Head of Strategy, Policy and Partnerships - Chemical, Biological and Radiological Security

Government Recruitment Service; Greater London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental department in the UK seeks a senior leader to drive policy on Chemical, Biological and Radiological (CBR) Security. You will lead a team responsible for crucial strategy and partnerships, shaping national security policy. The role involves collaboration with ministers, a focus on biosecurity implementation, and engagement with senior stakeholders in a challenging policy landscape. Join a warm, inclusive team dedicated to building a thriving CBR community both inside and outside government.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of 8 FTE in policy and strategy.
• Oversee implementation of the UK Biological Security Strategy.
• Engage with senior stakeholders and experts on CBR issues.

Job description

This is a fantastic opportunity to work on an exciting, high-profile and intellectually challenging area of national security policy. You will play a crucial role driving forward policy, strategy and partnerships on Chemical, Biological and Radiological (CBR) Security. As a senior leader in a specialist unit based in the National Security Secretariat (NSS), you will have the opportunity to help shape the future direction of a critical policy area, enable and oversee the implementation of government-wide priorities, work closely with ministers (including NSC), and establish a strong domestic and international network.

The CBR Security Team sits within COBR Directorate and oversees implementation of the UK Biosecurity Strategy on behalf of the lead minister (Chief Secretary to the PM) and SRO (DNSA), and coordinates cross-government policy, investment and engagement on CBR Security. We are a centre of expertise in this fascinating area of policy, working with up to 18 different departments and agencies, and extensively with international allies and partners to deliver system wide improvements. Policy spans defence, security, health, science and tech and the environment, and regularly commands the attention of senior officials, ministers, parliament and the media.

This is a significant system and team leadership role. You will lead, develop and nurture your team of 8 FTE. You will be responsible for the full extent of the team’s policy, strategy and engagement work - including the implementation of the UK Biological Security Strategy, government biosecurity investment, the new Integrated Security Fund Biosecurity Portfolio, as well as domestic and international partnerships.

This is a complex policy area, requiring knowledge of CBR issues and confident engagement with senior stakeholders and experts (inc Chief Scientific Advisers and scientific and medical experts) across government and internationally.

We are a warm and inclusive team, passionate about our purpose and mandate, and committed to building a thriving CBR community inside and outside government - as an integral part of the wider COBR directorate.