NATO Digital Backbone Systems Analyst (Command Network Systems Analyst)

DEFTEC Corporation•Chesapeake, VA

About The Position

The NATO Digital Backbone (NDBB) Systems Analyst plays a critical role in advancing NATO's Digital Transformation and enabling Multi-Domain Operations. The NDBB is a strategic and operational-level command network that connects the NATO Command Structure, NATO Force Structure, and non-military actors to ensure synchronization and secure data exchange. Originating under the Cross-Domain Command WDI in 2022, the NATO Command Network initiative aims for full implementation by 2035 and has evolved into supporting the development of the NDBB. This backbone is architecturally referenced in the Data-Centric Reference Architecture and serves as the layer underpinning data management and exploitation mechanisms. The initiative seeks to integrate independent systems into a cohesive "system of systems" capability, delivering outcomes and operational benefits greater than the sum of individual components. It supports NATO's goal of securely moving data vertically from strategic to tactical levels and horizontally across Land, Maritime, Air, Cyber, and Space domains. The Systems Analyst will contribute to planning, analysis, and integration efforts required to realize the NATO Digital Backbone. Responsibilities include managing and revising the NATO Digital Backbone Capability Programming Strategy (CPS), incorporating new operational requirements, and ensuring interoperability with emerging and disruptive technologies. The role also addresses capability development aspects such as non-material requirements and facilities while aligning with NATO's Digital Transformation Implementation Strategy. The analyst will support architectural alignment, system integration, and strategic deliverables to create a unified digital backbone that enhances operational effectiveness. This position is essential to NATO's vision of becoming a secure, data-enabled organization and directly supports the Alliance's ability to operate effectively in a complex, multi-domain environment.

Requirements

Demonstrable experience (4 years or more) in CIS capability integration, systems engineering, Project Management, CIS requirements or equivalent.
University degree level education (bachelor and/or master) in a relevant field (Computer Science, Engineering, Information Sciences and Technology, Mathematics, Business Management etc.).
Demonstrated Ability to participate effectively in high-level discussions, workshops, etc. and prepare professional, high-quality documents and briefings for review.
Knowledge and experience (3 years) of project management techniques.
Demonstrable experience (3 years or more) in conducting studies and providing coherent papers explaining study results and recommendations.
Knowledge of NATO, its organizational structure. Previous experience working in a defense environment or technical development organizations.
Familiarity and knowledge of the specific area of communications-information systems such as data centers, cloud computing, communications, and application services.

Responsibilities

Conduct activities through direction from the CIS Branch lead for the NATO Command Information Systems Initiative (NDBB).
Plan and facilitate the conduct of NATO Command Information Systems Initiative (NDBB) workshop with stakeholders in NATO HQ, ACO, NCI Agency and others in Europe with the purpose of implementing a cohesive NATO Digital Backbone aligned to operational requirements statements. Provide briefings, engage in discussions, and facilitate working sessions.
Development and incorporation of coherent capability requirements across all NDBB related efforts through work with the Planning, Requirements and Execution Division Branches.
Facilitate/support ACO in the development of high-level requirements (e.g. operational requirements) for the NDBB that support multi-domain operations using work from Conceptual, operational requirements, architectural, and high-level guidance. Must be able to communicate the overall intent of the NDBB to guide the further development of new operational requirements.
Support ACT's contributions to standing network initiatives that may result in updates to existing NDBB programming and CPS, the execution of an implementation plan, or the development of ACT management products (e.g. capability program plan) associated with the NDBB.
Consult with Enterprise Architecture, conceptual working groups, FMN gap analysis, program directors, project managers within ACT and in other organizations Germane to the NATO Command Information Systems Initiative (NDBB) to accomplish the tasks.
Consult as appropriate with project/program managers, operational users, business architects, system engineers, and other key stakeholders, within NATO Commands and Agencies to obtain the information necessary for analysis, to develop the outcomes needed to support the Digital Transformation through NDBB.
Support the updating of ACT program management dashboards and SharePoint sites consistent with HQ SACT guidance. This includes updating program plans, risk registers, and documentation repositories.
Develop presentations and information papers in order to provide updates on the NATO Command Information Systems Initiative (NDBB) to stakeholder groups and for use by COTR for further dissemination to leadership.
Participates in planning, executing and reporting on NDBB related exercises and experimentation.
Other duties as assigned by the COTR are NCISI/NDBB related.