TOPFAS 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.

Role Background

The NATO Communications and Information Academy (NCI Academy) located in Oeiras, Portugal currently delivers NATO technical and operational training on a variety of hardware and software systems. In the light of these activities, the NCI Academy is looking to outsource the delivery of Tools for Operations Planning Functional Area Services (TOPFAS) training, as well as the development and updates of the training materials, the management of course iterations and to provide SME support to NATO and National HQ as required. The intent is to obtain the services of TOPFAS subject matter experts who can deliver training and update training materials.

The work shall involve TOPFAS training delivery, iterations management, course material development, including e-learning content and management of existing e-learning content, course update, and TOPFAS Usage Mentoring to customers from the NATO Command Structure, NATO Force Structure, NATO member MODs, and Partner Nations, as well as testing TOPFAS software and provide bug reports. Course iterations delivery shall be conducted at the NCI Academy in Oeiras, and optionally at any of the NATO or National locations.

Role Duties and Responsibilities

Training Courses

The portfolio of TOPFAS courses covered under this includes the following courses (which includes the supporting Course Control Documentation, course schedules, training materials, and assessments):

• A0265 – TOPFAS OPT for Users
• A0266 – TOPFAS SAT for Users
• A0267 – TOPFAS CAT for Users
• A0268 – TOPFAS Power User Certification (OPT, SAT, CAT)
• A0288 – TOPFAS Advanced User/Functional Manager
• A0285 – TOPFAS OPT for Train the Trainers (Week1 - Live on line session)
• A0285 – TOPFAS OPT for Train the Trainers (Week2 – Face to Face session)
• A0286 – TOPFAS SAT for Train the Trainers (Week1 - Live on line session)
• A0286 – TOPFAS SAT for Train the Trainers (Week2 – Face to Face session)

TOPFAS iterations management

• Liaise with instructors, Training Event Coordination (TEC) and students to ensure smooth course execution. Prepare iteration related documentations (Admin Instructor) and act as first POC for any issue related to the TOPFAS iterations.

Training Material update

• TOPFAS training materials (course handbook, worksheets, lesson plans, and PowerPoint presentations) shall be updated by the contractor to reflect changes in the TOPFAS system due to the release of new versions/updates (expected twice a year). Additional content shall be developed to cover new functionalities or operational procedures introduced with these updates.

TOPFAS Course adaptation

• Review the course content to ensure it aligns with significant changes in the Performance Objectives, as well as the Enabling and Learning Objectives. This may necessitate a major reorganization of course modules and the associated lesson schedule including a review of the Course Control Documents.

TOPFAS mentoring

• TOPFAS Mentoring shall be provided at the NCI Academy in Oeiras location or at NATO and National Headquarters. The contractor shall provide mentoring for any of the TOPFAS tools (OPT, SAT, CAT, OMT, UMT) as indicated by the TOPFAS project manager or designated task leader.
• Each mentoring iteration shall include preparation, coordination, delivery, and an endof-activity report on the conduct, results, and recommendations for continuous improvement.

TOPFAS software testing

• TOPFAS software testing shall be conducted using the NCI Academy Training Network for any of the TOPFAS desktop tools (OPT, SAT, CAT, OMT, UMT) as directed by the TOPFAS project manager or designated task leader.
• Each testing activity shall include preparation, coordination, testing, and an end-of testing report on the activity conducted, results, and recommendations for continuous improvement.

TOPFAS Instructor manual development (OPT, SAT, CAT)

• Develop an instructor manual, including standard NCI Academy presentations and lesson plans, to support instructors and trainers in delivering TOPFAS courses, as indicated by the TOPFAS Section Head. Lesson plans must be delivered in accordance with NCI Academy Quality Assurance standards.

Expected Outcomes

Course iterations as First Instructor

• Instructor Preparation: They must prepare in advance for the iteration, including checking the training material available, preparing the lesson, and testing the practical exercises to ensure smooth training delivery.
• Iteration Preparation: Ensure iteration preparation in accordance with SOP 07.01.10 and follow the course checklist on the Academy Training Management System. They are responsible for ensuring, in coordination with the Learning Coordination and Support Branch (LCSB), the TOPFAS Section Head, and Quality Assurance (QA), that the training environment is prepared and all training materials are available and up to date for the students.
• Course Delivery and Assessment: Successfully deliver the course iteration and complete all student assessments according to the supporting CCDs, lesson schedule, and lesson plan.
• First Impression Report: Provide a First Impression report (email) to the training section head or their representative immediately after course completion.
• Continuous Improvement Plan: Develop an end-of-course iteration continuous improvement plan within 5 working days of iteration completion, in accordance with NCI Academy Academic Operations SOP 07.01.10 and QA guidance on the use of TMS to support continuous improvement.
• Bug Reports and Lessons Identified: Provide bug reports and Lessons Identified within 5 working days of iteration completion.
• For MTT: interview with the host training coordinator or their representative concerning the conduct of the course and a report of their assessment.
• Travel from Oeiras to MTT location (not for Live Online courses).
• Align with additional instruction or D&G from the TOPFAS ADY Section head

Course iterations as Assistant Instructor

• Instructor Preparation: As Assistant instructor the Contractor is required minimal preparation for the iteration but he must be confident with the training material in use and the environment. This include prepare in advance for the iteration, including checking the training material available.
• Iteration Preparation: As Assistant instructor they have no responsibilities over iteration preparation.
• Course Delivery and Assessment: As Assistant instructor they will assist the lead instructor who will be responsible to deliver the all course package. However, the Assistant instructor may agree with the lead instructor to deliver specific lesson during the iteration.
• Travel from Oeiras to MTT location (not for Live Online courses).
• Align with additional instruction or D&G from the TOPFAS ADY Section head

Course handbook & Training material Update:

• Handbook Update: Update screenshots and steps in the Student Handbook and related worksheets to be accurate for the new TOPFAS version.
• New Functionality Description: Develop additional paragraphs to describe new functionalities or features.
• Material Update: Update presentations, lesson plans, instructor manuals, and student handouts to be accurate for the new TOPFAS version in use
• Course-Specific Updates: Perform separate updates for each course
• Record Maintenance: Maintain a record of changes.
• Upload Training Materials: Upload the final version of the training materials to the Academy Training Network, Azure/DevOps Platform, and JADL.
• Final Exam Testing: Test the final exam for each course to ensure alignment with course content, modifying it as required
• Power User Certification: Test and Update theory and practical tests to ensure that questions and exercises are relevant for the new TOPFAS version.
• Align with additional instruction or D&G from the TOPFAS ADY Section head

TOPFAS Training Material development

• Develop additional Training Material: Develop additional training material (specific sections of the handbooks, Audio/Visual materials, and worksheets) to describe new TOPFAS features or operational procedures not already included in the course curricula ad required by the Section Head.
• Lesson Plans: Update lesson plan as required.
• Audio/Visual Update: Update Audio/Visual materials to reflect changes in tool functionalities in coordination with LDDB.
• Course-Specific Updates: Perform separate updates for each course.
• Record Maintenance: Maintain a record of changes.
• Upload Training Materials: Upload the final version of the training materials to Azure/DevOps Platform and JADL.
• Align with additional instruction or D&G from the TOPFAS ADY Section head

TOPFAS Instructor WS Support

• Guest Support: Assist guests during the workshop, facilitate discussions, and present topics as directed by the TOPFAS Section Head.
• Align with additional instruction or D&G from the TOPFAS ADY Section head

TOPFAS Usage Mentoring:

• On-Site Mentoring: Under the direction of the TOPFAS project manager or designated task leader, provide mentoring to TOPFAS tool users on-site at the designated military headquarters in support of training preparation, exercises, or operations.
• Mentoring Report: Submit a report on the mentoring activities of the week, detailing the added value of the support, any lessons identified, and possible continuous improvement activities.
• Align with additional instruction or D&G from the TOPFAS ADY Section head

Essential Skills and Experience

• Advanced knowledge of TOPFAS Version 7, including TOPFAS OMT, OPT, SAT and CAT.
• TOPFAS Trainer course qualification for SAT, OPT or CAT, and with in-depth experience of TOPFAS course delivery.
• Experience in delivery of TOPFAS User Courses (OPT, SAT, CAT).
• Experience in update and creating training content.
• Advanced knowledge of word processing and graphics presentation tools.
• Working knowledge of spreadsheets, e-mail Clients and Web Browsers.
• Working knowledge of videoconference tool and Learning Management System
• Deep knowledge and experience of NATO's doctrine and standards relevant to Operations Planning.
• Knowledge and experience with NATO Command Structure and NATO Force Structure.
• Experience with development of technical documentation, training materials and instructional aids.
• Experience working in an International environment with Military and Civilian elements.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Knowledge and experience of working with NCI Agency.
• Knowledge and experience of working with the NCI Academy.
• NATO CIS Technical Instructor or equivalent qualification.
• Experience in delivery of live online courses.
• Knowledge of and experience with other existing NATO C2 and Functional Services (INTEL FS, LOGFAS, NCOP etc.).
• Knowledge of modern education technologies (e.g. electronic whiteboards, training videos) and authoring tools.

Language Proficiency

• Business English

Working Policy

• Remote
• Due to the multinational aspect of NATO, part of the services shall be delivered during national public holidays at the respective locations of performance.

Travel

• Travel to other NATO sites will be required, including the NCI Academy in Oeiras, Portugal.

Security Clearance

• Valid National or NATO Secret personal security clearance