YPP, Cyber Defence and Emerging Technologies

The Young Professionals Programme (YPP)

In a more dangerous and competitive security environment, NATO continues to do everything that is needed to keep one billion people across Europe and North America safe. We are strengthening our defences, responding swiftly and decisively to threats to our security, and working together – as allies and partners – to protect our freedom and shared interests.

We are launching an accelerator for your international career – the fourth cycle of our Young Professionals Programme (YPP). Through this global three-year programme, you will experience the frontline of a political and military alliance and start a journey of personal and professional development in a diverse and inclusive work environment. Together, we will ensure NATO continues to:

• respond with unity, strength and resolve to growing dangers to our security across the Euro-Atlantic area and in all domains – land, sea, air, space and cyberspace;

• build stronger defences by investing more in defence and accelerating defence production and innovation;

• harness new technologies for our security, and stay ahead in cutting-edge domains such as cyber and space;

• leverage partnerships, including with the European Union, individual countries and the private sector, to protect our freedom and shared interests; and

• contribute to fighting terrorism and rampant instability in NATO’s southern neighbourhood.

Do you want to make a difference and help protect close to one billion people across 32 NATO member states, including your own? If you are ready to take on this challenge, and are a national of a NATO member state, hold a Master’s degree and have at least one year of work experience, then apply for the YPP.

With you, we are stronger.

#WeAreNATO

Your role

During the three years of the programme, you will be assigned to three different NATO bodies:

For more information, please see the path narrative here. You can also find more information about the NATO bodies here & the NATO Young Professionals Programme here.

This is an opportunity for you to apply your knowledge and skills in the broader area of Cyber Defence and Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDTs). As you gain experience, you will be given increasing responsibilities, such as:

• Incorporating the various aspects of cyberspace situational awareness, from all sources, which creates the theatre-wide cyberspace and integrate the cyberspace perspective into a single coherent dimension of the 360-degree approach;
• Analysing structured and unstructured data for development of operational and strategic reports to a wide audience and contributing to information and knowledge management in the broad topics of cyber defence, cybersecurity, and EDTs;
• Supporting NATO’s efforts in systematically introducing innovation in defence planning and capability development processes and activities;
• Supporting a secure conduct of the Alliance's operations and business through the provision of scientific, technical, acquisition, operations, maintenance, and/or sustainment support in the cyber & EDTs domains;
• Contributing to elements of the entire lifecycle of cyber defence capabilities development, from definition of requirements, planning, delivery and retirement;
• Staying abreast of the current cyber threats from internal and publicly available external sources and assess risk to NATO and its Member States;
• Applying data and insights from operational incidents to strengthen existing, as well as developing new cyber defence capabilities, policies, products and processes;
• Contributing to conducting cyber security operations, participating in incident management and associated coordination and supporting activities;
• Supporting the security accreditation process for innovation products and AI tools;
• Informing the Strategic Level about the military implications of technological Innovation; and,
• Researching new trends within the areas of responsibilities of Cyber Defence & EDTs.

Who we are looking for

The changing pace of the world demands that NATO and its people remain flexible, eager to learn and able to work effectively with a variety of stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. For a YPP position, we are looking for candidates with at least one year of professional experience.

For the YPP, Cyber Defence & Emerging Technologies path, we are generally interested in the following educational backgrounds:

• Master’s degree in the field of cyber studies, data science, international security, international studies/relations, political science, engineering, information and communication technology, computer science.

• Any other degree that you believe can be useful to the area of Cyber Defence & Emerging Technologies – let us know how your knowledge and skills can be applied 

Any of the following experience or skills would be considered as an asset:

• Experience in the area of cyber operations or analysis, or in relevant position for the path;

• Be prepared to approach cyber defense from both strategic and operational perspectives, and understand the principles and procedures governing cybersecurity in a large organization;

• Knowledge of security software and familiarity with cyber security regulations;

• Comprehensive understanding of the principles of computer and communication security, networking, and the vulnerabilities of modern operating systems and applications;

• Experience in development and implementation of computer security or EDTs policies;

• Interest in hacking and activities that derive intelligence on cyber threats (capabilities and intent of cyber threat actors) and cyber vulnerabilities;

• Experience in malware protection technologies, malicious code techniques and associated countermeasures;

• Strong passion for information technology & EDTs with a strong commitment to maintain and improve oversight on technology evolution;

• Interest in business, information, application, technology and system architecture and integration;

• Experience with one or more data analysis tool (such as Power BI, Matlab, KNIME, Python, VBA) preferably in the context of a project;

• Interest in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)

• Experience in user experience and stakeholder engagements;

• Ability to prepare and deliver clear and concise presentations and reports to both technical and non-technical audiences;

• Any additional training/ certification(s) related to cyber defence & emerging technologies and project or program management certification;

• Strong analytical & drafting skills;

• Proactivity, can do attitude & willingness to learn and share information; and,

• Teamwork, excellent communication, facilitation and interpersonal skills.

What we offer

NATO will offer the Young Professionals:

• An experience of a lifetime at the forefront of an international organization where you’ll have the opportunity to develop your skills and expand your professional network;

• A diverse and stimulating work and personal experience where you will be assigned to three different NATO bodies around the globe, one each year; and,

• A competitive salary and other benefits, including excellent health insurance and a generous annual leave package of 30 days

Are you interested in being part of NATO and the YPP?  Apply by 31 May 2026 [23:59 – Brussels time]

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that we can only accept applications from nationals of NATO member countries. Applications must be submitted using e-recruitment system, as applicable:

• For NATO civilian staff members only: please apply via the internal recruitment portal (link);

• For all other applications: www.nato.int/recruitment

Please note that at the time of the interviews, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of their education and professional experience as relevant for this vacancy.

Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance (provided by the national Authorities of the selected candidate) and approval of the candidate’s medical file by the NATO Medical Adviser.

More information about the recruitment process and conditions of employment, can be found at our website (https://www.nato.int/en/work-with-us/careers).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

NATO is committed to diversity and inclusion, and strives to provide equal access to employment, advancement and retention, independent of gender, age, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, cultural background, sexual orientation, and disability. NATO welcomes applications of nationals from all member Nations, and strongly encourages women to apply.

Building Integrity is a key element of NATO’s core tasks. As an employer, NATO values commitment to the principles of integrity, transparency and accountability in accordance with international norms and practices established for the defence and related security sector. Selected candidates are expected to be role models of integrity, and to promote good governance through ongoing efforts in their work.

Due to the broad interest in NATO and the large number of potential candidates, telephone or e-mail enquiries cannot be dealt with.

The nature of this position may require the staff member at times to be called upon to travel for work and/or to work outside normal office hours.