About the job

Job summary

This is a unique opportunity to work at heart of the UK's crisis response centre.

We are looking for an outstanding team leader who brings with them technical knowledge, that can lead a high-performing team supporting COBR technical operations. You should have a passion for getting the most out of people The COBR technical team supports Ministers and senior decision makers through the management of infrastructure, data, voice, IT, LAN, WAN, Telecommunications and Audio Visual systems at various locations within the UK.  Operating as a part of a small number of technical specialists within a high security and dynamic operating environment, the work is challenging and rewarding. 

Job description

The main post responsibilities for the position are:

• Lead the team of COBR Duty technical officers who staff the COBR facility on a rota-basis, 24/7, 365 days a year, dealing with staff gaps or issues, and ensuring continuity of operations.

• Ensure timely inputs into COBR budgets relating to technical spending.

• Act as subject matter expert to assists in trouble-shooting day-to-day technical issues as they arise in relation to supporting COBR and other national security related meetings across the facility.

• Work collaboratively with the head of COBR Technical Projects, Continuity of Crisis policy leads and others in the COBR Unit to ensure that the facility retains full readiness and resilience.

• Handle security issues relating to COBR systems as they emerge.

• Ensure effective COBR Tech operations day-to-day, in locations beyond 70 Whitehall.

• Be an intelligent customer to some of the COBR Unit’s largest suppliers, handling contract renegotiations and ensure maximum value for money.

• Respond to emerging and external events that require a shift in operational posture such as a major crisis or constitutional event.

• Act as Senior Lead on ensuring risk management and mitigation of issues. 

• Ensure continuity of operations including resolving quickly staffing or resourcing issues and gaps. 

Person specification

Do you have the following? If so then we'd love to hear from you.

• Technical experience across first, second and possibly third line, technical support skills for ICT, telecommunications and audio-visual systems. 

• Excellent customer communication skills and an ability to work in a highly demanding and challenging environment. Experience in briefing seniors on technical issues. 

• An ability to prioritise activities within a fast moving environment.

• A passion for getting the most out of a small team of dedicated technical staff.

• Experience of monitoring, configuring and upgrading network infrastructure.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £58,800, Cabinet Office contributes £15,876 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.

Application process

You will be required to provide a Personal Statement of no more than 750 words explaining why you are interested in the role, what skills and experience you will bring to it, and what you hope to achieve in the team if you are successful. Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form

You will also be asked to provide your career history in the form of a CV, and 250 words for three behaviours: Managing a Quality Service, Developing Self and Others; and Changing an Improving.

Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be undertaken using the lead Behaviour, Managing a Quality Service. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview.

Selection process

A face to face interview conducted in 70 Whitehall that will include behaviour and strengths based elements.

Expected timeline (subject to change)

Expected sift date – w/c 20 November

Expected interview date/s – w/c 4 December

Interview location - 70 Whitehall

Reasonable adjustments

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

Contact Government Recruitment Service via cabinetofficerecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs. 

Complete the ‘Assistance required’ section in the ‘Additional requirements’ page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at an interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

Further information

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'contact point for applicants' section.

Please note that this role requires DV clearance, which would normally need 10 years’ UK residency in the past 10 years. This is not an absolute requirement, but supplementary checks may be needed where individuals have not lived in the UK for that period. This may mean your security clearance (and therefore your appointment) will take longer or, in some cases, not be possible.

Please note terms and conditions are attached. Please take time to read the document to determine how these may affect you.

Any move to Cabinet Office from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at: https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.

A reserve list will be held for a period of 6 months, from which further appointments can be made.

If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf.

However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.

New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. 

A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.