Strategic Communications Consultant

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 – 2025-0125

Role Background

The Chief Technology Office (CTO) of NCI Agency has a requirement for off-site support to the Federated Interoperability (FI) Branch of HQ SACT under the ACT Programme of Work (POW) for 2025, and also the NATO Digital Staff (NDS) under the NDS POW 2025.

• NCIA CTO supports the FI Branch through a Federated Mission Networking Framework Support Project. This project is divided into multiple Work Packages (WPs) and WP4 provides support for implementation of the FMN Communications and Awareness Strategy in order to deliver FMN communications and awareness.
• NCIA CTO Supports the NDS on multiple projects with focus on improving digital interoperability in the NATO Alliance. Two activities under the NDS POW 2025 require communications and awareness support. These activities relate to developing and exploitation of Reference Architectures and support for the operationalisation of the Digital Interoperability Roadmap (DIOR) for the Interoperability Profiles Capability Team (IPCaT).

Role Duties and Responsibilities

• Support implementation of the NATO FMN Communication and Awareness Strategy
  • Creation of communication campaigns in line with the FMN C&A Plan objectives and analysis
  • Creation of necessary content and media to support the communication campaign
  • Liaison and coordination of content delivery agencies and personnel Monitoring, recording and assessment of campaign results and outcomes
• Support the implementation of the IPCaT Communication and Awareness Strategy
  • Creation of communication campaigns in line with the IPCaT C&A Plan objectives and analysis
  • Creation of necessary content and media to support the communication campaign
  • Liaison and coordination of content delivery agencies and personnel Monitoring, recording and assessment of campaign results and outcomes
• Support the development and implementation of the communication and awareness strategy for NDS Reference Architectures Development
  • Development of an NDS Reference Architectures Communication and Awareness Plan
  • Creation of communication campaigns in line with the NDS Reference Architectures C&A Plan objectives and analysis
  • Creation of necessary content and media to support the communication campaign
  • Liaison and coordination of content delivery
  • Monitoring, recording and assessment of campaign results and outcomes
• Activities under the NATO FMN Communication and Awareness Support
  • Create a communication campaign in line with the FMN C&A Plan objectives and analysis, focussed on two aspects:
    • General FMN Awareness,
    • Data Centric Security implementation in FMN
  • Create the necessary content and media to improve support for FMN general awareness (Video interviews, Newsletter articles, Blog entries)
  • Create the necessary content and media to support the DCS communication campaign
  • Liaise and coordinate with the Capability Planning Working Group (CPWG) High Level Planning Team (HLPT), the Multinational CIS Security Management Authority Working Group (MCSMA WG) and the NDS to ensure accurate and complete
  • Engage at key events to promote awareness of the IPCaT and its key products
    • CWIX 2025 Execution
    • CWIX 2026 Initial Planning Conference
  • Monitor, record and assess campaign results and outcomes and report these to the WP4 Sponsor
• Activities under the IPCaT Communication and Awareness Support
  • Create communication campaigns and products in line with the IPCaT C&A Plan objectives and analysis
  • The NISP Flyer
  • The IPCaT Team Booklet
  • The IO Dashboard Flyer
  • Engage at key events to promote awareness of the IPCaT and its key products
    • CWIX 2025 Execution
    • CWIC 2026 Initial Planning Conference
  • Liaise and coordinate with content delivery agencies and personnel
  • Monitor, record and assess campaign results and outcomes and report these to the IPCaT
• Activities under the NDS Reference Architectures Communication and Awareness Support
  • Update the NDS Reference Architectures Communication Strategy using inputs from key stakeholders in NDS, focusing on:
    • Defining overall objectives, incl. goals, key messages and success criteria.
    • Conducting stakeholder analysis, identifying key stakeholder (strategic, technical, and operational level), their key concerns and incentives.
  • Develop an initial NDS Reference Architecture Communication and Awareness Plan, including:
    • Time and location, frequency, responsible contributors, and communication channels
    • Identify champions and internal advocates
  • Create the necessary content and media to support the pilot communication campaign , incl.:
    • Developing the initial content
    • Ensuring internal alignment and roll out as per the Reference Architecture Communication and Awareness Plan.
  • Liaise and coordinate with content delivery agencies and personnel
  • Monitor, record and assess the campaign results and outcomes and adapt the Reference Architecture Communication and Awareness Plan accordingly.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Minimum of 3 years Strategic Communication Expertise
  • Understanding of corporate communication, public relations, and marketing strategies
  • Knowledge of stakeholder engagement, crisis communication, and reputation management
• Minimum of 3 years Content Development and Branding
  • Expertise in developing messaging frameworks, key messages, and content strategies
  • Knowledge of brand guidelines, tone of voice, and visual identity
  • Deep experience in creating campaign materials (press releases, social media posts, brochures, etc.)
• Minuimum of 3 years Stakeholder and Audience Analysis
  • Ability to identify target audiences and tailor communication approaches
  • Understanding of cultural, social, and organizational communication nuances
  • Expertise in user research, surveys, and feedback mechanisms
• Minuimum of 3 years Performance Measurement and KPIs
  • Defining measurable objectives (e.g., engagement metrics, media reach, audience sentiment)
  • Understanding analytics tools and reporting methods for communication effectiveness
• Legal and Compliance Considerations
  • Awareness of copyright, intellectual property, and data protection laws
• At least 2 years experience of coordinating and delivering communication and awareness campaigns in an international military environment.
• At least 2 years experience experience of military interoperability programmes and concepts
• Demonstrated ability to craft high fidelity messaging, imagery and information products across a range of media types including, but not limited to, web content, imagery and photography, infographics, video and audio.
• Deep experience (minimum 4 years) in working with international organisations and in multinational environments.
• Demonstrated knowledge of NATO Structures and military operations
• Clearance & Security Awareness: Ability to work with classified/unclassified data and within secure environments.
• Strategic Thinking & Problem-Solving: Ability to develop clear, effective communication strategies aligned with business goals.
• Excellent Written & Verbal Communication: Strong storytelling and message development skills. Ability to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences
• Stakeholder Management & Influence. Skilled at engaging and aligning key stakeholders (internal and external). Ability to build trust, navigate organizational dynamics, and drive consensus
• Adaptability & Flexibility: Comfortable working in dynamic environments with shifting priorities. Can adjust communication strategies based on audience feedback or business changes
• Creativity & Innovation: Ability to develop fresh, engaging communication campaigns and materials. Thinks outside the box to solve communication challenges effectively

Working Location

• Remote

Working Policy

• Off-Site

Travel

• Some travel to other NATO sites may be required

Security Clearance

• Valid National or NATO Secret personal security clearance