CDT-0028 Communications Standards Support Services

Deadline Date: Tuesday 10 November 2026

Requirement: Communications Standards Support Services

Location: Brussels, BE

Full Time On-Site: Yes

Time On-Site: 100%

Total Scope of the request (hours): 1672 (Estimate)

Required Start Date: 4 January 2027

End Contract Date: 31 December 2027

Extension Options: OPTION 1: 1 January 2028 – 31 December 2028

Required Security Clearance: NATO SECRET

Special Terms and Conditions: The contractor will be responsible for complying with the respective national requirements for working permits, visas, taxes, social security etc. whilst working on site at NATO HQ Brussels, Belgium. No special status is either conferred or implied by the host organisation, NATO HQ Brussels, Belgium to the contractor whilst working on site. If the successful candidate is allowed to work remotely, travel to NATO HQ for meetings will be at the candidate’s expense. Travel to other locations will be reimbursed as if the travel originated in Brussels. Attendance at these meetings is mandatory.

1. INTRODUCTION

Cyber Digital Transformation Division (CDT) drives the end-to-end transformation of NATO’s Military and Non-Military Instruments of Power, enabled by digital technologies, to enhance the Alliance’s ability to execute its core tasks in a Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) environment. In particular, increase Alliance Digital Interoperability, support the modernisation of NATO’s Standardization processes, and enable the adoption of data exploitation capabilities and AI.

The contractor shall support NATO’s digital transformation by developing and advancing communications architectures and networking standards that enable persistent, secure, and policy-compliant consultation, command, and control networks in support of Multi-Domain Operations (MDO).

We are looking for a well-rounded professional with excellent technical and communication skills as well as experience in the military domain. NATO knowledge would constitute an asset.

2. TASKS

The position of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)/Communications and Information Systems (CIS) standards engineering is a professional who is responsible for developing, in some cases maintaining, CIS technical standards. The successful candidate will be the lead modeller (ArchiMate) of reference architectures, will support in the definition of conformance criteria for NATO communications standards and will contribute to the development of NATO’s communications specifications in meeting NATO’s digital transformation.

2.1 Modelling Reference Architectures

Description: The contractor shall have a deep understanding of the use of ArchiMate and modelling to deliver NATO Reference Architectures, with a primary, but not exclusive, focus on the NATO Communications Reference Architecture.

Measurement: Success will be measured by the delivery of the stakeholder-approved NATO Communications Reference Architecture in ArchiMate.

2.2 Development of NATO CIS Technical Standards

Description: The contractor shall contribute to the design, development, and maintenance of NATO Standardization Documents related to communications and networking, including STANAGs, Allied Communications Publications (AComP), and Standards Related Documents (SRD). This includes supporting the modernization and development of application layer and routing protocols enabling integration of HF and other BLoS communications systems with IP-based networks.

Measurement: Success will be measured by the delivery and acceptance of draft and final standardization artefacts by relevant governance bodies, demonstrated compliance with NATO standardization processes, and alignment with operational CIS requirements.

Timeline: Continuously throughout the period of performance, with key deliverables aligned to DPC sub-structure objectives, schedules and governance cycles.

2.3 Development of Conformance Criteria

Description: The contractor shall define and document conformance criteria for NATO communications systems, with a particular focus on Satellite Communications (SATCOM) specifications. This includes identifying measurable technical criteria that support interoperability and enable system integration early in the development lifecycle.

Measurement: Success will be measured by the delivery of approved conformance criteria within the NATO SATCOM portfolio, evidence of their adoption in system development or integration activities, and validation by relevant stakeholders.

Timeline: Conformance criteria developed continuously throughout the period of performance, with key deliverables aligned to DPC sub-structure schedules and governance cycles.

2.4 Interoperability and Systems Integration Support

Description: The contractor shall support interoperab