JAS Project-Linked NATO (PLN) Agenda 2030 - Data Scientist, Naples

TITLE: Data Scientist

NATO BODY: ACO/Headquarters Allied Joint Force Command Naples (JFCNP)

LOCATION: Naples, Lago Patria (ITA)

DIRECTORATE: Operations Directorate

DIVISION: Joint Assessment Division

GRADE: A2/G15

SECURITY CLEARANCE : NATO S E C R E T

POST NUMBER: OJS OAAX 1020

1.  POST CONTEXT 

Headquarters Allied Joint Force Command Naples provides a resilient, static Joint headquarters to plan, prepare and conduct operations across all domains from Baseline Activities and Current Operations (BACO), including deterrence, through Crisis, up to the Maximum Level of Effort (MLE), in order to support NATO’s three core tasks, at the Joint Operational level, as directed by SACEUR. Supported by the Single Service Commands, Allied Joint Force Command Naples integrates allocated forces, including NATO Force Structure entities, and synchronises activity to achieve operational objectives. It maintains comprehensive, regional focused, situational awareness, leads contingency planning and directs exercises. It also provides out-of-theatre support to enduring NATO operations and could contribute specific Joint competencies to other NATO Command Structure or NATO Force Structure entities. It is capable of commanding a Joint Task Force operating within or beyond SACEUR’s Area of Responsibility, with theatre enablement provided by a dedicated Joint Logistic Support Group Headquarters. It has the capability to deploy tailored elements to enable reconnaissance, liaison, and coordination, and support the Joint Commander. Synchronizes and integrates Joint and Combined armed forces within the Joint Operational Area (JOA) in support of a Joint Task Force.

The Operations Directorate is responsible for directing, monitoring, assessing and coordinating operational staff functions.
The Joint Assessment Division leads the continuous monitoring, measurement and assessment of progress towards the effects necessary for the achievement of decisive conditions along each line of operation.
The Campaign Assessment Branch monitors and assesses campaign progress towards the achievement of mid-term objectives and the operational end-state through campaign assessment across the entire Political, Military, Economic, Social, Infrastructure & Information (PMESII) engagement space. 
Within the Branch, the incumbent provides tailored analytics, using a variety of data sources, to extract value from NATO operational data and enable the HQ to make better, faster decisions within the assessment process.

2.  DUTIES

The incumbent's duties are:
- Provides the Joint Assessment Division with analytics products through the application of data science techniques, including statistics, data mining, and machine learning.
- Conducts analytical studies to support decision-making in areas such as hybrid threats and for stakeholders such as J2, J3, J4, J6, J9, COMMS Div and JMED.
- Advises and supports divisions in helping to prepare and store operational data in order to process, analyse and learn from the data.
- Supports the development of HQ processes and procedures related to data science are coordinated and aligned with all NATO policies and procedures.
- Works with NCIA data engineers to ensure operational data is available for analytical purposes.
- Contributes to the evaluation of data science analysis trials in JFCNP.
- Supports the identification of JFCNP requirements in support of NATO’s data exploitation programme of work and other future data science & AI capabilities.
- Enables a data-driven culture in the HQ that uses analytics to generate insights, inform operational decisions, and improve performance.
- Supports the identification of issues and lessons learned relating to data science are captured, managed, analysed and available as appropriate.
- Undertakes work as part of a project team or working group as directed or assigned.
- Leads the data collection, analysis, visualization, and assessment process as part of the Operations Assessment processes in JAS Division.
- Develops robust data collection, collation, analysis, and visualization tools utilizing existing software in NATO classified and unclassified networks.

3.  SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND ADDITIONAL DUTIES

The employee may be required to:
- Perform a similar range of duties elsewhere within the organisation at the same grade without there being any change to the contract.
- Undertake TDY assignments both within and without NATO’s boundaries and be willing to work unsocial hours.
- Undertake deployments in support of military operations and exercises, and/or TDY assignments, both within and without NATO boundaries. Such operational deployment may exceed 30 days duration up to 183 days in any period of 547 days, and may be on short notice. For NATO International Civilian Staff, acceptance of an employment contract linked to this post constitutes agreement to deploy in excess of 30 days if required.
The work is normally performed in a Normal NATO office working environment. Normal Working Conditions apply. 
The risk of injury is categorised as No risk / risk might increase when deployed.

4. ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS 

EDUCATION 

University Degree in information technology, economics, statistics, operations research or related discipline and 2 years function related experience, or Higher Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training in that discipline leading to a professional qualification or professional accreditation with 4 years post related experience.

EXPERIENCE

- Minimum of 4 years post-related experience relating to data science, analytics, or a related field in line with expertise and competencies outlined for this role.
- Experience in applying data science tools to support advanced data analytics, machine learning and data visualisation.
- Experience in planning and executing the data science lifecycle: ingestion, pre-processing, analysing, post-processing and visualisation.
- Experience with programming (e.g. Python) and libraries for data handling (e.g., Pandas, Numpy), data visualisation (e.g. Matplotlib, Seaborn) and machine learning (e.g., Scikit-learn, TensorFlow).
- Proven knowledge of mathematical and statistical models.
- Experience of use of data visualisation tools e.g. Microsoft Power BI, Spotfire, Tableau.
- Experience of working with large and complex data sets, including both structured (e.g., relational databases, time-series data) and unstructured data (e.g., natural language, sensor data).
- Experience with data processing (regular and distributed), data transformation, integration and analysis, including cleaning, pre-processing and feature engineering of structured and unstructured data for statistical modelling, machine learning and AI system development.
- Proven ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with good briefing skills (including visualisations for customers).

LANGUAGE

- English - SLP 3333 - (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing) based on NATO Standards.

5. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

EXPERIENCE

- Experience in briefing and communicating analytical products with senior military and civilian staff.
- Experience with AI and or Machine Learning Tools e.g. Watson, Microsoft Cognitive Toolkit, TensorFlow.
- Practical experience using big data ecosystems. E.g. Hadoop, Spark, MapReduce.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

- PhD or Master’s degree in statistics, applied mathematics, computer science, operational research, data science or data analytics or related discipline (i.e., field with strong focus on statistical modelling, data analysis and machine learning).
- Knowledge of joint and/or combined operations at both operational and tactical levels.
- Recognition by relevant professional bodies.
- Participant in NATO training and exercises (if possible).
- Course: JPL-OA-31564 - NATO Operations Assessment Course

6.  POSITION AND CANDIDATE PROFILE

- Good communication and interpersonal skills capable of maintaining strong relationships that supports a data-driven culture within the HQ.
- Ability to see the big picture within the operational environment; understanding the relationships across complex systems and the way data could be used.
- Innovation and drive to succeed when faced with the complexities of technology management and interoperability challenges within military command and control systems.
- Forward leaning, identifies problems within the HQ for which data science can offer answers, and then cooperates with customers to develop innovative solutions.

Professional contacts

Works in close coordination with staff across all divisions. Shares lessons and solutions with other data science staff in higher and subordinate HQs and NATO agencies, as well as national and international data science and operations research analysts. Maintains a strong working relationship with data scientists in other JFCs and other commands, including HQ SACT leading the data exploitation programme of work.

Contribution to the objectives

Consistently supports and contributes to mission effectiveness and efficiency with timely and relevant advice to the division head on data science and analytics product related issues. Constantly monitors developments in data science tools and techniques and applies and advises on their application to current and future military operations and the military objectives assigned to COM.

This post reports to: OJS OAAX 0010 - Branch Head (Campaign Assessment) - OF-4. 

7.  CONTRACT 

The successful candidate will receive a three-year definite duration contract within the Project-Linked NATO (PLN) Agenda 2030.

The basic entry-level monthly salary for a NATO Grade 15 (A-2) in Italy is Euro 5,879.80 which may be augmented by allowances based on the selected staff member’s eligibility, and which is subject to the withholding of approximately 20% for pension and medical insurance contributions. 

8.  INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLY:

JFC Naples uses NATO Talent Acquisition Platform. In order to apply for this vacancy, please visit the platform at:  , and search for vacancies within HQ JFC Naples with duty location Naples, Italy.

Please attach your CV and relevant certificates to the application.

Note that once you create your profile, you will be able to use it to apply for other vacancies within NATO.

Please note: 

Staff members are appointed to and hold posts on the establishment of a NATO body only on condition that:

They are nationals of a NATO member country

They are over 21 and under 60 years of age at the time of taking up their appointments.  Appointments of definite duration may be offered to candidates of 60 years of age or more, provided that the expiry date of the contract is not later than the date at which the candidate attains the age of 65. 

Important notice to candidates on use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):  As part of our commitment to a fair and merit-based recruitment process, detection of AI usage at any stage of the process (including AI-generated application forms) will result in the immediate disqualification of your application.  You are welcome to use AI tools for basic spell-checking/grammar correctness only. We appreciate your integrity and look forward to assessing your genuine skills and experience.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 

A NATO security clearance and approval of the candidate’s medical file by the NATO Medical Adviser are essential conditions for appointment to this post.  Applicants are not required to possess a clearance at the time of applying, but they must be eligible for a clearance.  
HQ JFC Naples will take action to obtain the required security clearance from the successful candidates’ national authorities. The selected candidate will be affiliated to the NATO Defined Contribution Pension Scheme (DCPS). For info please visit