge of IT systems.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and interact positively with multiple departments
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of conveying complex technical information in a user-friendly manner
• Demonstrated ability to handle stressful situations with calmness, ensuring the user feels supported throughout their interaction. Empathetic and patient, understanding the frustrations users may feel and aiming to alleviate them. Positive attitude and a genuine desire to assist and educate users.
• Strong analytical skills, capable of quickly identifying issues and determining the most efficient resolution.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Proficiency in using diagnostic tools to troubleshoot technical issues
• A strong understanding of cybersecurity practices and protocols, ensuring the safety and privacy of user data.
• Knowledge and experience of working with NCI Agency.
• Knowledge and experience of working within a CIS Support Unit.
• Knowledge and experience with agile implementation methodology.

Education

• Higher vocational training in a technical discipline with 3 years post-related experience, or a secondary educational qualification with 5 years post-related experience.

Language Proficiency

• Business English

Working Location

• Northwood, Great Britain

Working Policy

• On-Site

Travel

• Some travel to other NATO sites may be required

Security Clearance

• Valid National or NATO Secret personal security clearance