JOB SUMMARY

The Government Digital Service (GDS) is the digital centre for Government, where we are collectively responsible for setting, leading and delivering the vision for a modern digital Government. As the Cyber Directorate, our mission is to protect public services and the wider Government from cyber threats, set strategic direction for Government and the public sector on cyber security, finding standards and policies through the Government Cyber Security Standard and the Cyber Policy Handbook.
We recognise that our staff have responsibilities and priorities outside of work so our approach is to work smart so flexible working arrangements are available and we actively promote hybrid working including a combination of time spent in the office with colleagues and days at home where appropriate. We are proud of how our culture embraces a diverse workforce: we come from all walks of life and bring our different backgrounds, cultures, genders, experiences and skills to collaborate as a collective team to deliver more effectively. We strive for a collegiate and inclusive culture which enables voices at all levels to be heard - everyone plays their part in helping the Government keep the UK secure. We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer, welcoming and valuing diversity. We commit to supporting and developing our staff to reach their full potential and maximise their contributions. We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination on the grounds of sex, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, age, religion or sexual orientation.
In June 2025, it was announced that the Government Cyber Directorate will move from the Cabinet Office to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) as a part of a machinery of government change. This change aims to bring together the digital transformation of public services into one central department, presenting exciting opportunities and positioning DSIT to lead the government’s digital agenda.
This role is in scope to formally transfer to DSIT when the machinery of government change takes place. If your start date is on the transfer date, when this is confirmed, you will be appointed direct to DSIT and your appointment will be unaffected by the machinery of government change. We are currently consulting with our Trade Unions on which policies, terms and conditions will apply on transfer. The statement of changes applied to all other Cabinet Office staff will also apply to you if you are successful.

JOB DESCRIPTION

We assure system and organisation cyber security via initiatives such as GovAssure. Our team leads the operational response to cyber threats, vulnerabilities and incidents through the Government Coordination Centre (GC3) and manages the GCSS Portfolio to implement strategy across central Government and departments.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and dynamic HEO Government Cyber Strategic Threat and Horizon Scanning Officer, to join the Government Cyber Directorate’s Strategic Cyber Threats team. This role offers a unique opportunity to interrogate the intersections between threat, security, emerging technology, digital transformation, and cyber resilience. You will be joining a fast-paced, friendly team with a key role to play in raising cyber resilience across government.
The work we do can often be high profile and also presents an excellent opportunity to gain experience of Government Security with regular exposure to senior security leaders.
Due to the significant cross over between the team’s strategic threat and horizon scanning portfolios you will work across both these priority areas. You will engage stakeholders from across the security, technology, and intelligence communities, conducting research and analysis projects, drafting high-quality reporting, and coordinating high-profile cross-government briefings. Network development and community building is essential to what we do and you will play a key role in building and maintaining key relationships across government and beyond. You will also have the opportunity to expand your understanding of how central government operates, and how the digital centre for government is working to improve government cyber resilience through the delivery of the Government Cyber Security Strategy.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Stakeholder management, able to contribute to the development and maintenance of productive professional networks.
• Communication, both verbal and written, with experience drafting high-quality outputs and concisely presenting complex concepts.
• Organisation and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple parallel workstreams.
• Initiative and problem solving, with the ability to tackle obstacles or challenges proactively, where appropriate.

DESIRABLE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience of public sector security, cyber security, or intelligence assessment.
• Secretariat or coordination experience.
• Analysis skills.
• Experience working across classifications.
• 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.

NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS

Open to UK nationals only.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

You will:

• Coordinate the delivery of both regular and bespoke strategic threat briefings
• Deliver research and analysis projects across both the strategic threat and horizon scanning portfolios.
• Support the team’s network and community development activities, engaging with internal and external stakeholders, including senior stakeholders where appropriate.
• Analyse a range of information and intelligence streams to inform regular reporting for varied audiences.
• Maintain core briefing materials and lines-to-take packs at all classifications.

The above list of job duties is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.