Security & Accreditation Officer NATO (F/M/X)

Leonardo Belgium is supporting EU Institutions, NATO, and international organizations in strengthening their cyber defence capabilities, improving resilience, and protecting critical systems against evolving cyber threats.

Within Leonardo Belgium, the EU CyberSec Regional Center serves as a center of cybersecurity expertise, delivering security services and solutions across complex and mission-critical environments.

In the context of a programme of strategic relevance for NATO, we are looking for a Security and Accreditation Officer to act as Security Authority for the programme, interfacing with NATO, leading and driving security governance, risk and compliance activities, including accreditation.

Job Specifications

• Location: Brussels (3 days on-site, 2 days home-working)

• Start date: ASAP, early applications are heavily encouraged

• Type of contract: Employment (Freelance is also possible)

• Security Clearance: Active NATO Secret Clearance preferred

You will join a team of cybersecurity professionals supporting the deployment, operation, and continuous improvement of security solutions for NATO and other international organizations.

As Security & Accreditation Officer, you will lead the security governance, risk management, and formal accreditation of complex systems and infrastructures within a strategically important NATO programme. Acting as the programme's Security Authority, you will ensure compliance with applicable security requirements while working closely with technical teams, stakeholders, and accreditation authorities.

You will:

• Lead the identification, management and monitoring of security requirements for complex infrastructure, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, standards and best practices

• Direct infrastructure compliance and risk assessment initiatives in alignment with stringent cybersecurity policies, directives, and international standards

• Manage the development, maintenance, and update of security documentation, including Security Accreditation documentation, Risk Assessments, Security and Risk Treatment Plan

• Manage and coordinate the end-to-end Security Accreditation process for NATO project systems in accordance with formal frameworks (e.g., NATO AC/322, Directive 06-0005)

• Oversee the implementation of security measures and controls, ensuring security governance and continuous improvement

• Direct security audit activities, tracking non-compliance issues and driving remediation plans to successful closure

• Lead the programme security and accreditation team, providing leadership and direction while collaborating with programme team members and Leonardo stakeholders as appropriate

• Act as the primary interface for GRC and accreditation matters with NATO stakeholders, security accreditation authorities, and boards

Required Experience

• At least 10 years of professional experience in Information Security Management, Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC), with direct exposure to secure, classified and highly regulated environments

• Previous experience in similar roles such as Security Manager/Officer

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Security, Information Technology, or a related field would be appreciated, but alternative educational paths with proven experience will be considered as well

• Relevant certifications, in particular related to cybersecurity management and risk (e.g., CISSP, CISM, CRISC, ISO 27001 Lead Auditor) are a big asset

Successful candidates would typically bring

• Strong expertise in IT security principles, risk assessment methodologies (e.g., EBIOS, ISO 27005, NIST), and security control frameworks

• Robust experience in the end-to-end security management of enterprise infrastructures and architectures

• Expertise in the development and management of security and risk documentation, covering the entire security governance lifecycle

• Proven experience in the management of formal security accreditation processes within national defense or international bodies (in particular NATO)

• Leadership skills and the ability to engage with executive-level stakeholders, communicate security risks, and drive strategic security decisions

• Structured, analytical mindset with a proactive, meticulous approach to compliance, risk mitigation, and security governance

• Ability to work under pressure with a strong commitment to excellence

• Fluent in English, with excellent negotiation capabilities and communication and technical writing skills for international collaboration

Nice to have

• Familiarity with management of complex enterprise infrastructures and migration initiatives

• Previous exposure to NATO or other highly regulated military/defence environments

• Knowledge of specific NATO security directives (e.g., AC/35, AC/322 policies)

• Italian is considered a strong asset, and French would be nice to have

What we have to offer

• Work in a high-visibility cybersecurity environment supporting major transformation programmes and NATO cybersecurity posture

• Take ownership of security compliance and assurance activities supporting mission-critical defence infrastructures

• Play a key leadership role in a programme of strategic relevance for NATO, involving modern cybersecurity technologies and capabilities

• Collaborate with an ecosystem of experienced architects, cybersecurity specialists, and infrastructure engineers in multidisciplinary and international teams

• Grow within an international cybersecurity organization offering excellent visibility and challenging career opportunities

Once we receive your CV, we will evaluate it carefully. Should there be a match for this or any other position at Leonardo Belgium, we will be in touch. If there is no match at this stage, we will keep your profile in consideration for future opportunities.