Business Planning Assistant

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 Duties and Responsibilities

Business Planning Support

• Support operational initiatives/projects by coordinating tasks and timelines.
• Assist in the development and execution of project plans.
• Monitor project progress and report on status.
• Support the resource allocation to ensure optimal utilization.
• Assist in forecasting resource needs and planning for future requirements.
• Support planning and analysis activities.

Financial & Data Management Support

• Collect, analyse, and input data related to operations.
• Maintain databases and ensure data accuracy and integrity.
• Assess the integrity of data from multiple sources.
• Monitors and reports on progress.
• Assist with budget tracking and financial reporting.
• Process invoicing and expense reports.

Operational Support

• Assist in the coordination of daily operational activities.
• Support the implementation of operational policies and procedures.
• Manage and maintain operational records and documentation.
• Act as a point of contact between different departments and external partners.
• Facilitate communication within the operations team and with other teams.
• Address inquiries and provide information as needed

Essential Skills and Experience

• Demonstrable skills and experience in areas such as business planning and financial data management using automated financial management systems;
• Demonstrable knowledge of and experience using Service Now;
• Experience with commercially available or open source data visualization tools, such as Power BI;
• Advanced skills with Microsoft Excel;
• Experience in business planning, preparation and production of budget submissions;
• Proven skills in administering Microsoft SharePoint portals;
• Due to the sensitivity of the work, he/she must possess an unequivocal level of trust and discretion;
• Demonstrated capacity to exercise strong judgement in advising unit leadership, setting priorities, and executing requirements;

Desirable Skills, Experience and Education

• Prior experience of working in an international environment comprising both military and civilians.
• General knowledge of NATO responsibilities and organization.
• Knowledge of and experience using financial tools (such as Oracle, SAP, etc...);
• A recognised and still valid Project Management certification, such as PRINCE 2 or similar, at foundation level.
• A recognised and still valid Service Management certification, such as ITIL or ISO/IEC 20000, at foundation level

Education

• A minimum requirement of a relevant degree at a nationally recognised/certified University in a related discipline and 2 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 NCI Agency, that is, at least 6 years extensive and progressive expertise in duties related to the function of the post.

Working Location

• Mons, Belgium

Working Policy

• On-Site
• Working underground and/or secured areas.
• Working hours based on a shift pattern might be required

Travel

• Up to 4 TDYs in Belgium per year are foreseen

Security Clearance

• Valid National or NATO 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.