CAOC Staff Assistant, Tactical Data Link (TDL) Manager)

NATO BODY/Post duty location: ACO/Allied Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC), Torrejon, Spain

POST NO. OKT SPXX 0501

TITLE:  Staff Assistant (TDL Manager)

DIVISION: Static Air Defence Centre and Combat Service Support

NATO GRADE: G-10

SECURITY CLEARANCE: NATO S  E  C  R  E  T

1. Post Summary

The Allied Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC) to plan, direct, task, coordinate, supervise, assess and report on air operations of all allocated assets in peace, crisis and conflict in accordance with the Commander Allied Air Command’s directives. The SADC will conduct the basis mission of the CAOC, to include Air Policing. The D-AOC is available to be deployed to contribute to the formation of a JFAC.

The Static Air Defence Centre and Combat Service Support Division (SADC & CSS) are responsible for the execution of NATO Air Policing in its assigned Air Policing Area.

The Static Air Defence Centre is responsible for the execution of the Air Policing mission.

The incumbent is responsible managing digital Tactical Data Link interface systems.

2. Principal Duties

The incumbent's duties are:

- Operate and manage Tactical Data Link Management /Interface systems (real-time management).

- Monitors and supervises tactical data link nets to ensure transfer and display of Air and Missile Defence information; NATO links used are Link 16 (incl. JREAP-C), Link 11B, VMF, ATDL-1, etc., primary TDL is JREAP-C (Link 16 J-messages).

- Assists in the correct compilation and display of the RAP/COP when applicable.

- Monitors interface actions of subordinate command and control agencies and advises the CAOC TDL and SADC of observed limitations in Air and Missile Defence operations.

- Supports national DLMCs to monitor and ensure that the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) operations comply with civil and any other restrictions on JTIDS transmissions in the operating areas.

- Implements contingency procedures for an unscheduled loss of part or all digital data links and notifies the chain of command.

- Coordinates TDL crypto changes, use of data filters and recommends and implements changes to surveillance coverage.

- Net control authority for the Data Coordination Net (DCN) and Track Supervision Net (TSN) for NATO led operations.

- Supports TDL planner in CPD.

- Shift work and standby duties is required.

- Supports the NCS / NFS JFAC in the appropriate TDLMC when so ordered.

Represents CAOC at different meetings on Tactical Data Links when so ordered.

3. 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 work is normally performed in a Normal NATO office working environment / Secure office environment with artificial light and air (e.g. Bunker).

Normal Working Conditions apply. The risk of injury is categorised as No risk / risk might increase when deployed. The work is normally performed in Shifts.

4. Essential Qualifications

a. Professional experience

- Knowledge of national TDL network Architecture and procedures

- At least 2 years of professional experience performing activities required to properly plan, employ and manage tactical data links in a joint/single service multi-link or single link environment.

- Understanding of operational data link requirements and the NATO command and control structure.

- At least two years of professional experience in a TDLMC as a TDL Manager

- Participation as TDL Manager in at least one multinational exercise.

b. Education/Training

Higher Secondary education and completed higher vocational training leading to a formal technical or professional certification, with 3 years function related experience, OR, Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training leading to a professional qualification or professional accreditation, with 5 years post related experience.

c. Language

English - SLP 3322 - (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.

d. Training Course:

- Joint Multi TDL Course.

5. Desirable Qualifications

a. Professional Experience

- Experience in TDL management and DLMC operations.

- Previous NATO assignment or experience working in an international joint military environment.

- Full compliance to NATO STANAG 5555 / ATDLP-5.55, Level Two (2).

b. Training Course:

- Interface Control Officer Course (national denominations may vary)

6. Attributes/Competencies

• Personal Attributes: The incumbent must be able to:

- Interpret and apply the provisions of technical documentation/orders (manuals).

- Display judgment, initiative, adaptability and a logical approach to solving technical problems and JTIDS/MIDS related equipment malfunctions.

- Use technical expertise and knowledge to resolve technical problems encountered, not covered by technical orders

- Demonstrate skills in independent diagnostics, fault isolation and analysis of JTIDS/MIDS installations accurately and promptly in high-stress situations.

- Be flexible and work without supervision;

- Integrate in a team and promote team spirit.

- Communicate effectively at all levels with tact and diplomacy within a multicultural environment.

• Professional Contacts: The incumbent will be required to maintain regular day-to-day professional internal contacts within the Squadron and with colleague technicians on matters pertaining to assigned responsibilities and duties.

- Maintain regular contacts with external bodies such as NSPA, NCI Agency, SHAPE, NATO Air C2 ground sites and companies. The purpose of the contacts is to obtain or exchange professional information.

-Participate on a regular basis in meetings on TDL related matters.

- Customers include HQ AIRCOM, the NCS Tactical Data Link structure, NATO agencies and bodies, NATO and national operational units.

• Contribution To Objectives: The Principal Technical has a major role in ensuring proper configuration and operation of JTIDS/MIDS installations within the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence System (NATINAMDS) structure. The related technical assistance at the NATO Air C2 ground sites and the E-3A aircraft is essential for sustaining vital capabilities for the exchange of operational information for Command and Control of the Alliance.

There are no reporting responsibilities.  This post reports to:  OKT SPXX 0220 - Staff Officer (Air Surveillance) - OF-3.  This post does not deputises anybody. This post is not deputised by anybody.

7. Remarks

Notice To Move (NTM): 30 days

8.  CONTRACT

 The successful candidate will receive a three-year definite duration contract which may be followed by an indefinite duration contract.

 The basic entry-level monthly salary for a NATO Grade G10 in Spain is Euro 4,267.65 which may be augmented by allowances based on the selected staff member’s eligibility, and which is subject to the withholding of approximately 20% for pension and medical insurance contributions.

9.  HOW TO APPLY:

HQ JFC Naples 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?lang=en, and search for vacancies within HQ JFC Naples with duty location Torrejon, Spain.

 Note that once you created your profile, it may be used for other similar vacancies within NATO.

Employment pre-requisites:

 Candidates are invited to submit their applications only if:

 They are nationals 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 that 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 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 they must be eligible for a clearance.  HQ JFC Naples will take action to obtain the required security clearance from the successful candidates’ national authorities.

 Please note that we can only accept applications from nationals of NATO member countries. The selected candidate will be affiliated to the NATO Defined Contribution Pension Scheme (DCPS). For info please visit https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/86790.htm.