Navy Command Principle Security Advisor (PSyA) Security Risk Management (SRM) Assurance

Job summary

The Principal Security Advisor’s (PSyA)’s team situated within HM Naval Base Portsmouth is part of Navy Command Headquarters (NCHQ) function based in Whale Island, Portsmouth, the nerve centre of the Naval Service. It upholds operations around the globe and provides the ships, people, aircraft, and equipment to deliver the UK’s defence policy.

NCHQ supports all the Royal Navy’s activities, from front-line operations to personnel support and training; finance and governance; safety; equipment acquisition; programmes and planning; and Defence Engagement. Civil servants and Armed Forces personnel work together in a wealth of interesting and exciting jobs in areas ranging from finance; legal services; personnel and HR; project planning and managing contracts, to media and communications.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

The incumbent is responsible for autonomously maintaining the Navy Command Security Risk Balance Case Register; raising awareness of previously unidentified Security Risks; enabling effective management of strategic Security Risk; and assuring adherence to Security Risk Management policy guidance and that interpretation of Defence Security policy for the maritime environment is up-to-date and effective, with minimal supervision. The incumbent is also responsible for providing SRM Subject Matter Expert advice to a diverse range of personnel across NC, requiring a strong and detailed understanding of Defence SRM practices and procedures and a thorough understanding of the NC organisational structure. The post holder will require strong analytical skills and attention to detail, while being able to see the bigger picture. The incumbent will be expected to work autonomously, engage proactively and make decisions on day-to-day issues.

Responsibilities:

1. Assume responsibility for the NC Security Risk Balance Case (RBC) Register, and conducting second-line assurance on RBCs therein, including:

• Ensure RBCs are submitted by establishments, vessels and units, as appropriate.
• Ensure completed RBCs adhere to guidance provided in JSPs 440 and 892, and Navy Command Security Regulations (NCSRs).
• Challenge non-compliance, where applicable, with personnel at all levels, determining solutions and making day-to-day decisions without having to escalate to line management.

2. Provide authoritative, bespoke Subject Matter Expert SRM guidance to personnel across NC, including, but not limited to:

• Orientation briefings for newly-appointed Establishment Security Officers (ESyOs) and Unit Security Officers (USOs).

• Provide SRM to senior personnel up to 2* and briefings to OF5.

• Generic SRM guidance and advice on a case-by-case basis.

3. Proactively identify Security Risks:

• Raise and address concerns with establishments, vessels and units.

• Identify factors contributing to strategic security risk for reporting to the NC Security and Resilience Board (SRB).

• Recognise where aggregated risk factors and interaction of Security Risks may increase overall risk and directly address these with relevant Risk Managers.

4. Deputise for NC PSyA Sy Culture and SRM SEO at meetings, including, where applicable, with senior leaders.

5. Representing the team at meetings and occasionally travelling to Ministry of Defence sites across the UK.

Person specification

Experience:

Essential:

• Utilising strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Experience of effecting change within a Whole-force environment.

• Competent in MS Office packages (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

Desirable:

• Experience of conducting security- or law enforcement-related investigations.

• Experience of conducting trend analyses, particularly in relation to security incidents and associated security risk.

• Evidence of Continuous Professional Development.

Training and Development

We are committed to helping you build your expertise and succeed in the role. You’ll have access to professional development opportunities, including:

• Defence Establishment Security Officer training.
• National Protective Security Authority Foundation training.
• Ongoing learning and development tailored to your role and career aspirations.

Behaviours

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

• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £37,720, Ministry of Defence contributes £10,927 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).

• 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
• Market-leading employer pension contribution of 28.97%
• Personal & professional development
• Alternative working patterns for many roles
• Access to a confidential, professional support service
• Discount schemes
• Bicycle / season-ticket loans
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• Special paid leave to volunteer (up to 6 days a year)

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and working from home as part of a non-contractual hybrid working arrangement. All office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to site capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD workplace, will also count towards this level of office attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this and other flexible working arrangements may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.

The post does not offer relocation expenses.

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contrac