Communications Data Unit (CDU) Operations Manager

Job summary

NCA Intelligence Collection (IC) coordinate collection capabilities against the agencies’ highest priorities. Exploiting all collection in order to maximise operational effect, ensuring that when deployed the capabilities achieve greatest impact adding value to operations.

The Communications Data Unit (CDU) operate within the Integrated Communications Intelligence command of IC, supporting the NCA in delivering its mission to cut serious and organised crime and is responsible for the acquisition of Data under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016. You will be responsible for managing a team operating in a dynamic environment, with competing demands and ensuring the NCA's operational activity is supported. You will be responsible for ensuring resourcing and budgetary demands are met and the Departments reputation is maintained with internal and external partners.

***A psychological assessment will be required to undertake this role due to the exposure and access to Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) material.***

***A minimum of 30 hours is required for part-time officers. Job share is subject to two successful officers requesting job share. ***

Job description

The Communications Data Units are located in Birmingham, London and Warrington. CDU Single point of Contacts (SPOCs) work with investigation teams to assist in achieving operational objectives using communications data. They manage and facilitate applications for data, within the legislative framework.

Communications Data (CD) underpins virtually every element of modern life. It is about who we communicate with, how those communications takes place, when they happened and where we were at the time.

The need for criminals to communicate means that the requirement for Comms Data and its subsequent analysis underpins all the NCA’s operational activity, and as technology advances and digital opportunities grow, the demand for data acquisition is growing exponentially.

You will lead a team of officers who are accredited CD SPOCs; ensuring processes are carried out thoroughly, professionally and expeditiously in accordance with Agency policy and legislative requirements.

You will manage the security and accuracy of intelligence, maintaining confidentiality, sensitivity and duty of care. You will establish, develop and maintain strong working relationships with Intelligence collection partners, operational teams, NPCC and Home Office partners and represent the CDU at strategy meetings. You will support senior management in proactively identifying areas for improvement and driving forward change.

You will be managing resources and develop an agile and flexible workforce, ensuring officers are well-led and highly motivated with access to the tools required.

You will be accountable for CDU operational decisions and resourcing of the unit to support the Agency's demands.

You will support ICI Senior Leadership Team in ongoing work to integrate CD into the wider Integrated Collection programme to better exploit data held by the Agency.

***This vacancy is restricted to Birmingham and Warrington only***

Person specification

Experience in the acquisition and use of Communications Data and its impact on Operational Activity including a deep understanding relevant legislation: Understanding of the relevant legislation and processes underpinning the acquisition of CD within Law Enforcement.

Thorough knowledge of the criminal use of communications data and the law enforcement response: Experience/knowledge of working within criminal investigations and an understanding of the use of CD within these cases to enable you to support the Agency in progressing criminal investigations

Understanding of intelligence gathering capabilities and information management including experience of engagement with UKLE and operational decision-making: Knowledge of the capabilities available within the NCA and understanding the complimenting sources of intelligence available to the investigators to support operational objectives.

Experience of managing, leading or developing a team in support of business objectives and Agency requirements: Within this role you will be responsible for leading a fast paced team in a demanding business area. You will be responsible for developing your officers and leading a team of SPOCs in the delivery of CD support.

An awareness of changing legislation and/or emerging technology or capabilities, in particular those impacting the acquisition and interpretation of communications data to support the Agency's strategic priorities: The world of CD is ever evolving and legislation frequently amended to reflect this. As such, it is paramount that our SPOCs maintain a working knowledge of changing legislation and the capabilities available to the Agency with regards to CD acquisition.

Behaviours

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

• Leadership
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills

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

• An awareness of changing legislation and/or emerging technology or capabilities, in particular those impacting the acquisition and interpretation of communications data to support business objectives and/or business requirements.
• Experience in identifying and managing risk at an organisational level
• Experience of managing, leading or developing a team in support of business objectives

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £57,687, National Crime Agency contributes £16,711 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

New entrants to the NCA receive 26 days annual leave, rising to 31 on completion of 5 years continuous service, plus 8 bank holidays.

If qualifying criteria is met new joiners from UK Police Forces or the UK Intelligence Community (UKIC) will have service with those employers taken into account for continuous service purposes for annual leave entitlement only, this will be up to a maximum of 31 days leave (including 1 privilege day).

Other benefits include:

• Flexible working, including flexi-time, compressed hours and job sharing (in line with business requirements)
• Family friendly policies, notably above the statutory minimum
• Learning and Development opportunities
• Interest free loans and advances, including season tickets, childcare and rental deposits
• Housing schemes - Key Worker status
• Discounts and Savings with a wide variety of services including Cycle to Work, Smart Tech schemes, dental insurance, gym discounts and savings on everyday spending, available through the Reward Gateway , Edenred and Blue Light Card schemes.
• Staff support groups/networks
• Sports and social activities, including membership to the Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC)

Further information is available on the NCA Website.

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 g