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.

Engagement and Communications Consultant

Role ID – RFQ CDT-0022

Role Background

The Engagement and Communications Consultant will support NATO's Cyber and Digital Transformation Division (CDT) at NATO Headquarters in Brussels.

The role focuses on strengthening engagement with industry, academia, NATO stakeholders, Allied audiences, and the public. Working as part of the coherence team, the consultant will develop strategic communications and stakeholder engagement activities supporting NATO's cyber and digital transformation priorities.

A key part of the position is translating complex topics—including cybersecurity, cyber defence, AI, data, emerging technology, and digital transformation—into clear and engaging messages for senior leaders, specialist audiences, stakeholders, and the public.

Role Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop high-quality strategic communication materials, including:
• Leadership speeches and speaking notes
• Key messages
• Presentations
• Briefing materials
• Web and social media content
• Stakeholder engagement packages
• Event materials
• Develop and maintain an engagement and communications plan for industry, academia, Allied stakeholders, and relevant public audiences.
• Increase awareness and understanding of NATO developments in cyber, AI, data, hybrid issues, and digital transformation.
• Develop a strategic narrative connecting CDT activities across training, exercises, concept development, and policy.
• Identify, map, and prioritize relationships with:

• Digital and cyber technology companies
• Defence industry organizations
• Research institutions
• Think tanks
• Professional networks

• Plan and support conferences, workshops, roundtables, bilateral engagements, and public-facing events.
• Prepare speakers and identify appropriate target audiences for engagements.
• Coordinate event follow-up activities in cooperation with NATO's Office of Strategic Communication.
• Advise senior leadership on strategic positioning and communications opportunities.
• Assess stakeholder perceptions and potential reputational risks.
• Provide regular reporting on engagement and outreach activities and results.
• Develop and maintain a structured stakeholder engagement roadmap aligned with CDT priorities.
  
  

Essential Skills

• Strong strategic communications and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent professional writing and content development skills.
• Ability to prepare speeches, presentations, briefings, key messages, and senior leadership materials.
• Strong knowledge of NATO's internal structures and decision-making processes.
• Understanding of NATO's stakeholder environment and civil-military working practices.
• Ability to communicate complex technical and policy subjects clearly to different audiences.
• Strong stakeholder relationship management skills.
• Experience with public affairs, external relations, marketing, or strategic communications.
• Ability to advise senior management on communications strategy and positioning.
• Ability to assess stakeholder perceptions and reputational risks.
• Experience planning and supporting conferences, workshops, roundtables, and other stakeholder events.
• Knowledge or experience related to cyber, digital transformation, defence, security, or emerging technologies is strongly preferred.
• Excellent written and spoken English at SLP 4/4/4/4
  
  

Experience

• Minimum 8 years of senior-level professional experience in one or more of the following:
• Strategic Communications
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Public Affairs
• Marketing
• External Relations
• Preferably, this experience should be within the cyber, digital, defence, security, or emerging technology sectors.
• Minimum 3 years in a senior or lead communications role, advising management and leading strategic communication initiatives.
• Professional experience demonstrating strong knowledge of NATO structures, decision-making processes, stakeholder environments, and civil-military working practices.

Education

A university degree is required in one of the following areas:

• Communications
• Marketing
• Public Relations
• Political Science
• International Relations
• Security Studies
• Technology Policy
• Or another relevant discipline.

Working Location

NATO Headquarters – Brussels, Belgium

Working Policy

• 100% on-site at NATO Headquarters in Brussels.
• No teleworking is permitted.
• The contractor will be embedded within the CDT coherence team and report to the DASG Strategy and Policy.
• Occasional business travel to other NATO bodies and committee meetings in NATO countries may be required.
• Travel expenses are generally reimbursed under NATO rules; however, travel to SHAPE is not reimbursed.
• A signed Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) is required.
• NATO SECRET security clearance must already be held before consideration as a candidate.
• Start date: As soon as possible.
• Initial contract end date: 31 December 2026.
• Possible extensions are available for 2027 and 2028, subject to performance, budget availability, and NATO regulations.
• Estimated scope: 500 hours.

Travel

• Some travel to other NATO sites may be required

Security Clearance

• Valid National or NATO Secret personal security clearance