At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global cyber security efforts and protect UK interests across 180 countries.
- Company: Join the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, a key player in government security.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to influence at the highest levels and develop future cyber security talent.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in global security while shaping the future of cyber resilience.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in cyber security and risk management within complex organisations.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Locations: London / East Kilbride / Milton Keynes
Are you ready to secure one of the most complex global organisations in government? The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is looking for a Chief Information Security Officer. Operating across more than 180 countries and territories, FCDO faces a rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape while delivering an ambitious programme of digital transformation. We're looking for a leader who can balance risk with innovation, influence at the highest levels and build a security function that enables delivery, not bureaucracy.
What you will drive:
- Global Cyber Security Leadership: Lead a team of more than 60 information and cyber security professionals responsible for protecting FCDO's people, systems, information and operations across a worldwide diplomatic network.
- Security for a Transforming Government Department: Shape and deliver the cyber and information security strategy that underpins FCDO's digital transformation agenda, ensuring security is embedded into major technology, data and operational change programmes.
- Executive Risk & Assurance: Act as the trusted adviser to executive leaders and ministers, translating complex cyber threats and security risks into clear decisions that support organisational priorities and national interests.
- Security at Global Scale: Build and evolve governance, assurance and risk frameworks that secure critical services operating across multiple jurisdictions, geopolitical environments and threat landscapes.
- Cyber Resilience & Threat Management: Lead vulnerability management, incident readiness and continuous improvement activity to ensure FCDO remains resilient against an increasingly sophisticated and persistent threat environment.
- Cross-Government & International Influence: Represent FCDO and the UK in senior government, international and security forums, helping shape thinking on cyber security, resilience and information protection across the public sector and beyond.
- Future Capability Building: Develop the next generation of cyber security professionals, creating a high-performing function with the skills, leadership and capability required to meet future challenges.
Who we are looking for:
- Proven leadership experience operating at a senior level within large, complex organisations.
- A strong track record delivering cyber security, risk management and organisational transformation outcomes.
- Deep understanding of modern cyber security threats, governance frameworks, security technologies and resilience principles.
- The judgement to balance operational risk with business delivery in complex and fast-moving environments.
- Outstanding communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage technical specialists, senior executives and ministerial stakeholders.
- Experience building and leading high-performing multidisciplinary teams.
- The credibility to operate as both a strategic leader and trusted adviser in a high-profile national security environment.
Most security roles protect an organisation. This one helps protect UK interests around the world. If you're excited by complexity, motivated by public impact and ready to lead security at global scale, we'd like to hear from you.
Are you ready to make an impact? If you are interested in this vacancy, please follow the “EasyApply” process which will register your interest and add you to the distribution list for our dedicated microsite.
For any further information, please reach out to James Corcoran or Mercedes Sargant on 020 8253 1806, or via email at FCDO-CISO@Global-Resourcing.com
Contact Details:
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Information Security Officer in Milton Keynes
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Information Security Officer in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
