Crypto Custodian

Spektrum have a wide range of exciting opportunities in several global locations.

We are always looking to add great new talent to our team and look forward to hearing from you.

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 Background

The purpose of this Statement of Work (SoW) is to describe the Crypto Custodian Services to the NCIA  Agency, NATO Commands and National Accredited entities. Due to heavy workload related to CDA (Crypto Distribution Agency) services Crypto Support Services  are required for the period of 01 April 2025 until 31 Dec 2025 (with the possibility to exercise option  years as outlined above) in order to be in compliance with the agreed timelines described in the 2025  SLA. NCI Agency CIS Support Unit (CSU) Brunssum, located in Brunssum (NLD) enables end-to-end CIS  services as it installs, operates, maintains and supports the full range of CIS capabilities during  peacetime, crisis and war throughout its allocated Area of Responsibility (AOR) and as otherwise  directed.  Due to increasing NATO exercise activity, CSU Brunssum is seeking for Local and AOR Crypto support.

Role Duties and Responsibilities

• Contractor’s personnel will provide the services as part of an existing team of people supporting the NCIA CSU Brunssum Crypto Distribution Agency and Crypto Cell Services and locations and will not be working independently. It is to augment current capability within the Crypto Custodian team.
• The contractor will support the CSU Brunssum Crypto activities and duties providing first line support and assistance to Crypto Account, Sub Account and Hand Receipt Holders through the systems and equipment provided by NCIA.
• Contractor’s personnel will operate under the guidance of the COMSEC Officer and fulfil Tasks and Work Orders related to Crypto.
• The Contractor’s personnel will support only those items registered in the CARDS Database and assigned to the CDA Brunssum Account for handling Crypto.
• The Contractor’s personnel will provide direct support to Couriers with the production of Courier Certificates.
• The Contractor’s personnel will provide Cyber Security Indoctrination in relation to handling, storing, operating the Crypto equipment when those are inside or outside the NATO premises. Perform in coordination with the Alternate Crypto Custodians routine and emergency destructions or dispositions of Crypto material. For this purpose in case of emergency the duty location can be different and emergency processes per NATO Regulations will be implemented.
• The Contractor’s personnel will be responsible for the physical security of the Crypto Vault and safeguard of the Crypto Material and document the processes by following the processes in accordance with NATO Directives. The Contractor’s personnel will activate, revoke, upgrade and downgrade at the user level the access rights on Base Access Control Systems and Electronic Key Systems installed at NCIA Brunssum.

Inventory of Crypto Equipment

• The contractor will provide to designated Sub-Account and Hand Receipt Holder the assigned Crypto Controlled Items.
• The Contractor will provide the Account Holders the daily/weekly/monthly Crypto Controlled items
• Destruction of books/expired/superseded keys per NATO Directive and Superior Authorities Orders.

Distribution

• Receipt of Keys/Books
• Change of relevant keys

Monitoring

• Monitoring of email security portal
• Monitoring of Traka Key System
• Monitor the Formal Messaging System for Crypto
• Monitoring of BRI Access Control System
• Integrity Check for Security Seals

Training

• Indoctrination of Account/Sub Account/Hand Receipt Holders

Document Handling/ Creation

• Production of Courier Certificates

Reporting

• 4-Eyes Crypto Inventory check
• Inventory of Crypto Keys, Books and Equipment/Devices

Essential Skills and Experience

• At least 2 years of experience in a NATO or National HQ as Crypto Custodian and experience in Cyber/IT Security department/area.
• Proven experience in crypto administration and CARDS
• Experience in cyber monitoring systems, MAILGUARD and EPO reports.
• Strong knowledge in Access Control systems BRI and TRAKA systems

Education

• Vocational training in relevant discipline of NATO Physical Security, Information Assurance Security or Cryptographic Security with 2 years of post-related experience, or a secondary  educational qualification with 4 years post-related experience.

Language Proficiency

• Business English

Working Location

• Brunnsum, Netherlands

Working Policy

• On-Site

Travel

• Some travel to other NATO sites may be required

Security Clearance

• Valid National or NATO Top Secret personal security clearance

We never know what new opportunities might be just over the horizon. If this opportunity isn't for you please feel free to send us your resume anyway and be the first to know if something suitable for your skills and experience comes up.