Submitted candidates were found not compliant due to the following:
- Did not meet the expectation. Failed initial question on technical assessment.
- Candidate could not demonstrate basic Linux process troubleshooting and command line file management.
Deadline Date: Thursday 5 November 2026
Requirement Title: Cyber Security Guard and Diode Engineer
Location: Mons, BE
Full time on-site: Yes
Total Scope of the request (hours): 395
Required Start Date: 6 December 2026
End Contract Date: 30 December 2026
Required Security Clearance: NATO Secret
Evaluation Methodology: Lowest Priced Technically Compliant
Specific Working Conditions:
* Normal office environment.
* NCIA IT equipment will be provided for the processing of restricted information.
* The contractor may be exceptionally permitted to perform work remotely, from a different NATO nation than the duty location, subject to prior approval by their Resource Manager (to which they will be assigned upon contract start) and the Section Head GSS.
* The contractor may work from their home in the duty location subject to the NCIA teleworking policy and in coordination with the Section Head GSS.
Travel required:
* The contractor may be required to travel to NCIA locations (to include NATO exercises) for in-person or department meetings. In such cases the contractor will be reimbursed for travel costs according to NATO regulations for traveling on NATO duty.
* Contractors traveling for work purposes shall initiate travel requests from their designated duty station only.
Duties and Role
Under the direction of the Section Head of Gateway Security Services the contractor shall perform the following activities:
1. Central system administration and configuration of Guards and Data Diodes to ensure continuing functionality and availability.
a. Hardware and software systems installation and configuration
b. Implementation and verification of guards and data diode configuration to meet customer cross-domain data exchange
requirements
c. Adaptation of release markings and/or email attachment types
d. configuration of additional cross-domain flows
e. User and access management
f. Monitor system performance and availability
g. Analyze, troubleshoot and resolve application issues
h. Development of automation scripts to meet day to day system administration tasks
2. Updating of Guard and Data Diode software/patches
a. Monitor patch releases
b. Test new software and patches
c. Support A2SL process for approval of software updates
d. installation and configuration of software and patch updates
3. Documentation of Guards and Data Diode systems
a. Development of SOPs and other documentation for repetitive
activities
b. Produce and maintain comprehensive documentation for all implemented systems
4. Operational support of Guards and Data Diodes
a. Technical support in troubleshooting infrastructure and operational issues
b. Collaboration with other teams for a successful resolution;
c. Provide technical support and guidance by answering end-user requests to identify issues in secure cross-domain data exchange
Requirements
- NATO Secret security clearance
- At least 3 years practical experience in cyber security or related field,
Extensive knowledge and experience (min 3 years) in the following areas:
- Linux System Administration (preferred RedHat Enterprise Linux)
- Scripting/Automation (Bash, Python, Ansible)
- Other Boundaries Protections Devices such as firewalls
- System security, including hardening and SELinux
- System monitoring and troubleshooting
- Experience with network protocols and traffic analysis
- Ability to troubleshoot complex network security issues
- LAN/WAN networking including protocol network architecture
- TCP/IP protocols and services
- Strong stakeholder management skills – can demonstrate evidence of developing and maintaining strong and effective relationships with internal stakeholders at all levels in an organization.
- Flexible and adaptable; able to work in ambiguous situations.
- Very good communication and analytical skills.
Training/certifications:
- Relevant certifications in cyber security, such as Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or GIAC Security.
Desirable Experience:
- Experience in working for or supporting a military or governmental organization.
- Understanding of Information Security Practices relating to the Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability of information (CIA triad.)
Education:
- A minimum requirement of a Bachelor's degree at a nationally recognised/certified University in a related discipline and 3 years post-related experience;
- Or exceptionally, the lack of a university degree may be compensated by the demonstration of a candidate's particular abilities or experience that is/are of interest to NCIA, that is, at least 10 years extensive and progressive expertise in duties related to those in this Statement of Work.