Specialist Security Advisor - CAGC

Job summary

The Specialist Security Advisor is a key security professional responsible for ensuring that Dstl’s most sensitive work, assets and scientific activities remain secure, compliant and effectively governed. Operating within the Compartmented Assurance and Governance Cell (CAGC) in the Head of Establishment department, the post holder coordinates essential baseline security assurance activities and maintains critical configuration records.

This role works closely with Department Nominated Responsible Persons, Site STRAPSOs, technical security teams, Personnel Security, the Asset Management team and a range of external partners. It plays a vital part in enabling secure operational delivery and safeguarding Dstl’s licence to operate.

Success in this role depends on building strong relationships across a wide stakeholder network, promoting a positive and proactive security culture, and applying sound judgement when interpreting policy. The post holder must balance robust baseline controls with the practical needs of scientific and operational delivery.

Dstl recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion as people from diverse backgrounds bring fresh ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive working environment in which each employee fulfils their potential and maximises their contribution.

Job description

In this role you will:

• Take ownership of a range of information assets and associated processes in order to maintain integrity and assurance across critical baseline controls.
• Deliver a critical assurance service to DSTL Senior Security Risk Coordinator (SSRC) and
• External accreditation authorities in order to maintain the trust which underpins DSTL’s licence to operate.
• Develop and agree assurance plans with relevant stakeholders (covering the spectrum of Special Access Programmes (SAP), Codeword (CW), ATOMIC, NNPPI and PSA.
• Monitor, report and maintain operational assurance records including tracking and assuring any remediation and audit activities.

Please see full Job profile attached at the bottom of this page

Person specification

We are looking for someone who has:

• Effective use of Microsoft Office suite, primarily WORD and EXCEL
• Knowledge and/or experience of MoD or DSTL Security Regulations
• Experience of delivery in Administration Roles.
• Experience in a service delivery setting with customer emphasis, with associated problem solving skills.
• Experience of delivery in a role requiring attention to detail or exacting standards.
• The successful individual should be capable of demonstrating good communication skills, well developed stakeholder engagement/relationship management qualities and experience of collaboration and partnering.

Please see the full Job description attached at the bottom of this page

Important Information

Our work in defence, security and intelligence requires our employees to be UK Nationals who are able to gain a high level of security clearance to undertake the projects we are involved in to protect us from security threats. For this reason, only UK Nationals will be able to apply for this role. If you are an international or dual-national candidate, and you think you have the skills we need, please consider applying to any of our government, security or defence partners.

This role will require full UK security clearance and you should have resided in the UK for the past 5 years. For some roles Developed Vetting will also be required, in this case you should have resided in the UK for the past 10 years.

If you are a current Dstl employee you must ensure your line manager is aware of your application and the potential situation regarding release dates.

Behaviours

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

• Changing and Improving
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service

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

• Making Effective Decisions

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £31,663, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory contributes £9,172 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).

Benefits

Dstl’s full range of great benefits can be found in the information pack which includes:

• Financial: An excellent pension scheme starting from 26% employer contribution (find out more here). In Year Rewarding Achievement bonuses and thank you vouchers. Rental deposit scheme and cycle to work scheme.

• Flexible working: Options include alternative working patterns such as; compressed hours & job shares.

• Working hours: Flexibility around your working day (e.g. start time, finish time). Ability to bank hours in a 12 month reference period including the ability to accrue and use 3 days per calendar month.

• Where you work: Depending on your role, blended working may be available including remote working to suit you and your team. This can be discussed at interview.

• Annual leave: 25 days pro rata (rising to 30 after 5 years) plus 8 public holidays with the ability to buy/sell 5 additional days per annum.

• Family: Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks with full pay, an additional 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid

• Learning and Development: Dstl encourages and supports charterships, accreditations and provides employees access to fully funded apprenticeships up to level 7 (Masters Degree). Dstl will pay for 2 memberships with relevant bodies/institutions. Employees also have access to Civil Service Learning.

• Facilities: Onsite parking, EV Charging points, restaurants, cafés and gyms.

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 and Experience.

We want you to have your best chance of success in our recruitment process, so If at any stage of the application process you would like help or assistance please contact the Dstl Recruitment Team [email removed] and we will do all we can to