Policy Advisers - National Security Unit for Procurement

Role information

These roles will provide you with an opportunity to be at the forefront in shaping National Security policy and responding to a growing threat. You will be a part of a tight-knit taskforce setting up a Unit to investigate National Security risk amongst companies operating in the UK. You’ll need to be high-energy, creative and a problem-solver, willing to work across the security community to help set up a Unit from scratch. This will be exciting and fast-paced, with significant parliamentary and ministerial interest.

Economic security is an increasingly important issue within the National Security landscape. The growth in the threat has necessitated levers and mitigations to prevent the UK Government from being compromised through commercial channels. The Procurement Act, when it commences in October 2024, will provide us with unprecedented levers to intervene where companies pose a National Security threat. In order to use these levers, the National Security community will need to assess the risk associated with certain companies in order to arrive at decisions about whether this risk is intolerable and requires intervention.

The Government Security Group is creating a Unit to coordinate the cross-government response to this National Security risk, starting with a small number of policy professionals, and building to a Unit handling caseload.

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 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.

Key areas of responsibility

There are two roles available in the National Security Unit for Procurement (NSUP). One of the roles will focus more on coordinating the assessment of specific cases, securing cross-government engagement, balancing National Security, diplomatic and economic assessments, and agreeing recommendations for senior stakeholders and Ministers. The other role will focus more on the broader policy development of the Unit, working across the National Security landscape to ensure NSUP’s work aligns with broader economic security and National Security policy. Candidates will be appointed in merit order and will be matched to one of the roles dependent on skills and experience.

These are stretching roles in a complex policy space. They offer insight into the UK’s prosperity and security objectives and a rare opportunity to contribute to the planning of a new Unit. Key responsibilities across both roles will include:

• Development of key policy advice and evidence base required to address National Security concerns associated with current and potential suppliers to the public sector;
• Development of key assessment tools for the Unit, case protocol and other products the Unit will need to become operational;
• Oversee engagement across Whitehall and beyond, ensuring all interested stakeholders are fully bought into the process and have the opportunity to shape it.
• Manage key relationships within Cabinet Office and across the commercial and procurement functions, building a rapport with colleagues that will become a vital part of the community conducting assessments for excluding and debarring companies. This will include engagement with the National Technical Authorities, the wider public sector and colleagues across the National Security landscape both in the UK and abroad;
• Leading or contributing to communications, cross-government strategic and parliamentary work associated with the work of this new Unit. Delivering presentations to senior officials and, occasionally, Ministers;
• Once the Unit is operational, oversee the progress of cases through the system, apply assessment tools, analyse information and make recommendations to senior security stakeholders and Ministers;
• Be a key contributor to building a new team and creating a positive culture in the Glasgow office as the Unit grows, and;
• Line management of one HEO.

Equality and Diversity

GSG’s culture embraces a diverse workforce: we come from all walks of life. GSG values the fact that our different backgrounds, cultures, genders, experiences and ways of working ultimately bring us together as a more effective team. We strive for a collegiate and inclusive working culture that means our voice at every level is heard. Each one of us has a part to play in helping government to keep the UK secure.

GSG also wants to do better at recognising that we have responsibilities outside of work – so that we not only work hard, but we work smart – whether that’s full time, part-time or job sharing, we work flexibly. We promote hybrid working with a combination of time spent in the office and at home, where appropriate.

GSG is committed to being an equal opportunities employer. We value and welcome diversity. We aim to develop all our staff to enable them to make a full contribution to meeting the Department’s objectives, and to fulfil their own potential on merit. We will not tolerate harassment or other unfair discrimination on grounds of sex, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, age, religion or sexual orientation. We promote and support the diversity of our workforce, promote learning and development, and celebrate our successes.

Essential skills and experience:

• Ability to deliver at pace on competing priorities in a challenging and complex policy area;
• Good planning and project management skills;
• Ability to work with a wide range of relevant stakeholders and build strong working relationships quickly;
• Strong policy skills, excellent judgement and the ability to get to grips with issues quickly;
• Experience of analysing multiple sources of information and forming appropriate conclusions; and,
• Strong communication skills (both drafting skills and oral).

Desirable skills and experience:

• Experience working in National Security, economic security, intelligence, government procurement or commercial practice across the public sector; and,
• Experience working with senior officials and/or Ministers;
• Existing DV clearance.

Additional information:

A minimum 60% of your working time should be spent at your principal workplace. Although requirements to attend other locations for official business will also count towards this level of attendance.

The post holders must be willing to undergo Developed Vetting.

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

• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing
• 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 :
National Security Unit for Procurement
Email :
nsup@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Recruitment team

Email :
cabinetofficerecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk