Government Cyber Strategic Threat and Horizon Scanning Officer in City of Westminster

Overview

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 with flexible working arrangements and hybrid working, including a combination of time spent in the office with colleagues and days at home where appropriate. We are proud of our diverse culture and our inclusive approach where voices at all levels are heard and everyone plays their part in helping the Government keep the UK secure. We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer and valuing diversity, and we support staff to reach their full potential.

In June 2025, the Government Cyber Directorate moved from the Cabinet Office to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) as part of machinery of government changes. This role is in scope to formally transfer to DSIT when the change takes place. If your start date is on the transfer date, you will be appointed directly to DSIT and your appointment will be unaffected by the change. We are consulting with Trade Unions on which policies and terms will apply on transfer. The statement of changes applied to Cabinet Office staff will apply to successful candidates.

Role and team

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. The role offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersections between threat, security, emerging technology, digital transformation and cyber resilience. You will join a fast-paced, friendly team with a key role in raising cyber resilience across government. The work can be high profile and offers exposure to senior security leaders. You will work across the team’s strategic threat and horizon scanning portfolios, engaging 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. You will play a key role in network development and maintaining relationships across government and beyond, and you will expand your understanding of how central government operates and how the digital centre for government contributes to improving government cyber resilience through the Government Cyber Security Strategy.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the delivery of both regular and bespoke strategic threat briefings
• Deliver research and analysis projects across 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

Qualifications and requirements

Essential skills and experience

• Stakeholder management, able to develop and maintain productive professional networks
• Strong communication, both verbal and written, with experience drafting high-quality outputs and clearly 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 proactively

Desirable skills and experience

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

Benefits and terms

• Salary: £40,974 plus £11,870 Civil Service Pension contribution
• Learning and development tailored to your role
• Flexible working options and an inclusive culture
• Civil Service Pension with employer contributions
• Minimum of 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days with service

Other information

This role requires DV clearance; normally this would require 10 years UK residency in the past 10 years. Supplementary checks may be needed where this has not been met. Security checks and vetting requirements apply. An accessibility notice and reasonable adjustments can be requested via the Government Recruitment Service. If you need adjustments to participate in the application process, contact cabinetofficerecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk before the closing date.

For applicants with disabilities, reasonable adjustments are available and information on National Security Vetting can be found on the Demystifying Vetting website. A reserve list may be held for 12 months. A criminal record check will be part of pre-employment screening. Feedback is provided after interview/assessment.