Lead Security Architect

Job summary

At FCDO Services, we protect the UK’s interests at home and overseas. We design and construct secure government buildings, courier diplomatic packages worldwide, safeguard government tech, and a whole lot more.

Job description

Our work is as varied and vital as it gets, but we never lose sight of our people. Their skills, aspirations and growth mean as much as the global mission we’re on.

In our world, it all matters.

Our Digital and Data technology team are at the forefront of digital innovation. They provide best in-class solutions for our clients, helping to shape and support a data driven future for UK government. Whether it’s creating bespoke, secure software, offering programme and application support or moving an entire embassy’s servers to a Cloud platform. No matter the task, they are on hand to support. Now, you’ve got the opportunity to join them.

Providing innovation to government partners.

Delivering best-in-class solutions.

Working at the cutting-edge of technology

It all matters.

Protect, secure and safeguard vital government services

Joining our Cyber Security department, you’ll recruit, lead, coach and develop a team of Security Information Risk Advisors, driving a culture of high performance and continuous improvement. Working across cross-business processes and large programmes of work, you’ll identify potential security information risks associated with the acquisition, implementation and use of technologies.

Focusing on monitoring and mitigating risk, you’ll recommend controls and audit tests, providing input on the development of security policies, risk assessment and architecture for FCDO Services and our customers. Where security breaches arise, you’ll suggest solutions rooted in prevention, acting as a source of advice and guidance to management, and promoting security awareness across the organisation.

Use your specialist skills to improve our technological resilience

An established professional with an IS related qualification at NVQ Level 6 or equivalent, you’ll have extensive knowledge of technical and security tools and techniques. In a previous role, you’ll have analysed proposals, processes and practices, and identified security information risks.

As a leader, you’ll be engaging, motivating and knowledgeable, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills. On a personal level, you’ll be organised, proactive and decisive, capable of delivering at pace and to deadline. This is a fantastic opportunity to join an organisation that values you for you – and to use your skills for national good.

Discover the support you need to grow your career further

Working with us you’ll help keep people, information, and assets safe around the world. It’s a role you can feel proud of; and we aim to make every part of your career just as rewarding. That’s why when you join us, expect to receive a competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement and a Civil Service Pension. Along with this, you’ll also have access to training and other development opportunities to help grow your career with us. Our offices have an on-site gym, nursery, café, and restaurant, and we offer interest-free loans on season tickets and bikes to help you get there. It’s a great set of benefits made to support all you do, and all you need.

Want to see your future team’s work in action? Step into our Virtual Embassy, to see how we deliver for government customers and how you could help. Explore the embassy now at virtual-embassy.fcdoservicescareers.co.uk.

All our employees have to be security cleared before being appointed, so you will need to undergo a vetting process as part of your application. This role requires you to go through Developed Vetting (DV). You can find out more about vetting on our website.

It takes a diverse team to protect a diverse world.

The vital work we do takes an incredible community of colleagues, with different skills, backgrounds, cultures and identities. We support every individual, so that you always know you’re welcome and valued. It’s what makes us a Disability Confident employer. And why we’re recognised as a ‘Carer Confident’ workplace. And it’s how you know you’re joining an inspiring, inclusive organisation.

Candidates who are judged to be close to meeting the criteria may be considered for other positions in FCDO Services which may be at a lower grade, but have a potential skills match.

Person specification

We are looking for people with:

• IS related qualifications at NVQ Level 6 or equivalent, e.g. ISO 207001 Internal Auditor or Lead Implementer ISACA CRISC, ISC2 CISSP.
• Extensive knowledge of technical and security tools and techniques
• Experience analysing proposals, processes and practices and identifying security information risks
• Line management experience
• Strong influencing and interpersonal skills
• Able to produce clear technical documentation

Qualifications

IS related qualifications at NVQ Level 6 or equivalent, e.g. ISO 207001 Internal Auditor or Lead Implementer ISACA CRISC, ISC2 CISSP.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• IS related qualifications at NVQ Level 6 or equivalent, e.g. ISO 207001 Internal Auditor or Lead Implementer ISACA CRISC, ISC2 CISSP.
• Extensive knowledge of technical and security tools and techniques
• Experience analysing proposals, processes and practices and identifying security information risks
• Line management experience
• Strong influencing and interpersonal skills
• Able to produce clear technical documentation

We only ask for evidence of these technical skills on your application form:

• IS related qualifications at NVQ Level 6 or equivalent, e.g. ISO 207001 Internal Auditor or Lead Implementer ISACA CRISC, ISC2 CISSP.
• Extensive knowledge of technical and security tools and techniques
• Experience analysing proposals, processes and practices and identifying security information risks
• Able to produce clear technical documentation

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £48,801, FCDO Services contributes £14,137 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Learning and development tailored to your role.
• Annual leave starting at 25 days.
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
• A Civil Service pension.
• Free shuttle bus available between central Milton Keynes and Hanslope Park
• 9 days per annum public and privilege days

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

To apply for this role, you will be asked to provide your CV, a personal statement, and provide answers to some job specific questions.

Your CV and personal statement will not form part of the assessment they will provide an insight into your work history and experience.

Your CV should include:

• no personal identifying details
• career history with key responsibilities
• skills and experience
• achievements
• qualifications

Your personal statement should outline your interest in the role.

Candidates will only be sifted on answers provided to the job specific questions which are outlined in the application form.

Those that are successful will be invited to a MS Teams or Face to face interview.

At the interview you will be asked a blend of questions on technical skills and behaviours.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Medical

Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : FCDO Services Recruitment Team
• Email : Fcdoservices.recruitment@fcdo.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : Fcdoservices.recruitment@fcdo.gov.uk

Attachments

Candidate pack Lead Security Architect Opens in new window (pdf, 1756kB)