National Cyber Force Corporate Deputy STRAPSO

Job summary

Established in 2020, the National Cyber Force (NCF) is responsible for operating in and through cyberspace to counter, disrupt, degrade and contest those who would do harm to the UK or its allies, to keep the country safe and to protect and promote the UK’s interests at home and abroad. The UK will use cyber operations as part of its diplomatic, economic and military activities.

The NCF is at the heart of this, extending the UK’s competitive edge as a responsible, democratic cyber power, by countering threats from terrorists, criminals and states using the internet to operate across borders in order to do harm to the UK and other democratic societies. Countering threats which disrupt the confidentiality, integrity and availability of data and services in cyberspace (i.e. supporting cybersecurity), contributing to UK Defence operations, or helping deliver the UK’s foreign policy agenda (for example intervening in a humanitarian crisis to protect civilians). In addition to GCHQ and the Ministry of Defence, the Secret Intelligence Service and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory are core partners bringing cutting edge espionage and research techniques.

The NCF is establishing its Headquarters in Samlesbury, Lancashire. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Our vision is to have an empowered, productive, personally and professionally fulfilled workforce. Whatever your role, we take your career and development seriously. We want to enable you to build a successful career with the Department and wider Civil Service. We are committed to understanding, respecting, and representing as broad a range of views and backgrounds as we have in UK society. We know that diverse perspectives and experiences are critical to an effective, modern Civil Service.

This role supports NCF and the Command STRAPSO by ensuring the safeguarding and protection of STRAP material.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

The primary task of the NCF Deputy Corporate STRAPSO is to support the Corp STRAPSO in managing and maintaining the security and integrity of STRAP material across the organisation and providing assurance to Head of Security, the Commander, and MOD & UKIC accreditors that robust security measures are effective at protecting such material.

Responsibilities include:

• Managing, supporting, or leading on the commissioning, inspecting and assessing new STRAP Accredited Environments (SAEs) to ensure they meet required standards;
• Maintain security of existing SAEs through assurance checks;
• Develop, implement and manage STRAP security plans across the org;
• Provide impartial evidence based advice to customers;
• Maintain up to date master list of all STRAP certified areas;
• Monitor effectiveness of STRAP security processes and implement continual improvement; monitor and coordinate assurance activities;
• Lead and manage STRAP security incidents;
• Maintain an awareness of emerging technologies and their impact on STRAP principles;
• Represent the Org on STRAP issues and meetings; review and update STRAP policy; mentor and support other STRAP Officers;
• Manage referrals of STRAP applications from other orgs and overseas in line with policy; provide guidance and direction to all Unit STRAPSOs within area of responsibility.

Person specification

The post is demanding given the breadth, depth of knowledge and quality of service expected. The priority and demands of this role require focussed, determined and proactive individual to support an essential service.

The ability to form effective and trusted relationships with staff, other teams/departments in NCF, key stakeholders is pivotal to being successful in this role.

The post holder must be a UK national (no dual nationality). They must hold or be willing to undergo DV clearance.

Experience of working in a STRAP role in a similar government or wider intelligence Community environment

Clearance level required for role is DV plus screening. Checks involved include, but are not limited to:

• Successful completion of the Baseline Personnel Security Standard Completion, by the individual, of a DV Security Questionnaire

• A departmental/company records check which will include personal files, staff reports, sick leave returns and security records

• A check of both spent and unspent criminal records

• A check of credit and financial history with a credit reference agency

• A check of Security Service records

• A full review of personal finances

• A detailed interview conducted by a trained Investigating Office

• Further enquiries, including interviews with referees conducted by a trained Investigating Officer. Checks may extend to third parties included on the security questionnaire

• The full review of personal finances will include an assessment of an individual’s assets, liabilities, income and expenditure both on an individual basis and taking into account the joint position with a spouse or partner.

• Additionally, candidates will need to meet the business validation standard and pass a drug test prior to appointment.

Behaviours

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

• Managing a Quality Service
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Communicating and Influencing

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

• Managing a Quality Service
• Making Effective Decisions

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).

• This role attracts a National Security Payment allowance of circa £2,500 p.a.
• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

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 empl