Primary Location
Belgium-Mons
NATO Body
NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA)
Schedule
Full-time
Application Deadline
22-Feb-2026, 11:59:00 PM
Salary (Pay Basis)
9,604.83
Grade
NATO Grade G20
*Who we are:*
For more than 70 years, NATO's mission has been to preserve peace and security in the Alliance for nearly one billion citizens. The NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) and its predecessors have worked tirelessly in providing the means that enable the connectedness and togetherness that keep our Alliance strong. We are the NCIA, a team of 3000 civilian and military staff in 29 locations throughout Europe, North America and Asia.
Our technology and cyber experts allow NATO to conduct critical operations, protect NATO's airspace, make data-driven decisions, defend against cyber-attacks, secure NATO networks and maintain superiority in space. This is all possible because of our greatest force, our people. In order to keep this edge we aim to hire, train and retain the very best staff.
Our staff members represent both the diversity and unity of our Alliance. When you join the NCIA, you will be part of an organization where you can contribute authentically to the mission and purpose of NATO and help us keep our technological edge.
*About the job:*
Based in Mons, Belgium, you will join the Agency as we embark on a journey to transform our IT services to support NATO's Digital Endeavour. You will join NATO Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which is responsible for planning and executing all lifecycle management activities for cyber security. In executing this responsibility, NCSC provides specialist cyber security-related services covering the spectrum of scientific, technical, acquisition, operations, maintenance, and sustainment support, throughout the lifecycle of NATO Communications and Information Systems (CIS).
We are looking for a driven and enthusiastic Section Head Penetration Testing who will take on the following roles and responsibilities:
* Act as the primary internal business-facing representative for the penetration testing service, representing the Section in all relevant governance forums and stakeholder engagements;
* Work in close partnership with Service Delivery Managers (SDMs) and business intake functions to manage demand end-to-end, ensuring requests are captured, clarified, prioritised, and translated into a clear strategic service delivery plan;
* Leads the planning and scoping of penetration testing engagements, defining objectives, scope, timelines, resource requirements, and risk considerations using deep technical expertise;
* Provides technical oversight and guidance to penetration testers, ensuring consistent, comprehensive, and high-quality security assessments;
* Leads, mentors, and develops a team of penetration testers, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous learning;
* Oversees budgeting, tooling, and resource planning for penetration testing activities.
For a full list of duties, please review the job description on the NCIA career site .
*About you:*
The valuable knowledge and experience that you bring to this role are:
* Master's degree at a nationally recognised/certified University in a related discipline and 5 years post-related experience. Or a Bachelor's degree with 8 years post related experience;
* Relevant certifications such as OSCP, OSWE, OSEE, GWAPT, GPEN, GXPN, CISSP, CISM, or equivalent;
* Remarkable experience in cybersecurity, with at least 5 years in penetration testing;
* Proven experience in managing penetration testing services within enterprise environments;
* Deep technical knowledge of web application security, network security, cloud security, and penetration testing methodologies;
* Extensive hands-on expertise with penetration testing tools;
* Strong understanding of secure coding practices, application security testing, and enterprise security architectures;
* Proven experience working with developers, security architects, and system administrators to drive remediation efforts;
* Experience and ability to lead and mentor technical teams, fostering professional growth and skills development;
* Excellent communication and negotiation skills across technical, non-technical and Executive audiences, including at flag officer level;
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions;
* Experience working in high-security environments (e.g., financial, government, or military sectors);
* Fluency in English, both written and spoken.
*What we offer:*
* Genuinely meaningful work as part of the most successful alliance in history;
* 5 year contract with competitive tax-free salary and household and children's allowances;
* Privileges for expatriate staff including expatriation and education allowances (where appropriate) and additional home leave;
* Excellent private health insurance scheme;
* Generous annual leave of 30 days plus official holidays;
* NATO Pension Scheme;
* Development programs such as professional training, wellbeing, and more.
To learn more about NCIA and our work, please visit our website .
The NCIA prides itself on being an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment of mutual respect and value uniqueness and differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnic or cultural origin, age, religion, sexual orientation and physical or neurocognitive ability.
Additional details on the conditions of application can be found via the NCIA career site.