Senior Specialist Security Advisor – Enhanced Hazard Materials (EHM)
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
- Department
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
- Location
- Salisbury
- Openings
- 1 post
- Grade
- Grade 7
- Salary
- £51,568 to £58,044
- Closing
- 17 days left
- Profession
- Administration, Analysis and Statistics, Operational Delivery
- Contract
- Permanent
- Security clearance
- SC
- Working pattern
- Full-time, Job share
Job summary
We are seeking a Security Advisor to provide specialist security assurance for the management and control of regulated chemical, biological and other sensitive materials. Working across the organisation, you will ensure compliance with internal controls and regulatory requirements that support our licence to operate.
The role involves engaging with senior stakeholders, regulators and external partners to deliver a consistent, proportionate approach to security assurance, while providing expert advice on the security of controlled drugs and other designated materials. You will play a key role in governance and assurance activities, helping to safeguard critical assets, maintain regulatory compliance and support the organisation's operational objectives.
Dstl recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion as people from diverse backgrounds bring fresh ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive working environment in which each employee fulfils their potential and maximises their contribution.
What they’re looking for
- We are looking for a security professional with a degree in Chemistry, Biological Sciences, or a related discipline, together with experience gained in a security, assurance, compliance or technical role within the defence, security or industrial sectors.
- You will have a strong understanding of security risk management within regulated or high-consequence environments and be able to demonstrate experience of influencing stakeholders across organisational boundaries to achieve effective security outcomes. You should be confident interpreting legislation and policy and translating requirements into practical processes and assurance activities.
- More for information on the essential criteria for the job, please see the job profile attached below.
- Important Information:
- Our work in defence, security and intelligence requires our employees to be UK Nationals who are able to gain a high level of security clearance to undertake the projects we are involved in to protect us from security threats.
- For this reason, only UK Nationals will be able to apply for this role. If you are an international or dual-national candidate, and you think you have the skills we need, please consider applying to any of our government, security or defence partners.
- This role will require Developed Vetting and you should have resided in the UK for the past 10 years.
- Individuals within DSTL who hold dual nationality and currently hold the required clearance level may apply. If found suitable for the role further security discussions will need to take place before a formal offer can be made.
Behaviours you’ll be assessed on
This advert says the panel will score you against these behaviours at Grade 7 level. Each one links to worked examples.
Job description
In this role, you will be responsible for providing specialist security assurance for sensitive and regulated materials, ensuring that they are managed securely and in accordance with relevant policies, regulatory requirements and internal controls. You will lead the delivery of security assurance activities across the organisation, helping to maintain compliance and support the organisation's licence to operate.
Working across a range of business areas, you will plan and conduct security audits and assurance reviews covering all aspects of the lifecycle of controlled materials. This will include assessing controls relating to acquisition, storage, access management, transportation, risk management, incident handling and disposal, while identifying opportunities for improvement and supporting the implementation of best practice.
You will work closely with senior leaders, operational teams, regulators and external partners to provide expert advice on security requirements and emerging risks. The role will involve monitoring and reporting on security risks, supporting governance activities and ensuring that appropriate security measures are in place to protect critical assets, infrastructure and facilities.
For more information on the job responsibilities, please see the job profile attached below.
Qualifications
Chemistry/Biological sciences degree or equivalent
Nationality requirements
Open to UK nationals only.
This job is not open to candidates who hold a dual nationality.
Selection process
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
We want you to have your best chance of success in our recruitment process, so If at any stage of the application process you would like help or assistance please contact the Dstl Recruitment Team dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk and we will do all we can to support you.
If you are a current Dstl employee you must ensure your line manager is aware of your application and the potential situation regarding release dates.
The sift will take place from the 10th November and successful candidates will be invited to an interview at Dstl Porton Down on the 26th November.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Practise before you apply
Civil Service panels score every answer against the Success Profiles behaviours at Grade 7 level. Practise STAR answers and get them marked against the same framework.
3 free questions · No card needed
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