Senior IT Security Specialist - Ashford (Kent), England OR Cairns, Australia.

MAF International; Ashford; On-site; GBP 44,000; Full time

Job summary

A global charitable organization is seeking a Security Operations Specialist in Ashford, UK. In this role, you will protect vital mission-critical systems by managing and enhancing cybersecurity measures. Ideal candidates will have at least 5 years of experience in IT security and certifications like CISSP or CISM. Competitive salary of £43,800 per annum depending on experience along with a chance to make a meaningful global impact.

Qualifications

• Absolute minimum of 5 years experience in IT security roles focusing on infrastructure security.
• Professional security certifications like CISSP or CISM.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Active Directory administration.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation and management of SIEM systems.
• Conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing.
• Strengthen identity and access management (IAM).

Skills

IT Security roles experience

Fortinet security products

Incident response

Networking Security

SIEM management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology or related field

Tools

Fortinet tools

Active Directory

Microsoft Defender

Job description

Join MAF as a Security Operations Specialist – Protecting Mission-Critical Systems Around the World

Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) is a dynamic Christian aviation organization using light aircraft to bring help, hope, and healing in Jesus’ name to more than 30 developing countries. For over 75 years, we’ve been flying patients, relief workers, medical supplies, and essential goods into some of the most remote and hard-to-reach places on earth—where flying is not a luxury, but a lifeline.

Opportunity

Are you a skilled cybersecurity professional who wants your expertise to serve a higher purpose? In this role, you’ll be at the forefront of protecting MAF’s global digital infrastructure—ensuring our mission can continue without interruption. You’ll manage and enhance security systems, respond to threats, and maintain compliance across diverse IT environments, all while supporting a life‑changing mission.

Location: Office Based Role - Ashford, (Kent) UK or Cairns, Australia.

Salary: UK - £43,800 per annum (dependent on experience) | Australia - $85,000 AUD per annum (dependent on experience)

NOTE: Applicants must have the current, legal right to work in the UK or Australia. Acceptance of and adherence to MAF’s purpose, vision and values is an essential condition of employment.

Responsibilities

What You’ll Do

• Lead the implementation and management of SIEM systems, Fortinet tools, and endpoint detection & response (EDR) solutions.
• Conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to stay ahead of cyber threats.
• Strengthen identity and access management (IAM) through Active Directory, Entra ID, MFA, and Zero Trust principles.
• Safeguard networks with advanced VPN, SD‑WAN, IDS/IPS, and Microsoft Defender solutions.
• Drive incident response, governance, and the ongoing evolution of our security strategy.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Essential

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field
• Professional security certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM, or equivalent)
• Absolute minimum of 5 years experience in IT security roles with focus on infrastructure security
• Strong experience with Fortinet security products and solutions
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Active Directory and Entra ID administration
• Demonstrated experience with SIEM implementation and management
• Strong background in network security and infrastructure protection
• Experience with IDS/IPS systems and security monitoring tools
• Proven incident response and threat hunting experience
• Programming/scripting skills for security automation

Desirable

• Microsoft 365 Security Administration certification
• Cloud security certifications (Azure Security Engineer, AWS Security)
• Fortinet NSE certification (Level 7 or 8)
• Experience with security automation and orchestration
• Knowledge of compliance frameworks (ISO 27001, NIST)

Why Join Us?

Every day, your skills will directly contribute to keeping MAF’s mission safe—helping us reach isolated communities with vital aid, healthcare, and the hope of the Gospel. This is more than just a cybersecurity role—it’s a chance to make a global impact.

Use your cybersecurity expertise to protect a mission that changes lives. Apply today.