Solutions Architect
Role Background
The Solution Architect will support the NCIA Chief Technology Office in defining the
current (“as-is”) and future (“to-be”) architecture of the NATO Intelligence Enterprise
(NIE) and developing a roadmap for transitioning between them.
The role is strongly focused on enterprise/solution architecture, NATO intelligence
systems, application and technology architecture, stakeholder engagement,
architecture modelling, gap analysis, and strategic technology roadmapping.
The key deliverables are:
“As-is” Minimum Viable Architecture (MVA)
“To-be” Minimum Viable Architecture (MVA)
Gap analysis
High-level implementation/transition roadmap
Role Duties and Responsibilities
Engage with NCIA technical SMEs, Project Managers, Enterprise Architects, and
Segment Architects.
Understand and document current and future system/service capabilities.
Develop a high-level overview of the current NATO Intelligence Enterprise
architecture.
Document existing applications, systems, technologies, dependencies, interfaces,
and interoperability standards.
Develop the future NIE “to-be” architecture.
Develop an implementation roadmap for transitioning from the current to future
architecture.
Identify technology synergies, gaps, risks, limitations, and opportunities.
Develop architecture models covering:
o Application Architecture
o Business Architecture
o Technical Architecture
o Data/Information Architecture
Conduct approximately 20 stakeholder interviews across relevant NIE projects
and programmes.
Provide architecture expertise supporting formal architecture reports.
Develop a future architecture that supports simplification, harmonization,
technology reuse, reduced O&M requirements, data-centricity, resilience,
interoperability, and cloud readiness.
Incorporate Zero Trust principles into the target architecture.
Consider data transfers across different security domains, networks, internet, and
cloud environments.
Support interoperability with NATO nations and federated environments.
Align architecture with NATO STANAGs and open standards where applicable.
Minimize vendor lock-in.
Maximize appropriate use of platform, infrastructure, cloud, and AI services.
Develop gap analysis between current and target architectures.
Define projects, initiatives, dependencies, quick wins, foundational work, and
major transformation activities.
Develop roadmap phases, milestones, timelines, and implementation risks.
Essential Skills
Strong Enterprise / Solution Architecture expertise.
Architecture modelling and documentation.
ArchiMate.
Sparx Enterprise Architect.
Application Architecture.
Technical / Technology Architecture.
Business Architecture.
Data / Information Architecture.
Security Architecture understanding.
Integration Architecture.
Architecture gap analysis.
Architecture transition and implementation roadmapping.
Experience identifying dependencies, risks, technology gaps, and opportunities.
Understanding of interoperability and integration.
Understanding of cloud-native and cloud-optimized architectures.
Understanding of Zero Trust architecture principles.
Ability to work with NATO standards and open standards.
Strong stakeholder engagement and interviewing skills.
Ability to work with technical SMEs, project managers, and enterprise/segment
architects.
Strong ability to write large, structured technical documents.
Ability to integrate and work effectively within a multinational team.
Fluent Business English.
Experience
Minimum 5 years of proven experience in Enterprise/Solution Architecture
delivery.
Minimum 4 years of experience developing architectures for NATO and/or
defence customers.
Experience using ArchiMate and Sparx Enterprise Architect.
Proven experience preparing large and structured architecture/technical
documents.
Experience working in multinational teams.
Educations and Certifications
Required:
MSc in:
o Computer Science,
o Software & Systems Engineering,
o or a similar discipline.
Exceptionally, the absence of a university degree may be compensated by at least 6
years of extensive and progressive relevant experience related to the services.
NATO Secret security clearance is required.
Working Location
90% Off-site / Remote
10% On-site at:
NCIA – The Hague, Netherlands, or
Brussels, Belgium
On-site attendance is anticipated to be approximately 1–2 days per month, as agreed
with the CTO.
Working Policy
90% remote/off-site
Approximately 10% on-site
Expected on-site attendance: approximately 1–2 days per month
On-site location: The Hague or Brussels
Normal working hours follow the NCIA The Hague calendar.
Work outside normal office hours and on weekends may occasionally be required.
The contractor will work within a team supervised by the NCIA Project Manager
and Lead Architect.
Tentative start: 4 November 2026
End date: 31 March 2027 with possibility of extention
NATO Secret clearance required.
Important travel point: normal travel to The Hague or Brussels for the required
on-site days is at the contractor's expense. Extraordinary purchaser-directed travel
to other locations is handled separately through a contract amendment, including travel
and subsistence costs.
Travel
Some travel to other NATO sites may be required
Security Clearance
Valid National or NATO Secret personal security clearance
