Deadline Date: Tuesday 12 May 2026

Requirement: Communications Standards Support Services

Location: Brussels, BE

Full Time On-Site: Yes

Time On-Site: 100%

Total Scope of the request (hours): 1087

Required Start Date: No Later Than 17 June 2026

End Contract Date: 31 December 2026

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 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, technical standards that support NATO CIS. The successful candidate will play a role in the design and development of NATO Standardization Documents pertaining to communications and networking and will be working closely with the Chairpersons of Capability Teams (e.g. Cellular Communications for Defence, Line of Sight, Beyond Line of Sight, SATCOM), engineers, National SMEs, the Custodian of the relevant technical specifications and relevant stakeholders. The Communications Standards Engineer will support the Interoperability and Standardization Section (ISS) as a cross-functional resource supporting consistent production of Standards for digital technologies that are part of the portfolio of NATO communications and networking standards.

2.1 Requirements Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement

Description: The contractor shall engage with relevant stakeholders, including Capability Teams (e.g. Beyond Line of Sight (BLoS), SATCOM, Cellular Communications for Defence), Chairpersons, national subject matter experts, NCIA representatives, and standards custodians, to elicit, analyse, and validate requirements related to communications and networking standards. This includes translating complex CIS technical specifications and operational needs into clear, actionable, and testable requirements.

Measurement: Success will be measured by the delivery of stakeholder-approved requirements documentation, evidence of alignment with Capability Team priorities, and documented stakeholder interactions, decisions, and feedback.

Timeline: Continuously throughout the period of performance.

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 consistency of NATO CIS standards across relevant domains.

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 Capability Team 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 Beyond Line of Sight (BLoS) 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 BLoS Capability Team portfolio, evidence of their adoption in system development or integration activities, and validation by relevant stakeholders.

Timeline: Initial conformance criteria developed by the end of Q4 2026, with updates and refinement performed continuously thereafter.

2.4 Development of Application Layer IP Connectivity Standards

Description: The contractor shall support the development of application layer and routing protocols enabling integration of HF and other BLoS communications systems with IP-based networks. This includes working closely with Capability Teams and standards custodians to define interoperable and scalable connectivity solutions.

Measurement: Success will be measured by the delivery of technical specifications or contributions to standards enabling application layer IP connectivity, successful validation within Capability Team activities, and demonstrated interoperability between systems.

Timeline: Delivery of proposed solutions by the end of Q4 2026.

2.5 Interoperability and Systems Integration Support

Description: The contractor shall support interoperability across NATO CIS systems by ensuring that developed standards and specifications enable effective integration across communication domains, including BLoS, LoS, SATCOM, and cellular systems.

Measurement: Success will be measured by demonstrated interoperability outcomes, reduction of integration issues identified by stakeholders, and validation of standards within operational or testing environments.

Timeline: Continuously throughout the period of performance.

2.6 Governance, Coordination, and Capability Team Support

Description: The contractor shall support governance and coordination activities across Capability Teams, NCIA, and standard custodians, ensuring alignment, consistency, and progress of communications standardization efforts. This includes supporting Chairpersons and contributing to structured standardization processes.

Measurement: Success will be measured by documented coordination activities, timely contributions to Capability Team outputs, and stakeholder feedback demonstrating effective collaboration and alignment.

Timeline: Continuously throughout the period of performance.

2.7 Reporting, Briefings, and Technical Communication

Description: The contractor shall prepare and deliver briefings, technical presentations, and reports to NATO committees, Capability Teams, and working groups, clearly communicating progress, technical solutions, and recommendations.

Measurement: Success will be measured by the timely delivery of high-quality reports and presentations, documented briefings, and stakeholder feedback indicating clarity, relevance, and effectiveness of communication.

Timeline: Continuously throughout the period of performance.

3. PROFILE

[See Requirements]

4. LOCATION OF DUTY

The contractor will be embedded within CDT at NATO HQ, Brussels Belgium, working in close coordination with the Interoperability and Standardization Section (ISS) within the Strategy and Policy Directorate, the NATO Communication and Information Agency (NCIA), Capability Panels, and other stakeholders.

The services are to be provided on-site or via teleworking where relevant (NATO nation only) on a case-by-case basis, subject to management approval.

5. TIMELINES

5.1 The services of the contractor are required for the period starting as soon as possible but no later than 17 June 2026 until 31 December 2026.

5.2 A contract extension is possible for the calender year 2027. The contract extensions are subject to performance of the contractor and related NATO regulations and budget availability

6 SPECIFIC WORKING CONDITIONS

The work will be performed in an office-based environment within a secure setting, under standard working hours. Occasional non-standard working hours may be required to support urgent or high-priority tasks.

7 TRAVEL

7.1 The contractor will be expected to undertake business travel in support of specification development and coordination with CIS engineering stakeholders across NATO entities.

7.2 The frequency and duration of travel will depend on operational requirements and tasking needs.

7.3 Travel expenses will be reimbursed to the individual directly (in addition to the hourly rate) under NATO rules. Travel to Shape will not be reimbursed

8 SECURITY AND NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT

8.1 The contractor must hold, or be capable of obtaining, a NATO SECRET security clearance.

8.2 The contractor will be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement prior to commencing work.