C005093 Network Operations Analyst (NS) - THU 19 Nov RELAUNCH

Previously proposed candidates were non-compliant for the following reasons:

• The candidate was lacking CCNP certification and CCNP level network working experience and knowledge for following essential qualifications we require for this position: ISE and related NAC technologies, NLB, Network Management systems. The candidates approach for upgrading EoS system was also very poor as well as his steps for resolving Wireless issues were clearly lacking support experience. Conclusion: This candidate has limited basic network knowledge and experience and is therefore NOT compliant with the SOW and is therefore not qualified for this position.
• The candidate doesn’t have any relevant CCNP working experience of following the network systems and technologies we’re requiring as essential qualifications for this IWC Analyst position i.e. Cisco ISE, Cisco CCC, Cisco NDFC and Network Load Balancing. Also, his CCNP certification has not been renewed since 2013 which is also an indicator that he less interested in the Network area.
• The candidate gave a fair interview but his English was difficult to understand. The candidate is lacking CCNP level working experience. He gave very short and theoretical answers for following essential qualifications questions: NAC, 802.1X, DNS/DHCP, a scenario with Wireless issues, how to approach upgrading EoS equipment, Network Management systems and NLB. Conclusion: The candidate has no recent relevant CCNP support experience and is therefore NOT compliant with the SOW and thus not qualified for this position.
• The candidate doesn’t have any relevant CCNP working experience of following the network systems and technologies we’re requiring as essential qualifications for this IWC Analyst position i.e. Cisco ISE, Cisco CCC, Cisco NDFC, Cisco Prima, Wireless and Network Load Balancing.

• "The candidate’s experience is primarily focused on Network Cabling Technician and Microsoft Administration roles. Based on the information provided in the CV, there is insufficient evidence of the required hands-on experience with the relevant network systems, technologies, and CCNP-level competencies required for the IWC Analyst position. In particular, the CV does not demonstrate the required level of experience in the following essential areas: Cisco ISE, Cisco Prime, Cisco CCC, Cisco NDFC, Wireless Networks, Multi-tenancy Systems, Multicasting, Network Load Balancing. As these competencies form part of the essential qualifications specified in the SOW, the candidate does not meet the mandatory technical requirements for the role."
• The candidate was unable to demonstrate the required level of knowledge or practical experience in several key areas, including Cisco ISE, Cisco Prime, Cisco CCC, Cisco Wireless, Network Load Balancing, SD-Access, and the appropriate approach to upgrading End-of-Support (EoS) network devices. In addition, the candidate’s level of English communication was not sufficient for the requirements of the position. Based on the interview assessment, the candidate was unable to demonstrate the knowledge, experience, and independent technical competency required to meet the mandatory requirements of the SOW. Additionally, the requester stated that the candidate has used AI voice text during the interview and was reading the answers from his computer at his right side.
• The candidate was unable to demonstrate the required CCNP-level knowledge and practical experience in several essential areas specified in the SOW, including Cisco ISE and related NAC technologies, Wireless Networks, Network Load Balancing, Cisco Prime, and Cisco CCC. In addition, the candidate’s proposed approach to upgrading End-of-Support (EoS) network systems did not demonstrate the level of technical knowledge and practical experience required for the position.

Deadline Date: Thursday 19 November 2026

Requirement: Network Operations Analyst

Location: Brussels, BE

Full Time On-Site: Yes

Time On-Site: 100%

Total Scope of the request (hours): 418

Required Start Date: 18 December 2026

End Contract Date: 31 December 2026

Required Security Clearance: NATO SECRET

Duties & Role:  

The scope of work includes:

• Delivering first- and second-line operational support for network services.
• Monitoring, maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing network infrastructure.
• Supporting infrastructure deployment, asset replacement, and technology refresh projects.
• Implementing network configurations, upgrades, and security controls in accordance with established standards.
• Maintaining technical documentation, operational procedures, and configuration records.
• Supporting security compliance activities, infrastructure validation, and acceptance testing.
• Collaborating with internal stakeholders, service providers, and project teams to ensure effective service delivery.
• Providing operational support outside normal business hours when required.

Deliverables:

• Reliably and timely resolution of network incidents and service requests.
• Stable, secure, and well-maintained network infrastructure supporting business operations.
• Successful staging, testing, deployment, and commissioning of network equipment for infrastructure projects.
• Accurate and current technical documentation, operational procedures, and configuration backups.
• Effective support for security assessments, infrastructure validation, and compliance activities.
• Recommendations that improve network performance, resilience, operational efficiency, and service quality.
• Regular reporting on operational activities, project progress, risks, and issues

Duties and Role:

• Provide first- and second-line support for enterprise network infrastructure, diagnosing and resolving incidents in a timely and systematic manner.
• Install, configure, replace, maintain, and troubleshoot routing, switching, authentication, and related network technologies.
• Monitor network performance, identify emerging issues, and implement corrective or preventive actions to maintain service availability.
• Support Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) administration to facilitate client provisioning, moves, additions, and changes.
• Perform routine operational maintenance, including configuration management, backups, and system health verification.
• Support network infrastructure projects through equipment preparation, staging, testing, deployment, migration, and acceptance activities.
• Assist in security assessments, infrastructure validation, and implementation of mandatory security controls.
• Maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), technical documentation, and configuration records to support operational continuity.
• Identify opportunities for process, performance, and infrastructure improvements, and recommend practical solutions.
• Liaise effectively with internal teams, NCIA Service Lines, and external service providers to coordinate operational and project activities.
• Work independently with limited supervision while contributing effectively within a collaborative technical environment.
• Participate in operational planning, status meetings, and technical reviews, providing clear updates on assigned activities.
• Perform additional duties, including planned out-of-hours support, as required to maintain service continuity.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

• The candidate must have a currently active NATO SECRET security clearance
• Possesses a bachelor degree with 4 years post-related experience;
• Hold a valid Cisco Certified Network Professional certification;
• At least four years support experience with Campus (SD-Access) and Datacentre network systems (ACI);
• At least two years support experience with DNS, DHCP and IP address Management systems (IPAM);
• At least two years experience with Cisco ISE;
• At least two years experience with network monitoring system such as Cisco Prime, Cisco CCC, Zabbix; Cisco NDFC;
• At least two years experience with support and implementation of Wireless network systems;
• Experience with support of multi-tenancy network environments and multicast network technologies;
• Support experience and knowledge of Firewall systems;
• Experience with the support and implementation of Network Load Balancing techniques.

Desirable qualifications:

• Support experience with VMWare virtual network systems;
• Support experience with Infoblox;
• Working experience with Splunk;
• Working knowledge of PKI certificates and systems;
• ITIL certified in Service Operations;
• Prior experience of working in an international environment comprising of both military and civilian elements.