Overview
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. 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.
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.
Job Description
As 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.
Responsibilities
* Protect critical systems and shape the UK’s cyber resilience by providing expert advice to senior stakeholders, helping manage cyber risks and embed robust security measures from the outset of major projects.
* Coordinate and lead efforts across government and sector boundaries, bringing together internal and external stakeholders to tackle large-scale cyber challenges.
* Draw on the full range of NCSC services, offering 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.
* Utilise customer insights to refine and enhance delivery, ensuring interventions are data-driven, relevant, and impactful.
Person Specification / Qualifications
* Proven experience in cybersecurity, consultancy, or policy, or demonstrated ability to develop these skills and justify why you want to work as a Cyber Consultant in the Government Team.
* Proven experience in preparing and coordinating briefings for ministers and senior officials, communicating complex information clearly at high levels, and working with a wide range of stakeholders.
* Ability to perform effectively in high-pressure situations, delivering results when it matters most, and experience collaborating with organisations across diverse sectors.
* Strong skills in risk management and project oversight, ensuring objectives are met and challenges are addressed proactively.
GCHQ Competencies
The NCSC will assess you against competencies used by the UK Intelligence Community, based on Civil Service Behaviours. Level 3 competencies include Driving Innovation and Change, Communicating and Influencing, Working Collaboratively, Making Effective Decisions, and Delivering Outcomes, with corresponding Civil Service Behaviour Equivalents.
Benefits and Rewards
At NCSC and GCHQ, we offer an inclusive and supportive environment with comprehensive training and development opportunities to help you reach your potential. The starting salary is £44,044. Other benefits include:
* 25 Days Annual Leave rising to 30 days after 5 years, plus 10.5 days of public and privilege holidays
* Flexible working options
* Employee performance recognition
* 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 Opportunities
We value diversity and inclusion as critical to our mission. We welcome applications from everyone, including women, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and those from low socio-economic backgrounds.
Find out more about our culture, working environment and diversity on our website.
Disability Confident
We are a Disability Confident Leader and aim to interview a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants who meet the essential minimum criteria for this position, where practical. The minimum criteria include experience of working with external stakeholders, effective written and verbal communication, and the ability to explain technical issues and collaborate with varied teams.
What to Expect
Our recruitment process is fair, transparent, and merit-based. Stages: Online application, application sift, interview, and conditional offer if successful. You must pass each stage to progress. The process may take around 6–9 months including vetting. You should continue any current employment until you have a final offer.
Before You Apply
To work at the NCSC, you must be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. This role requires Developed Vetting (DV). We have a strict drugs policy; you’ll need to declare previous drug usage at relevant stages. The role is based in Manchester, so you’ll need to live within a commutable distance. Relocation costs are not offered. Please ensure you apply from within the UK. If you are based overseas, wait until you visit the UK to apply. The closing date is 17/09/25 at 23:55.
Right to Withdraw Statement: We reserve the right to bring forward the closing date if a high number of applications are received. Submit your application early to avoid disappointment.
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