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About the job
Job summary
A meaningful purpose. A one-of-a-kind role. The chance to work with limitless scope as you bring your vision to life. This incredibly rare opportunity will place you at the forefront of the UK Government’s security mission, protecting against technical espionage and attacks in the UK. You’ll reshape our teams and strategies, expand our reach and reputation, and make your mark on the future of national security.
At the UK National Authority for Counter-Eavesdropping (UK NACE), we protect national security with our technical expertise. We work closely with the UK Government, friendly foreign governments, the UK’s Intelligence Services and the critical national infrastructure (CNI) to protect the UK’s people and information against technical espionage and attacks. We complete expert operations, provide one-of-a-kind policy advice, locate and investigate threats, and much more. Our incredibly important work has been going on behind the scenes since 1945, and, as we move into our future, we know we’re facing threats of growing complexity. It means our work has never been more vital, and that we need to ensure we adapt and grow so we’re able to outpace our adversaries. That’s where you come in.
Job description
Shape a historic organisation for a critical future
As our Director, you’ll transform our ways of working to ensure we’re in the best position possible to keep the UK protected. This is a ground-breaking role, where you’ll be responsible for setting our future strategies and putting them into action. You’ll work with autonomy and be accountable to the CEO, the FCDO Services Board and to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for delivery. You’ll also be a leading figurehead in the National Technical Authorities in the Government Security Function, alongside the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and National Protective Security Authority (NPSA).
As you realise your vision for the work we do, taking complete ownership of UK NACE and leading our incredible teams into a strong future. From the heart of technical espionage prevention in the UK, you’ll have the chance to make a personal impact on national security. It’s a role where the potential truly is limitless. Not only will you develop a stronger foundation, you’ll also grow our exposure and reputation within Whitehall, to allow us to expand and meet the UK’s growing needs in the areas of technical security.
You’ll hit the ground running, taking the lead from day one. You’ll be able to see the potential in our work and talented teams, getting to grips quickly with our complex role in the national security landscape. And once you’ve found your footing, you’ll see what needs to be done to make us even better, approaching your work with vision and creativity as you establish your strategy for UK NACE’s growth. This isn’t ‘business as usual’ – your role will be all about putting your own stamp on things, finding ways to completely transform the way we work so we can fulfil our meaningful purpose for years to come.
Bring your vision to life on a limitless scale
You’ll already have an understanding of the increasing threat that technology poses to national security, and the balance between finding the opportunity in new innovations while carefully assessing risk. Bringing your track record of mobilising successful senior teams, a strategic mind-set, and experience of working with highly sensitive information, you’ll be able to visualise a future for UK NACE, and how to get us there. You’ll be a natural at working at a senior level, and someone who’s energised by working at pace with a diverse range of people. And you’ll be comfortable in the role as technical security expert as you provide advice to our CEO and other senior leaders.
As you work with our existing teams, and shape new ones, you’ll be inspiring in your leadership and motivate others to see your vision. You’ll be great at building relationships, internally and with stakeholders. And you’ll have a passion for our work that’s felt by everyone around you, which will be vital as you seek to grow the reputation and exposure of UK NACE in Whitehall.
Person specification
- Knowledge and practical experience of technical security threats/vulnerabilities and their
Knowledge and experience of legal authorisations/warranty including an understanding of
Excellent communication and influencing skills and the ability to decompose complex technical matters into authoritative briefings to senior officials and Ministers
Be able to work across government high threat organisations/stakeholders credibly
Demonstrable excellent leadership capability and experience of managing/leading large teams
Able to identify and focus on the issues that matter in a complex environment
Ability to build, lead and manage diverse and high performing teams, encouraging innovation and fostering an inclusive environment
Experience of delivering change in a complex landscape
Demonstrable experience of protective se
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Leadership
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Managing a Quality Service
- Communicating and Influencing
Benefits
- A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
- Alpha. This is a defined benefit occupational pension scheme. As your employer we also make a substantial contribution.
- Partnership pension account. This is a stakeholder pension with a contribution from us. How much we pay is based on your age. We pay this regardless of whether you choose to contribute anything. You do not have to contribute but, if you do, we will also match your contributions up to 3% of your pensionable earnings. The contributions are in addition to the age-related employer contribution mentioned above.
- A leave allowance of 25 days per annum
- 9 days per annum public and privilege days
Things you need to know
Selection process details
The panel will assess and score your application in order to select those demonstrating the best fit with the role by considering both the evidence you have
provided against the essential criteria set out in the ‘Person Specification’ section and the detail within your CV. Failure to address any or all of these may affect your application.
If you are shortlisted, you will be asked to take part in a series of assessments which may include psychometric tests and staff engagement assessments. Full details
will be provided at the time. These assessments will not result in a pass or fail decision. Rather, they are designed to highlight areas for the panel to explore and support and inform the panel’s decision making at interview.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a final panel interview, full details will be provided to those invited.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
As part of accepting this role you will be agreeing to the expected assignment duration set out above. This will not result in a contractual change to your terms and conditions. Please note this is an expectation only, it is not something which is written into your terms and conditions or indeed which the employing organisation or you are bound by. It will depend on your personal circumstances at a particular time and business needs, for example, would not preclude any absence like family friendly leave. It is nonetheless an important expectation, which is why we ask you to confirm you agree to the assignment duration set out above.
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We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
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