NCSC International Technical Director

GCHQ is an intelligence, cyber and security agency with a mission to keep the UK safe. We use cutting-edge technology, ingenuity and partnerships to identify, analyse and disrupt threats. Working with our intelligence partners MI5 and MI6, we protect the UK from terrorism, cyber-attacks and espionage.

At GCHQ youll do varied and fascinating work in a supportive and inclusive environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of GCHQ, is the UK Governments lead authority on cyber security. The organisation is at the heart of the Governments cyber security strategy and has the aim of making the UK the safest place to live and work online.

Were currently looking for an International Technical Director to join our team within NCSCs Office of the Chief Technical Officer. In this role, youll work alongside technical specialists who explore the core security attributes of the UKs critical systems and technologies.

Together, we identify vulnerabilities and create resilient, long-term solutions that help protect the nations digital infrastructure.

What will the successful candidate be doing?

Youll be at the centre of meaningful, technical work that drives real-world impact on an international stage. Youll work both independently and collaboratively, reporting to a senior colleague while offering expert advice on specific projects. Youll have responsibility for mentoring others, engaging with senior leaders and specialists, and providing strategic insight, especially when navigating complex challenges.

Youll be expected to undertake frequent international travel, potentially leading to a full-time posting overseas in 12 months time for approximately 2 years. The successful candidate will support the development of the Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with international partners.

Were looking for someone (preferably with an existing security clearance) with:

• at least five years of practical experience in cyber security.
• significant experience working both with a government department and in international settings.
• ability to work confidently across a broad range of technical cyber security topics such as:

• • Designing secure architectures for IT, Operational Technology, or AI systems.
  • Analysing hardware and device-level security features.
  • Research software vulnerabilities and secure development practices.
  • Application of Cryptographic protocols or the security of networking and telecommunications technologies.

• deep technical expertise in one or more areas of cyber security.
• knowledge on how technological vulnerabilities occur, how they are discovered, and how they may be exploited
• experience of applying specialist technical security capabilities to help solve customer security problems

GCHQ Competencies

As part of the selection process, the NCSC will assess you using competencies aligned with those used across the UK Intelligence Community. These are closely based on the Civil Service Behaviours, so if youre familiar with those, youre already on the right track.

At Level 4, well be looking at how you demonstrate the following:

• Seeing the Big Picture (Civil Service Behaviour Equivalent: Seeing the Big Picture)
• Communicating and Influencing (Civil Service Behaviour Equivalent: Communicating and Influencing)
• Working Collaboratively (Civil Service Behaviour Equivalent: Working Together)
• Providing Customer Value (Civil Service Behaviour Equivalent: Managing a Quality Service)

Further information on Civil Service Behaviours