Threat & Response Officer: Threats, Incident Response and Coordination

Business unit information  

The Government Security Function (GSF) oversees the delivery of protective security across Government. Our Mission is to enable Government to protect citizens and provide vital public services by understanding and managing security risks. We set the strategy and standards for Government Security, monitor departmental security performance, manage pan-government security incidents, support the delivery of key security capabilities and lead the Government Security Profession.

The Government Security Group (GSG) is the centre of the Security Function, based within the Cabinet Office. GSG is transforming the Government’s approach to protective security to ensure it is fit to meet the challenges of the digital age. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced, dynamic team, with a breadth of stakeholders including in other Government departments, the National Technical Authorities and the Agencies, and to contribute to delivering improved security across Government. 

Job description  

The Threats, Incident Response and Coordination team sits within an award winning team in GSG to provide cross-government support, guidance and coordination to manage and mitigate security incidents and promote a shared understanding of threats as they apply to government.

We are looking for a Higher Executive Officer to work on short-term operational incident response and longer-term strategic planning. As the Threat and Response Officer, you will  play a key role in developing a shared understanding of cross-government threat, lead on data analysis to build a fuller picture of cross-government security challenges, and help facilitate a coordinated response in the event of a major security incident. If you are keen to step into government security or threat assessment, we’d like to hear from you.

This role will:

• work with stakeholders and operational partners across HMG and the police to deliver effective incident response and develop a consistent threat picture in relation to the safety and security of Government. 
• Provide data analysis to identify trends and challenges in government security, working with partners to recommend mitigations.

The role holder will work on all the areas listed below and will lead on the delivery of several (exact responsibilities will be divided across the team depending on skills and priority areas):

• Establish strong relationships with a broad range of stakeholders across Government, Parliament, police, and intelligence agencies to drive work and build an understanding of threat;
• Work closely with departments and external stakeholders in response to major security incidents or events;
• Deliver a quality service to departments, by monitoring a range of sources and seeking out further information on security incidents or events to facilitate timely sharing of intelligence.
• Provide data analysis of cross-government security incident reports, identifying trends and risks and recommending mitigations
• Support the development and implementation of exercises, addressing key threats to the government estate;
• Prepare high-quality briefings and submissions for Ministers and seniors; responding to Parliamentary Questions and other requests when needed.

Personal and Professional Development

If you are interested in the post and have relevant, transferable experience and skills, back yourself and apply. GSG is committed to supporting people’s personal and professional development and in providing training.  We will help you to develop your knowledge and skills and help you build a rewarding and challenging career in government security.

Key Skills:

Candidates should be able to demonstrate:

• Ability to work collaboratively across the breadth of internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the confidence to represent the organisation at external and internal engagements.
• Ability to proactively, rapidly and effectively respond to changing situations in complex and often high-profile environments.
• The ability to function effectively within high-pressure environments.
• Strong written and verbal skills with the ability to communicate information clearly.
• Ability to analyse data sets and identify trends.

Experience:

• Experience of making connections and developing opportunities across policy areas, being alive to wider issues and trends.
• Experience of adapting at pace to rapidly changing priorities.
• Experience of using evidence from a range of sources, including data, to drive improvements.
• Experience of data analysis to identify key trends and assess risks. 
• Experience of producing concise and clear briefings/reports on complex issues.

Desirable:

• Experience of working in a security, intelligence or analytical environment
• Knowledge and understanding of security best practice and relevant policies.
• Experience of working in incident response or threat assessment.

The post-holder will need to have SC clearance on appointment and may be required to undergo Developed Vetting  (DV). 

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

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together

• Learning and development tailored to your role.
• An environment with flexible working options.
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
• A Civil Service Pension which provides an attractive pension, benefits for dependants and average employer contributions of 27%.
• A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by one day per year up to a maximum of 30.

Job contact :

• Name : Elizabeth Kershaw
• Email : Elizabeth.kershaw@cabinet.office.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : cabinetofficerecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk