NCSC Cyber Security Consultant Ref. 3569

OverviewJob description

About Us

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 you’ll 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 Government’s lead authority on cyber security. The organisation is at the heart of the Government’s cyber security strategy and has the aim of making the UK the safest place to live and work online.

Job DescriptionAs a Cyber Security Consultant, you will play a pivotal role in delivering expert cyber consultancy to critical systems and major projects across government and the wider public sector. You will lead and support large-scale interventions that enhance cyber resilience at a national level, ensuring that the UK’s most vital services are protected against evolving threats.

Establishing strong partnerships with departments and agencies is key to driving meaningful outcomes. You’ll collaborate closely with teams across the NCSC, including technical specialists and incident response teams, to ensure a joined-up and effective approach.

What will the successful candidate be doing

Be at the forefront of protecting critical systems and shaping the UK’s cyber resilience.

Provide expert advice to senior stakeholders, helping them to manage cyber risks effectively and embed robust security measures from the very beginning of major projects.

Coordinate and lead efforts across government and sector boundaries to tackle large-scale cyber challenges, bringing together internal and external stakeholders.

Offer a blend of technical expertise, incident response support, and strategic guidance to meet customer needs.

Represent the NCSC at forums and events, influencing national cyber policy and championing best practice across sectors.

Use customer insights to refine and enhance delivery, ensuring interventions are data-driven, relevant and impactful.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. You’ll join a politically astute, high-performing group of cyber security consultants from a variety of backgrounds, where your ideas will be welcomed and your impact recognised. Hybrid working is well embedded, and you will be expected to travel to London, Cheltenham, and customer sites as needed.

Person SpecificationWe’re seeking a passionate and skilled professional to join our team. Previous experience in cybersecurity, consultancy, or policy is required, or you must be able to demonstrate how you’ll develop these skills and explain why you want to work as a Cyber Consultant in the Government Team.

The successful applicant will need to have:

Proven experience in preparing and coordinating briefings for ministers and senior officials, ensuring that complex information is communicated clearly at the highest levels. Demonstrates strong communication skills and the ability to work successfully with a wide variety of stakeholders.

Ability to perform effectively in high pressure situations, maintaining focus and delivering results when it matters most. Experience collaborating with organisations across diverse sectors and navigating different cultures and priorities.

Strong skills in risk management and project oversight, ensuring objectives are met and potential challenges are addressed proactively.

GCHQ CompetenciesThe NCSC will assess you against competencies used by the UK Intelligence Community, based on Civil Service Behaviours. The Level 3 competencies you’ll be assessed against are:

Driving Innovation and Change

Communicating and Influencing

Working Collaboratively

Making Effective Decisions

Delivering Outcomes

Further information on Civil Service Behaviours is available in the Civil Service Behaviours documentation.

Benefits and RewardsAt NCSC and GCHQ, we are proud of our inclusive and supportive working environment designed to encourage open minds. We offer comprehensive training and development opportunities and a starting salary of

£44,044 , with additional benefits including:

25 days annual leave rising to 30 days after 5 years of service, plus 10.5 days public and privilege holidays

Flexible working options

Performance recognition through an employee scheme

Interest-free season ticket loan

Cycle to work scheme

On-site facilities such as gym, restaurant and coffee bars (at some locations)

Paid parental and adoption leave

Excellent Civil Service pension

Equal OpportunitiesGCHQ values diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage applications from groups that are under-represented in the workforce, including women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Find out more about our culture, working environment and diversity on our website.

Disability ConfidentGCHQ is a Disability Confident Leader and aims to offer interviews to disabled applicants who best meet the essential minimum criteria. The minimum criteria typically assessed at sift include: experience working with external stakeholders, effective written and verbal communication, and ability to explain technical issues and collaborate with varied teams. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process.

What to ExpectOur recruitment process is fair, transparent and based on merit. Stages include online application, application sift, interview, and a conditional offer of employment if successful. You must pass each stage to progress. The process may take 6–9 months to complete, including vetting.

Before You ApplyTo work at the NCSC, you need to be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. The role requires Developed Vetting (DV). You should be aware of the drugs policy and declare any prior drug usage at the relevant stage. Consider using a separate email for your application and avoid identifiable information in the address where possible.

The role is based in Manchester; you must live within a commutable distance. Relocation costs are not offered.

Please note you should only launch your application from within the UK. If you are based overseas, wait to visit the UK to apply. The closing date for this role is 17/09/25 at 23:55.

Right to Withdraw Statement:

We reserve the right to bring forward the closing date if a sufficient number of applications are ..... full job details .....