Communications Standards Support Services

Role Overview

Nextlink is seeking an experienced CIS Communications Standards Engineer / Communications Architecture Specialist to support the development, modernisation and maintenance of NATO's Communications and Information Systems (CIS) technical standards and reference architectures.

The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing NATO's digital transformation by developing communications architectures, defining technical specifications and establishing conformance criteria to ensure secure and seamless interoperability across NATO's military communication systems.

The position will focus on modelling NATO Communications Reference Architectures using ArchiMate, contributing to NATO standardisation documents, supporting Satellite Communications (SATCOM) specifications and enabling integration across different communication technologies.

The individual will work closely with NATO's Interoperability and Standardization Section (ISS), NATO Digital Policy Committee (DPC) sub-structures, NCIA and relevant CIS engineering stakeholders.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

A. Communications Reference Architecture Modelling

• Lead the modelling and development of NATO Communications Reference Architectures using ArchiMate.
  
• Develop and maintain architecture models aligned with NATO's enterprise architecture requirements.
  
• Translate complex technical and operational requirements into structured architecture models.
  
• Coordinate with stakeholders to validate and obtain approval for architecture deliverables.
  
• Ensure architecture consistency and alignment with NATO's digital transformation objectives.
  

B. NATO CIS Technical Standards Development

• Contribute to the design, development and maintenance of NATO communications and networking standards.
  
• Develop and update NATO standardisation documents, including:
  • STANAGs (NATO Standardization Agreements).
    
  • Allied Communications Publications (AComP).
    
  • Standards Related Documents (SRD).
    
• Support the modernisation of application-layer and routing protocols.
  
• Contribute to the integration of High Frequency (HF) and other Beyond Line of Sight (BLoS) communication systems with IP-based networks.
  
• Ensure technical specifications align with NATO operational requirements and standardisation procedures.
  

C. Development of Technical Conformance Criteria

• Define and document measurable technical conformance criteria for NATO communications systems.
  
• Support the development of SATCOM specifications and technical requirements.
  
• Establish criteria to assess system interoperability, integration and compliance.
  
• Work with technical stakeholders to validate conformance requirements.
  
• Support early identification of integration issues during system development.
  

D. Communications Interoperability and Systems Integration

• Support interoperability across NATO Communications and Information Systems.
  
• Ensure technical standards facilitate integration across multiple communication domains, including:
  • Satellite Communications (SATCOM).
    
  • Line of Sight (LoS) communications.
    
  • Beyond Line of Sight (BLoS) communications.
    
  • Cellular communication systems.
    
  • IP-based networking environments.
    
• Analyse technical integration challenges and recommend solutions.
  
• Support validation of standards and specifications in testing and operational environments.
  

E. Governance, Coordination and Stakeholder Management

• Coordinate communications standardisation activities across NATO entities.
  
• Work closely with NATO's Digital Policy Committee (DPC) sub-structures, NCIA and standard custodians.
  
• Support committee chairpersons and technical working groups.
  
• Prepare technical documentation, reports, specifications and governance materials.
  
• Monitor progress against standardisation objectives and agreed delivery schedules.
  
• Facilitate collaboration between architecture, engineering and operational stakeholders.
  

3. Mandatory Skills and Qualifications

• University degree in a relevant technical discipline, such as Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Communications and Information Systems (CIS), Systems Science or an equivalent technical qualification.
  
• Relevant qualification or certification in ArchiMate and TOGAF (or a comparable enterprise architecture framework).
  
• Minimum 5 years of experience working with NATO CIS technical specifications, including demonstrated knowledge of their application in operational environments.
  
• Strong understanding of communications architecture, networking standards and technical specifications.
  
• Demonstrated experience in technical architecture modelling and documentation.
  
• Strong project management and coordination skills.
  
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  
• Ability to analyse complex technical specifications and translate them into clear, actionable technical requirements and guidance.
  

4. Desirable Skills and Experience

• Knowledge of NATO Digital Policy Committee (DPC) structures and governance processes.
  
• Familiarity with NATO standardisation documents, including STANAGs, AComPs and SRDs.
  
• Previous experience working within NATO, military organisations or multinational defence environments.
  
• Understanding of SATCOM, HF, BLoS, LoS and IP-based communication technologies.
  
• Knowledge of communications interoperability and systems integration.
  
• Professional certifications in ITIL, PRINCE2, PMP or CIS governance.
  

5. Key Competencies

The candidate should demonstrate:

• Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyse complex technical challenges and develop structured solutions.
  
• Clarity and Accuracy: Ability to produce high-quality, precise technical documentation.
  
• Conceptual Thinking: Ability to apply architecture concepts and translate them into practical solutions.
  
• Customer Service Orientation: Ownership of assigned tasks and commitment to resolving issues.
  
• Initiative: Ability to work independently and respond effectively to time-sensitive requirements.
  
• Organisational Awareness: Understanding of complex organisational structures and stakeholder environments.
  

6. Key Deliverables and Expected Outcomes

The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering:

• Stakeholder-approved NATO Communications Reference Architecture using ArchiMate.
  
• Draft and final NATO CIS standardisation documents, including STANAGs, AComPs and SRDs.
  
• Technical conformance criteria for NATO communications systems, particularly SATCOM.
  
• Communications architecture models and technical specifications.
  
• Interoperability and systems integration recommendations.
  
• Technical assessments and standards compliance documentation.
  
• Governance reports and stakeholder coordination materials.
  

7. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Performance will be evaluated based on:

• Successful delivery and stakeholder approval of NATO Communications Reference Architecture.
  
• Acceptance of draft and final technical standardisation documents.
  
• Delivery and validation of SATCOM conformance criteria.
  
• Demonstrated improvements in communications interoperability and systems integration.
  
• Timely completion of governance and coordination activities.
  
• Quality and accuracy of technical documentation.
  

8. Work Location and Conditions

• The position is based at NATO Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium.
  
• The consultant will be embedded within the CDT Division, working closely with the Interoperability and Standardization Section (ISS).
  
• The expected working arrangement is five days per week on-site.
  
• Limited teleworking may be permitted from the consultant's residence in Belgium, subject to security assessment and NATO approval.
  
• The role involves occasional business travel to coordinate with CIS engineering stakeholders across NATO entities.
  
• Standard office hours apply, although occasional non-standard hours may be required for urgent or high-priority assignments.
  
• Travel expenses will be reimbursed under applicable NATO rules, except travel to SHAPE.
  

9. Security Clearance and Compliance

• The candidate must hold or be capable of obtaining NATO SECRET security clearance, subject to NATO requirements.
  
• A signed Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) is required before commencing work.
  
• The consultant must comply with applicable Belgian work permit, visa, taxation, social security and health regulations.
  
• All NATO security, confidentiality and information-handling procedures must be followed.