Physical Security Advisor (SO)

NICS; Belfast; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental organization in Northern Ireland is seeking Physical Security Advisors to provide risk assessment and compliance guidance. The role requires at least two years of experience in Physical Security functions and effective leadership skills. The Advisors will work closely with senior staff and ensure alignment with security policies across departments. Applications are particularly welcomed from diverse communities. Closing date for applications is December 12, 2025.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in Physical Security functions.
• Experience conducting assessments for risk evaluations in a complex environment.
• Demonstrable experience of leadership and meeting organizational objectives.

Responsibilities

• Conduct risk assessments and provide opinions on risks.
• Advise on physical security policy alignment.
• Support the development of a physical security framework.

Skills

Effective leadership

Communication

Risk assessment

Security compliance

Job description

The Physical Security Advisors will report to the Physical Security Policy Manager and provide Physical Security advice to identify and mitigate security risks in line with business needs. They will support the Senior Management Team (SMT) in the provision of policy, guidance, advice and support across the NICS.The postholder is expected to assess the impact of legislation and actively promote Physical Security compliance and to communicate the potential impact of emerging practices, while assessing and reviewing risk. They need to understand, explain and present complex ideas to audiences at all levels in a persuasive and convincing manner.

Responsibilities

• Conducting risk assessments and extracting insights to provide an informed opinion on risks and the adequacy of controls in place.
• Aligning with relevant regulation, policy and standards to provide proportional, tailored, practical advice, and advise on any residual risk.
• Advising senior staff on shaping and harmonising physical security policy across the NICS.
• Ensuring building and individual threat assessments for the NICS are dealt with promptly.
• Providing support to Departmental Security Officers (DSOs) and Assistant Departmental Security Officers (ADSOs) in the co-ordination of physical security across NICS Departments, to ensure a consistent approach.
• Supporting the development of improvement activities including the development of a physical security framework, review mechanisms (including Business Continuity exercises) and the promotion of good practice.
• Completing relevant security training provided by the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA), including Access Control Systems, CCTV and Control Rooms, perimeter security, protection of infrastructure and threat specific mitigation.
• Collaborating with the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) to deliver approved training to NICS staff.
• Collaborating with external colleagues in PSNI and the Government Security Profession and to act as a catalyst for excellence in providing Physical Security services.

Skills and Qualifications

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience of working in the Physical Security function in a complex and challenging environment.
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience of conducting assessments to provide an informed opinion on risks and the adequacy of controls in place in a complex and challenging environment.
• A minimum of 2 years’ demonstrable experience of effective leadership and communication, setting and prioritising goals to meet organisational business objectives.
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience of managing the delivery of a quality service including identifying and implementing improvements to meet therequirements of a diverse range of customers.

Further Information

NICS Application form only. Vacancy closing date Friday 12th December 2025 at 12 noon.Applications from Protestants, young people (people under the age of 35), people with a disability and people from minority ethnic communities are particularly welcomed for this post.The Northern Ireland Civil Service is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Application Information

Visit the recruitment services website www.nicsrecruitment.org.uk (Please quote reference number: IRC319656).