PKI Specialist (Cryptography and Policy)

Spektrum; Brussel; On-site; EUR 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Spektrum is seeking a PKI Specialist to join NATO-related projects in Brussels. The role focuses on public key infrastructure, cryptography, and supporting audits and governance for NATO cryptographic activities.

The successful candidate will coordinate policy documents, engage with working groups, and provide expertise across PKI architectures, post-quantum cryptography, and risk management in a large international environment. Full-time on-site in Brussels with potential travel.

Qualifications

• University degree in Computer or Communication Science, Information Management or related field.
• At least 5 years of demonstrated experience in a related field.
• Excellent written and spoken English; strong communication in an international setting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare policies and technical documents on NATO cryptography with a focus on PKI, coordinating approval through Working Groups and Committees.
• Provide expertise in cryptography, including post-quantum cryptography, and PKI in support of NATO and national initiatives.
• Analyse architectures and designs, run feasibility assessments of project proposals, and track delivery of PKI projects.
• Support audits of systems and entities, and contribute to risk management for NATO PKI activities.
• Organise events and meetings, act as secretary or staff support to working groups, and prepare and staff meeting records.
• Manage the cryptographic communities of interest portals and support internal and national representatives.
• Prepare presentations, speeches and speaking notes for senior officials.
• Provide executive advice to Staff Officers on relationships with NATO cryptographic stakeholders.
• Engage with industry to gather best practices and conduct market surveys when required.

Skills

Network security

PKI expertise

Cryptography

Audit experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Information Security

Job description

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 – CDT-0024

Role Background

• We are seeking a PKI Specialist to join the Cyber Plans and Capabilities Section within NATO's Cyber and Digital Transformation Division in Brussels. The consultant will support NATO's work on public key infrastructure and cryptography, preparing policies, guidance and technical documentation, supporting PKI projects and audits, and providing secretariat support to cryptographic working groups and communities of interest.

Role Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare draft policies, guidance and technical documents on NATO cryptography with a focus on PKI, and coordinate their approval through Working Groups and Committees
• Provide expertise in cryptography, including post-quantum cryptography, and PKI in support of NATO and national initiatives
• Analyse architectures and designs, run feasibility assessments of project proposals, and track delivery of PKI projects
• Support audits of systems and entities, and contribute to risk management for NATO PKI activities
• Organise events and meetings, act as secretary or staff support to working groups, and prepare and staff meeting records
• Manage the cryptographic communities of interest portals and support internal and national representatives
• Prepare presentations, speeches and speaking notes for senior officials
• Provide executive advice to Staff Officers on relationships with NATO cryptographic stakeholders
• Engage with industry to gather best practices and conduct market surveys when required

Essential Skills, Experience and Certifications

• University degree in Computer or Communication Science, Information Management, Information Security or a related field
• At least 5 years of demonstrated experience in a related field
• Comprehensive knowledge of network security and of symmetric and asymmetric cryptography, including the quantum threat
• Very good understanding of PKI, including applicable RFCs and standards, backed by practical implementation experience and/or experience drafting PKI regulatory frameworks
• Experience in audit procedures, audit execution and post-audit remediation planning
• Experience in risk management applied to cryptographic and/or cyber security fields
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Proven communication and negotiation skills in a large international environment

Working Location

Working Policy

• Full-time on-site

Travel

• Some travel to other NATO sites may be required

Security Clearance

• Valid National or NATO Secret personal security clearance