Tactical Radio Communications Instructor

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.

Tactical Radio Communications Instructor
Role ID – RFQ 2026-0164

Role Background

The NATO Communications and Information Academy (NCI Academy) is seeking an experienced Tactical Communications Instructor to prepare and deliver specialist training in High Frequency (HF) tactical radio communications and Ultra High Frequency Tactical Satellite Communications (UHF TACSAT).

The instructor will support NATO personnel, military operators and technicians through classroom instruction, practical exercises and technical demonstrations.

The position requires advanced expertise in NATO tactical radio systems, HF/UHF waveforms, NATO operating procedures and AN/PRC-117F and AN/PRC-150 radios.

Training will be delivered primarily at the NCI Academy in Oeiras, Portugal, with potential assignments to NATO and national facilities through Mobile Training Teams (MTTs).

Role Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver technical training on HF tactical radio and UHF TACSAT communications.
• Deliver the following NCI Academy courses:
• A0050: HF Operator.
• A0037: UHF TACSAT Basic Operator.
• A0038: UHF TACSAT Applications & Database Manager.
• A0980: Tailored Tactical Communications Training.
• Conduct theoretical lessons, technical demonstrations and hands-on practical exercises.
• Provide instruction on tactical radio equipment, waveforms and NATO communications procedures.
• Prepare classrooms, radio equipment, antennas and supporting training materials.
• Conduct frequency requests, propagation chart preparation and equipment functionality checks.
• Test cryptographic equipment and associated systems before training.
• Maintain current knowledge of radio hardware, software, waveforms and operational procedures.
• Coordinate training activities with the NCI Academy Tactical Communications Subject Matter Expert.
• Support training delivery at NATO and national locations through Mobile Training Teams.
• Prepare and update course documentation, handouts and instructional aids.
• Assess student performance and provide constructive feedback.
• Maintain attendance records, training results and completion reports.
• Analyse student satisfaction surveys and contribute to course improvement plans.
• Maintain training equipment and restore classrooms following course completion.
• Follow NATO and NCIA technical, security and instructional standards.

Essential Skills

• HF tactical radio communications.
• UHF Tactical Satellite Communications (UHF TACSAT).
• NATO tactical communications operating procedures.
• NATO UHF TACSAT and HF waveforms.
• AN/PRC-117F tactical radio operation and maintenance.
• AN/PRC-150 tactical radio operation and maintenance.
• Tactical radio antennas and ancillary equipment.
• Single Channel Per Carrier (SCPC).
• Demand Assigned Multiple Access (DAMA).
• Integrated Waveform (IW).
• Second- and third-generation Automatic Link Establishment (2G/3G ALE).
• Frequency hopping techniques.
• Tactical radio configuration and troubleshooting.
• Technical training preparation and delivery.
• Development of instructional materials and technical documentation.
• Practical training demonstrations and student assessment.
• NATO communications security procedures.
• English language proficiency equivalent to the specified NATO STANAG 6001 or CEFR levels.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience with modern tactical radios, including PRC-117G, PRC-152, PRC-160 and PRC-167.
• Familiarity with NCI Academy training standards.
• Previous experience with NCISS or the NCI Academy.

Experience

Mandatory experience:

• Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience demonstrating advanced knowledge of current NATO UHF TACSAT and HF waveforms.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience with NATO operating procedures applicable to HF and UHF TACSAT communications.
• Minimum 3 years of hands-on professional experience operating and maintaining AN/PRC-117F and AN/PRC-150 tactical radios, including antennas and ancillary equipment.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience with SCPC, DAMA, Integrated Waveform, 2G/3G ALE and frequency hopping techniques.
• Minimum 3 years of experience developing technical documentation, training materials and instructional aids.

Desirable experience:

• Delivering technical or operational training to military personnel.
• Working with NATO communications systems and training environments.
• Supporting multinational military training activities.
• Working with modern tactical radio platforms.

The SOW specifies separate three-year experience requirements across these technical areas; it does not state that they must be consecutive or additive.

Desirable Certifications:

• A0050 – HF Operator Certificate of Completion.
• A0037 – UHF TACSAT Basic Operator Certificate of Completion.
• A0038 – UHF TACSAT Applications & Database Manager Certificate of Completion.
• A0970 – NATO CIS Technical Instructor Certificate of Completion, or equivalent.

Mandatory Language Requirement:

• NATO STANAG 6001: Listening 3, Speaking 2, Reading 3, Writing 2; or
• CEFR B2–C1 / Upper Intermediate–Advanced English proficiency.

Working Location

Primary Location: NCI Academy, Oeiras, Portugal.

Additional Locations: NATO and national facilities, including locations in other NATO member countries, depending on scheduled Mobile Training Team assignments.

Working Policy

• Working arrangement: Predominantly on-site, with course-based assignments.
• Remote work: Limited virtual preparation activities may be possible; remote delivery is not established as a standard arrangement.
• Contract period: 4 January 2027 (tentative) to 31 December 2027.
• Contract commencement: Subject to contract signature.
• Training schedule: Based on confirmed course iterations.
• Initial scheduled courses: 18–29 January 2027 and 15–26 February 2027, both at NCI Academy.
• Travel: Required for assigned Mobile Training Team activities at NATO or national locations.
• Travel expenses: Included in the applicable contractual deliverable pricing.
• Public holidays: Some training may take place during national public holidays.
• Security clearance: NATO Secret (mandatory).

The role is  a deliverable-based training services contract, not a conventional full-time position with fixed weekly hours.

NATO Experience

NATO-specific technical experience is mandatory.

This role explicitly requires professional experience with:

• Current NATO UHF TACSAT and HF waveforms.
• NATO tactical communications operating procedures.
• Military radio systems used in NATO communications environments.

However, previous employment directly with NATO or NCIA is not explicitly mandatory. Experience working with NCISS or the NCI Academy is desirable.

Travel

• Some travel to other NATO sites may be required

Security Clearance

• Valid National or NATO Secret personal security clearance