CDT-0024 Specialist Public Key Infrastructure (NS) BELGIUM - 16 Oct

Deadline Date: Friday 16 October 2026
 
Requirement: Specialist Public Key Infrastructure
 
Location: Brussels, BELGIUM
 
Full Time On-Site: Yes
 
Time On-Site: 100%
 
Total Scope of the request (hours): 380 (estimate)
 
Not to Exceed Rate: 90 EUR
 
Required Start Date: As Soon As Possible
 
End Contract Date: 31 December 2026
 
Required Security Clearance: NATO SECRET
 
Please do NOT apply for any NATO contract positions unless you meet ALL the following criteria:

1. Current National or NATO SECRET clearance
2. Nationality of one of the NATO member countries
3. Current work visa for the specific location if applying for an in-country position

Any applications that do NOT meet all the above - and do not CLEARLY show these on the CV - will be deleted.
 
Introduction
 
The Cyber and Digital Transformation Division (CDT) oversees all aspects of cyber and digital transformation across the entire NATO enterprise and is the principal institutional engine for advancing the Alliance's agenda on those issues. The division also coordinates on all aspects linked to countering hybrid actions. As a fully integrated civilian-military Division, it combines the strategic insight of the International Staff (IS) with the operational expertise of the International Military Staff (IMS), enabling coherent, credible, and actionable advice to NATO's senior decision-making bodies.
The Cyber Plans and Capabilities Section (CYPCAP) delivers technical and capability expertise in the field of cyber defense, cyber security, and cyber operations. Through the DPC substructure, the Section delivers technical and implementation directives on cyber security and cryptographic standards. The Section supports the Military Committee in its governance role for cryptographic modernization and transformation as well as in cyber matters. The Section also enables the operationalization of cyber as a domain through delivering cyber defense subject matter expertise into the NATO Defense Planning Process and the Common Funded Capability Delivery Governance Model. CYPCAP also oversees the implementation of the Cyber Adaptation Roadmap. Additionally, this section supports the Cyber Strategy and Policy Section in developing operational doctrine in cyberspace.
 
Objective
 
Specialist Public Key Infrastructure will play a role in all of activities related to Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and broader cryptography in CYPCAP. S/He will be responsible for preparation of draft policies, guidance and technical documentation related to NATO PKI. This specific task will require frequent engagement with various stakeholders possessing different backgrounds, therefore it is critical that the incumbent is able to clearly communicate and engage at an appropriate level.
S/He will support various activities related to ongoing NATO PKI projects, including analyzing architectures and designs, conducting feasibility assessment of project proposals, tracking delivery of projects and conducting audits of existing systems. All of the activities need to be properly documented. The incumbent will also be involved in risk management process related to NATO PKI activities
S/He might be required to engage with industry to gather best practices, conduct market surveys and analyse possible solution for inclusion into the NATO CIS ecosystem.
Additionally, S/He will support various cryptographic communities of interest through organizing meetings, coordinating attendance, supporting the local organizing entities and finally preparing and staffing meeting records. This will include managing NATO portals and supporting both internal and national representatives.
 
Tasks
 
The incumbent must be able to perform effectively and efficiently with minimal supervision the tasks described below.

• Prepare draft documents related to NATO cryptography with focus on Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and coordinate their approval through dedicated Working Groups and Committees.
• Provide expertise in the field of cryptography (including post-quantum cryptography) and PKI in support of ongoing NATO and national initiatives.
• Manage organization of events and develop records of the meetings.
• Act as a secretary or staff support for different working groups.
• Support conducting audits of systems and entities within the Organization.
• Prepare presentations, speeches and speaking notes for senior officials as directed.
• Provide continuous and quality executive advice to the Staff Officers on the relationship with the NATO cryptographic stakeholders.
• Manage the cryptographic communities of interest portals and support external engagement.

Requirements
The candidate must meet the following requirements:

• A university degree in Computer or Communication Science, Information Management, Information Security, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience (5+ years) in post-related field.
• Possess comprehensive knowledge of the principles network security and symmetric and asymmetric cryptography; including quantum threat to cryptography.
• Has very good understanding of PKI, including applicable RFCs and other standards, backed with practical implementation experience and/or experience in drafting PKI regulatory frameworks.
• It is desirable that the contractor has previous experience with NATO-related cryptographic issues, such as the use of Type A algorithms, symmetric key distribution in a military environment and NATO policies on cryptography and cryptography procurement.
• Possess experience in audit procedures, audit execution and post-audit remediation planning.
• Demonstrate experience with risk management, as applied to cryptographic and/or cyber security fields.
• Knowledge of NATO's internal structures, decision-making processes, stakeholder environment and civil-military working practices, gained through relevant professional experience is desirable.
• Excellent written and spoken English (SLP 4343+), with the ability to communicate complex technical and policy issues clearly to a range of stakeholders.
• The contractor must have proven communication and negotiation skills matured within a large international environment.