Senior IT Security Specialist

Senior IT Security Specialist

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Open Society Foundations

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead identity and access management initiatives with Microsoft Entra ID and enhance security measures.
  • Company: Join Open Society Foundations, a leader in promoting democracy and human rights.
  • Benefits: Enjoy generous time off, flexible work arrangements, and comprehensive health insurance.
  • Other info: Diverse workplace committed to inclusion and professional development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on global security while growing your skills in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in IT Security, strong knowledge of IAM, and relevant certifications preferred.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Role Purpose
This role is centered on global identity and access management (IAM), with a primary focus on Microsoft Entra ID. The ideal candidate may bring experience expertise across the broader Microsoft 365 security ecosystem: Intune, Defender, and Sentinel, to identify and secure technologies while ensuring a secure, compliant, and well‑governed environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Serve as SME for hybrid Microsoft Entra ID, by providing strategic guidance, technical leadership, and hands‑on support for identity and access management initiatives.
  • Configure and manage Conditional Access, PIM, and RBAC to enforce adaptive access controls and identity governance aligned with modern security frameworks emphasizing continuous evaluation of user, device, and session risk.
  • Configure and troubleshoot SSO, Provisioning, and any other MFA integrations with enterprise applications.
  • Track and incorporate operational/incident trends to evolve enterprise IAM and security posture.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve complex identity and endpoint security issues in real time.
  • Maintenance of Microsoft Intune, to support device compliance, configuration profiles, and related security controls to improve security postures.
  • Maintenance of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, with a strong understanding of threat protection, attack surface reduction, and endpoint detection and response.
  • Maintenance of Microsoft Sentinel, to aid in building and managing analytics rules, workbooks, playbooks, and incident response workflows within a SIEM environment.
  • Perform cloud security analysis, configuration assessments, and develop tailored recommendations for internal teams and external clients.
  • Provide technical guidance and support for Microsoft 365 E5 security services, including solution design, implementation strategies, and operational optimization.

The ideal candidate

  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in IT Security, cloud architecture, IAM or related roles.
  • Experience architecting and implementing IAM strategies.
  • Solid experience with KQL, PowerShell, and automated policy deployment.
  • Experience designing and implementing policies and procedures related to: Cloud tenant security (O365), Conditional Access, PIM, MFA, Auditing, logging, threat detection.
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or related technical field (or equivalent experience).
  • Preferred certifications: Microsoft certifications such as Identity and Access Administrator Associate, Security Operations Analyst Associate, or Information Protection Administrator; CISSP, GIAC, Security+, or other relevant IT security certifications.
  • Previous work in technical consulting or client‑facing security engineering roles.
  • Deep understanding of hybrid Active Directory configurations and cloud‑native identity governance.
  • Working knowledge of Defender for Cloud, Sentinel playbooks, and advanced security workloads.
  • Integration of HRIS or ERP tools with Entra and AD.
  • Travel is required. Travel frequency depends on the role requirements.

What we offer

  • Exceptional opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact; from a generous annual professional development allowance for every employee to onsite training and learning conversations with visiting experts.
  • Excellent benefits and perks to promote well‑being and a healthy work‑life balance, including: Generous time off and flexible work arrangements.
  • Employer‑paid health insurance and dental plans for individuals and families (no employee contribution required).
  • Exceptional retirement savings plan (non‑contributory for employees) and life insurance.
  • Progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, and much more.
  • A commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace, so you can bring your whole self to work and make a positive impact.

Who we are

Open Society Foundations aim to establish vibrant and inclusive democracies where governments are accountable to their citizens. Our operating model organizes grantmaking around specific, time‑limited projects, developed alongside support for established partners, enabling us to respond swiftly to emerging needs. We are committed to promoting human dignity, equality, and rights; reimagining democratic ideals and practice; and advancing equity in governance systems. Guided by our founder’s values and the belief in the art of the possible, we engage directly with global entities, individuals, and policymakers through grants, advocacy, impact investing, and strategic human rights litigation to drive positive change. At the heart of our mission is a deep commitment to rights, equity, and justice, inspiring every action we take.

Additional Information

Open Society Foundations is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively seek applications from talented individuals across all backgrounds, identities, and life experiences. Each candidate is evaluated solely on their unique qualifications without regard to race, age, sex, religion, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities. Competitive rates of pay apply. Open Society Foundations is committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, and to building a diverse staff that reflects the movements, issues and communities that our mission serves. Candidates from all underrepresented backgrounds, identities and communities are encouraged to apply. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities.

Senior IT Security Specialist employer: Open Society Foundations

Open Society Foundations is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises professional development and employee well-being. With generous benefits including employer-paid health insurance, flexible work arrangements, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally in vibrant locations like London and Johannesburg.

Open Society Foundations

Contact Details:

Open Society Foundations Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior IT Security Specialist

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your industry on LinkedIn or at local meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Tailor your answers to show how your skills in IAM and Microsoft security fit their needs. We want to see that you’re not just a great candidate, but also a great fit!

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. The more comfortable you are talking about your experience with Microsoft Entra ID and security frameworks, the better you'll perform.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior IT Security Specialist

Identity and Access Management (IAM)
Microsoft Entra ID
Microsoft 365 Security Ecosystem
Conditional Access
Privileged Identity Management (PIM)
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
Single Sign-On (SSO)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior IT Security Specialist role. Highlight your experience with Microsoft Entra ID and any relevant certifications. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about IT security and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Let us know what excites you about working with us at StudySmarter.

Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your technical expertise, especially with KQL, PowerShell, and IAM strategies. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make sure we see your skills front and centre!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Open Society Foundations

Know Your Tech Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Microsoft Entra ID and the broader Microsoft 365 security ecosystem. Be ready to discuss your experience with IAM strategies, Conditional Access, and MFA integrations. The more familiar you are with these technologies, the better you'll be able to showcase your expertise.

Showcase Problem-Solving Skills

Prepare to share specific examples of how you've tackled complex identity and endpoint security issues in real-time. Think about situations where you had to troubleshoot or resolve problems quickly, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.

Demonstrate Continuous Learning

Highlight any relevant certifications or ongoing training you've pursued, especially in areas like cloud security and IAM. This shows that you're committed to staying updated in a rapidly evolving field, which is crucial for a Senior IT Security Specialist role.

Understand the Company’s Mission

Familiarise yourself with the Open Society Foundations' mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with their commitment to human dignity, equality, and rights. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.