OPEN TO NATIONALS OF NATO MEMBER STATES ONLY Job Title\: Tactical Data Link (TDL) Manager NATO Grade\: NATO GRADE 15 NATO Body\: Headquarters Allied Maritime Command (HQ MARCOM) Location\: Northwood, Middlesex, UK SECURITY CLEARANCE\: NATO Secret Basic Monthly Salary\: £5,937.37 (tax free) Contract Length\: 3 Years (see Contract section below) Closing Date\: 05 January 2025 POST CONTEXT Allied Maritime Command is the Maritime Theatre Component Commander delivering 360 degree maritime focused awareness and connectivity while planning and commanding the full range of maritime operations. The Support Directorate directs the delivery of operational support functions and activities. The N6 Cyberspace Division is responsible for advising the Command Group (CG) on matters relating to Communications and Information Systems (CIS) in support of Command & Control (C2) for maritime operations, exercises and training as well as Cyberspace related issues. The Policy and Operations Branch is responsible for planning, coordination and support of NATO Joint maritime Operations with regards to Communications and Information Systems (CIS) aspects. The TDL Manager is responsible to advise ACOS N6 and the Branch Head on all aspects of TDLs and TDL management with respect to the current and future operations and force deployment. DUTIES The incumbent's duties are: - Directs, supervises and coordinates on TDL matters for MARCOM, particularly issues related with maritime operations and missions. - Coordinates with AIRCOM and all CAOCs the employment of maritime TDL assets within the designated area. - Determines maritime tactical data link (TDL) participants, their equipment capabilities, limitations and respective needs in order to define Information Exchange Requirements (IERs) of Link 22 as well as other NATO used links (e.g., Link16, JREAP C, VMF). - Supports AIRCOM in designing a multi-link architecture to fulfill the maritime TDL IERs. - Participate on the Development of the planning of the multi-link architecture and the tasking of participating units by preparing the Link 22 segment of the operational tasking message Link (OPTASK Link). - Develops maritime TDL policy and procedures (CONOPS), in particular those related with Link 22, which should be aligned with those established by AIRCOM. - Directs changes or corrective actions to the architecture in use to ensure the effective information exchange needed to support a changing operational situation, in particular those related with Link 22. - Ensures that the Link 22 network operations comply with civil and any other restrictions related with transmissions in the operating areas. - Ensures the effective employment and management of Link 22 and its associated communications systems. - Pending requirements may be responsible for directing and supervising the work priorities of an ad hoc or permanent team within the functional area. - Assists CTF and SNFs staffs in the development of the OPTASK COMMS in all related aspects of TDL. - Assists with compiling spectrum requirements for maritime forces based on Electronic Order of Battle (EOB). - Assists in resolve and report to N3 any frequency interference. - Maintains liaison with NATO and national TDLMC. - Supports ACO TDL documentation. - Functions as monitor for technical publications, special test equipment, Consolidated Tool Kit (CTK). - Operating logistics, diagnostic and analysis related to organic JTIDS/MIDS support means, specific IT systems included. - Produces new and contingency assignment plans within provided allotments to meet the commander's requirements. - Advises the commander and staff on spectrum management issues related with TDL - The incumbent will be required to undertake positions within the MTCC Organisation. When required to support MTCC or other operational requirements the incumbent's duties may include: · Provide directions and guidance to Ops Division (N3). · Provide multi-link architecture in use information to MARAIR, N3 and TMOC - The incumbent will participate in the preparation and execution of MTCC training events. Generally training will be scheduled on a regular pattern, however the incumbent must be ready to support no-/short-notice training events. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND ADDITIONAL DUTIES The employee may be required to perform a similar range of duties elsewhere within the organisation at the same grade without there being any change to the contract The incumbent may be required to undertake operational deployments and/or TDY assignments both within and without NATO's boundaries for up to 183 days in any period of 547 days. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Essential Professional Experience (1) Data Link Design Activities and knowledge relating to the design of datalink networks. Data links are the communications which transfer data between adjacent network nodes in a wide area network or between nodes on the same local area network segment. Skill Level (Initiate or influence) Has defined authority and accountability for actions and decisions within a significant area of work, including technical, financial and quality aspects. Establishes organisational objectives and assigns responsibilities. Influences policy and strategy formation. Initiates influential relationships with internal and external customers, suppliers and partners at senior management level, including industry leaders. Makes decisions which impact the work of employing organisations, achievement of organisational objectives and financial performance. Has a broad business understanding and deep understanding of own specialism(s). Performs highly complex work activities covering technical, financial and quality aspects. Contributes to the implementation of policy and strategy. Creatively applies a wide range of technical and/or management principles. Absorbs complex information and communicates effectively at all levels to both technical and non-technical audiences. Manages and mitigates risk. Understands the implications of new technologies. Demonstrates clear leadership. Understands and communicates industry developments, and the role and impact of technology in the employing organisation. Promotes compliance with relevant legislation. Takes the initiative to keep both own and colleagues' skills up to date. Experience - 2 years' experience in the last 10 years in TDL hardware/software configuration management - 2 years' experience in the last 5 years in development and use of communication networks. - Understanding of technical aspects of Link 11, 16 and 22 and knowledge of Link 11,16 and Link 22 platform. - Good technical experience in JTIDS/MIDS equipment. (2) Telecommunications technology Electronics and automation is the study of planning, designing, developing maintaining and monitoring electronic equipment, machinery and systems. It includes designing computers and equipment for communication. Skill Level (Initiate or influence) Has defined authority and accountability for actions and decisions within a significant area of work, including technical, financial and quality aspects. Establishes organisational objectives and assigns responsibilities. Influences policy and strategy formation. Initiates influential relationships with internal and external customers, suppliers and partners at senior management level, including industry leaders. Makes decisions which impact the work of employing organisations, achievement of organisational objectives and financial performance. Has a broad business understanding and deep understanding of own specialism(s). Performs highly complex work activities covering technical, financial and quality aspects. Contributes to the implementation of policy and strategy. Creatively applies a wide range of technical and/or management principles. Absorbs complex information and communicates effectively at all levels to both technical and non-technical audiences. Manages and mitigates risk. Understands the implications of new technologies. Demonstrates clear leadership. Understands and communicates industry developments, and the role and impact of technology in the employing organisation. Promotes compliance with relevant legislation. Takes the initiative to keep both own and colleagues' skills up to date. Experience - Knowledge of secure network architecture design - Experience in modern Telecommunications Technology, Systems, and Networks. - A proven track of high level technical certifications in network or software technologies. Essential Education/Training University Degree in information technology, telecommunications, electronics, computer science or related discipline and 4 years post related experience, or Higher Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training in that discipline leading to a professional qualification or professional accreditation with 5 years post related and 2 years function related experience. Essential Language English - SLP 3333 - (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing) NOTE: The work both oral and written in this post and in this Headquarters as a whole is conducted mainly in English. Desirable Experience - Experience in NATO or National/International organizations or multinational IT companies. - Experience in the Maritime domain. ATTRIBUTES/COMPETENCIES Personal Attributes \: The incumbent must be able to work with little or no supervision. Provides technical advice and actively participates in the decision making progress on all TDL matters. Reviews developments in TDL related technologies and ensures developments are reflected in HQs systems. The incumbent must display motivation, initiative, and capabilities for planning, organising, coordinating, prioritising and controlling complex projects. The incumbent must also have good interpersonal, communication and negotiating skills as well as thought and professional judgment. Exercises and operations planning frequently require working under pressure, carrying a high workload, and accomplishing activities with short deadlines. Must be able to travel regularly on temporary duty. Professional Contacts \: Coordinates and conducts negotiations of formal technical agreements, protocol and memoranda of understanding between the Command and commercial, NATO, and National civil and military agencies. Coordinates with the operational users and with NCSA for the definition of requirements related with TDL networks and real time information for HQ MARCOM. Maintains professional contacts with other Headquarters, contractors, services providers and/or suppliers for establishing local Communications capabilities during operations or exercises. Contribution To Objectives \: Makes a significant contribution to the timely and efficient execution of TDL projects in furtherance of MARCOM HQ mission. Directly contributes to the operational capability of TDL network and its planning, management and operational use and of the HQ. The incumbent's decision - in conjunction with the service provider - involve both technical risk and expenditure of significant funds which directly impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of any Command activities. Establishes organisational objectives and assigns responsibilities. Influences policy and strategy formation. Initiates influential relationships with internal and external customers, suppliers and partners at senior management level, including industry leaders. CONTRACT This post is approved for a 3-year duration. It is currently unknown what will happen at the end of the 3-year period. Therefore, although there may be a possibility of an extension or even a permanent contract there is a very high risk that the post will not continue beyond the 3-year point and as such no guarantee of work beyond 3 years can be offered. Newly recruited staff and currently serving NATO Civilian Staff with less than 10 years of service will be offered a definite duration contract of 3 years. Serving NATO civilian staff with more than 10 years of service will be offered a contract according to the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations. The basic entry-level monthly salary for a NATO Grade 15 in the UK is £5,937.79 tax free which may be augmented by allowances based on the successful candidate’s eligibility. HOW TO APPLY HQ MARCOM uses NATO Talent Acquisition Platform. In order to apply for this vacancy, please visit the platform at: https\://nato.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobsearch.ftl?langen, and search for vacancies within HQ MARCOM. Essential information must be included in the application form. Each question should be answered thoroughly. Expressions such as “please see attached CV”, or invitations to follow links to personal webpages, are not acceptable, and will be disregarded. Application form must be filled out in English. Applications are automatically acknowledged within one working day after submission. In the absence of an acknowledgment please make sure the submission process is completed or, re-submit the application. Shortlisted candidates invited to the interview phase, will be requested to provide, where applicable, copies of Educational and Vocational training certificates. Current and past civilians working for NATO or any Coordinated Organization, shall indicate their last grade and step held (next to the job title) and specify the name of employing NATO body or Coordinated Organization. Qualified redundant staff of the same grade interested in this post should inform this office, via their own HR/Personnel Office by not later than the vacancy’s closing date. EMPLOYMENT PRE-REQUISITES: Candidates are invited to submit their application if: · They are national of a NATO member country · They are over 21 and under 60 years of age at the time of taking up their appointments. Appointments of definite duration may be offered to candidates of 60 years of age or more, provided the expiry date of the contract is not later than the date at which the candidate attains the age of 65. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION A NATO security clearance of the level required by the position, and approval of the candidate’s medical file by the NATO Medical Adviser are essential conditions for appointment to this post. Applicants are not required to possess a clearance at the time of applying, but must be eligible for a clearance. HQ MARCOM will take action to obtain the required security clearance from the successful candidate’s national authorities. Candidates must meet all the essential qualifications in order to be considered qualified. Should no qualified candidates be found, candidates not possessing all the essential qualifications may be considered. However, they will be appointed at a lower grade and their employment contract will stipulate the conditions under which the grade attached to post can be granted and the employment contract confirmed. Please note that any job offer arising from this job advert will be provisional pending confirmation of the funding of the position.