Ontology Engineering Support Services

Essential Qualifications/Experience:

·       The candidate must possess a university degree in a relevant engineering or technical field such as computer science, mathematics, physics, artificial intelligence, or cognitive science, or an equivalent technical qualification

·       The candidate must have comprehensive knowledge of structured information and data analysis techniques and/or business analysis leading to the development of automated systems

·       The candidate must have comprehensive knowledge of ontology and taxonomy development, including integration with knowledge graphs and modelling of complex entity relationships

·       The candidate must demonstrate strong analytical capabilities, including the ability to analyse complex technical data and system specifications and apply conceptual thinking to problem-solving

·       The candidate must demonstrate a strong interoperability mindset and the ability to operate effectively in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment

·       The candidate must have at least two (2) years of demonstrated experience in software engineering and/or data modelling in a national or military context, including knowledge of systems interoperability at both governance and operational levels. Demonstrated experience working with national or international standards (e.g. ISO, CEN, CENELEC, NIST, AFNOR, DIN,)

·       The candidate must have demonstrated experience working in secure cloud-based environments

·       The candidate must have good knowledge of Enterprise Architecture methods and model-driven development approaches such as TOGAF and ArchiMate

Desirable Qualifications/Experience:

·       The candidate must have good knowledge of data engineering and AI-enabling capabilities. Experience with DataOps, MLOps, and cloud-based data environments

·       The candidate must have knowledge of high-level programming languages and frameworks. Experience with technologies such as Python, TensorFlow, or PyTorch

·       The candidate must demonstrate strong project management skills and knowledge of agile delivery practices

·       Knowledge of NATO Data Governance and Management policies and supporting directives

·       Knowledge of the NATO Digital Policy Committee (DPC) and its substructure

·       Knowledge of NATO standardization artefacts, including STANAGs, Allied Data Publications (ADatP), and Standards Related Documents (SRD)

·       Knowledge of ontology and semantic web standards is desirable. Experience with standards such as OWL 2 DL and SPARQL

·       Experience in software development for interfaces, including APIs, object-based development, web applications, and data processing

DUTIES/ROLE:

·       Responsible for the analysis, coordination, development, and maintenance of standardization and terminology activities related to digital interoperability in support of the Military Committee (MC), Digital Policy Committee (DPC) and other Tasking Authorities. This work includes but is not limited to, the development of NATO Ontologies and operationalization of Ontology Governance for NATO

·       Work closely with operational users, engineers, National SMEs, the Custodian of the relevant specifications and other NATO stakeholders

·       Support the Interoperability and Standardization Section (ISS) as a cross-functional resource, supporting consistent production of Standards for digital technologies that are part of the portfolio of NATO data standards. The contractor shall provide the following services in an effective and timely manner:

ü  Requirements Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement

ü  Ontology Engineering and Lifecycle Management

ü  Semantic Artefacts Development and Management

ü  Data Standards Development and Harmonization

ü  Ontology Governance and Architecture Alignment

ü  Integration, Data Exploitation, and AI Enablement

ü  Reporting, Briefings, and Cross-Functional Coordination

ü  Support to Unforeseen and Ad Hoc Requirements