ILS - Obsolescence Manager

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 ID – 2025-0154

Role Background

The Obsolescence Management Process (OMP) Project is a strategic initiative designed to address unplanned obsolescence as its primary focus. The OMP Project prioritizes unexpected component or system obsolescence that arises due to unforeseen factors such as supply chain disruptions, vendor discontinuation, regulatory changes, or security vulnerabilities. The objective is to effectively to minimize operational disruptions and mitigate risks associated with sudden obsolescence.

To achieve this, the project establishes a structured framework to identify, assess, and respond to unplanned obsolescence events. Key deliverables include an Obsolescence Management Strategic Communication Plan to raise awareness and improve coordination, as well as an Aggregated Obsolescence Risk Log that integrates real-time data to anticipate emerging risks. Additionally, the project delivers a Service Tree Interface for Impact and Dependencies, providing a clear understanding of how unplanned obsolescence affects interconnected systems and services. A decision support mechanism, in the form of an Obsolescence Data Hub & BI Solution, will offer predictive insights and intelligence for rapid response strategies.

OMP Project acknowledges the broader scope of planned and long-term obsolescence management. However, these areas will be addressed only briefly within the project framework. The focus will remain on defining rapid intervention protocols, ensuring alignment with NATO-specific obsolescence mechanisms described in ref. A and B. (e.g. the use of RAP, Minor Works, Urgent Requirements, Service Rates adjustments and CLS contracts). The project ensures that stakeholders are equipped with proactive, real-time solutions to manage unplanned obsolescence effectively.

The OMP Project will establish a basis of reporting on Obsolescence management across the entire NCIA, ultimately comprising not just unplanned Obsolescence but a consolidated view across all assets and their risks of Obsolescence.

The OMP Project is designed to shift the organization from a reactive to a structured, risk-based response model, ensuring that when obsolescence occurs unexpectedly, the impact is minimized through well-defined decision-making frameworks, emergency funding mechanisms, and operational resilience strategies.

Role Duties and Responsibilities

• Identify, document and analyze existing obsolescence management processes, including workflows, ownership and supporting systems.


• Plan and conduct interviews/workshops to collect additional process details and confirm gaps.


• Prepare a complete inventory of processes related to obsolescence, covering inputs, outputs, ownership and system dependencies.


• Perform a GAP analysis to identify areas for improvement in obsolescence processes.


• Develop recommendations for process improvements (including flowcharts and RACI matrices).


• Draft Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Process Guidance Documents (PGDs), especially for unplanned obsolescence scenarios.


• Ensure compliance with industry standards such as ISO 62402 and STANAG 4597.


• Track risks related to obsolescence, define structure for the obsolescence risk log and ensure alignment with existing risk management tools.

Essential Skills and Experience

• More than 5 years of experience in ILS or Obsolescence Management role, ideally in defence or complex technical projects.


• Deep understanding of lifecycle and obsolescence management principles, including experience with Obsolescence Management standards (ISO 62402).


• Solid experience in risk assessment and impact analysis, particularly for technical and logistical risks.


• Strong technical writing and documentation capabilities.


• Experience in conducting workshops and structured interviews with key stakeholders (SMEs, end users).


• Experience with process mapping and modeling, including gap analysis for process optimization (preferably BPMN).


• Knowledge of NATO frameworks and logistics/acquisition practices.

Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Logistics, Systems Engineering, or related field.

Working Location

• Braine l’Alleud, Belgium or Mons, Belgium or The Hague, Netherlands

Working Policy

• Hybrid (50% of time on-site)

Travel

• Some travel to other NATO sites may be required

Security Clearance

• Valid National or NATO Secret personal security clearance