Technical Specialist - Cybersecurity

The English Schools Foundation (ESF); Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 420,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is seeking a Technical Specialist - Cybersecurity to design, implement, and maintain robust security across ESF's Hong Kong infrastructure. You will act as the primary technical contact for MSSP SOC, PAM, XDR, and SAT platforms, coordinating with school IT teams during deployments.

Requirements include a Bachelor’s degree in CS/IS/Cybersecurity with 2–4 years of hands-on cybersecurity experience, strong English communication, and a proactive, collaborative

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in CS/IS/Cybersecurity or related field; 2–4 years of hands-on cybersecurity experience.
• Experience with enterprise networking, virtualization, operating systems, and security principles.
• Working knowledge of SOC operations and phishing email analysis.
• Basic vulnerability assessment, scanning, and reporting would be an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Assist in designing, implementing, and maintaining cybersecurity across ESF infrastructure.
• Administer core security platforms (PAM, XDR, SAT) and liaise with MSSP SOC.
• Support threat monitoring, incident response, and vulnerability management.
• Maintain SOPs and security documentation; stay updated on threats.

Skills

Cybersecurity knowledge

English communication

Detail oriented

Independent worker

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science / Information Systems / Cybersecurity

Tools

PAM

XDR

SAT platforms

SOC tooling

ESXi

Hyper-V

Job description

The Technical Specialist - Cybersecurity assists in designing, implementing, and maintaining robust IT security solutions across our infrastructure. This role serves as the primary technical and operational contact for managed security services (MSSP SOC), privileged access management (PAM), security operations, and security awareness training (SAT) platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Support & Deployments: Contribute to delivering resilient cybersecurity projects; conduct on-site visits to schools and demonstrate the ability to work effectively with multiple school IT contacts simultaneously during project deployments.
• Platform & SOC Operations: Administer core security platforms (including PAM, XDR, and SAT platforms); act as the main liaison for the MSSP SOC, performing routine monitoring and resolution of escalated security tickets.
• Vendor & Incident Response: Work with the SOC and technology teams on threat monitoring, incident response, vulnerability management and security investigations.
• Documentation & Continuous Improvement: Maintain up-to-date Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and technical documentation aligned with security operations; stay updated on the evolving threat landscape to recommend security posture improvements.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, or a related field, with 2-4 years of hands-on experience in corporate cybersecurity. Applicants with less experience or academic background will be considered as a Junior Technical Specialist.
• Technical Knowledge:
  • Fundamental understanding of enterprise networking (firewalls, switches) and virtualization (ESXi, Hyper‑V).
  • Experience with major operating systems, network technology, and cybersecurity principles.
  • Working knowledge of SOC and phishing email analysis.
  • Basic knowledge of vulnerability assessment, penetration test, scanning, analysis, review and reporting would be an advantage
  • Experience with project management and ticketing tools is a plus.
• Positive, & 'can-do' attitude paired with a detail-oriented, mature mindset, patience, and high adaptability to embrace new challenges and master emerging technologies
• Demonstrated passion for cybersecurity and a keen interest in continuous learning and development within the security domain.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English to collaborate with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Self‑motivated team player who works effectively independently with minimal supervision, shares knowledge, and proactively drives process improvements.

Applicants must be permanent Hong Kong residents or hold a valid Hong Kong work visa.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and offers may be extended prior to the job closing date. We strongly recommend early applications as we reserve the right to appoint candidates earlier than the closing date.

By applying for this position, your application may be considered for other opportunities (senior‑level roles, head of department, etc.) within ESF.

ESF is an Equal Opportunities Employer
The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is fully committed to providing equal employment opportunities. ESF will not discriminate on the basis of age, race, colour, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, religion, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, creed, citizenship or any other status protected by local laws or regulations.
Personal data provided by job applicants will be used strictly in accordance with the ESF's Personal Data Policy, a copy of which will be provided upon request.
ESF is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well‑being of all students in our care and expects all applicants to uphold this commitment. We adhere to rigorous recruitment practices, with all appointments contingent upon an interview, identity verification, criminal background checks (including ICPC, SCRC, and other international background checks as appropriate), assessment of social media presence, and positive references.

In accordance with the Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 guidelines, ESF may perform online checks for all shortlisted candidates prior to the interview.

About Us

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is the largest English‑medium international school organisation in Hong Kong. Our 22 schools and comprehensive programme of extra‑curricular activities bring out the best in every student through a personalised approach to learning and by inspiring curious minds.

There are over 18,000 students from 75 different nationalities in ESF kindergartens, primary, secondary and all‑through schools.
www.esf.edu.hk

About the Team

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is a modern, well‑managed educational organisation, committed to offering an international education to students drawn from over 70 countries. We are proud to be at the forefront of the educational hub in Hong Kong. We actively take advantage of the opportunities that Hong Kong offers as Asia’s world city and the principal gate‑way to China.

The curriculum, leading to the International Baccalaureate, is adapted to Hong Kong, and the Asia Pacific region. ESF’s 1,100 teachers are highly qualified bringing with them experience from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, the UK and many other international school systems. All schools offer a broad range of out‑of‑school activities in Hong Kong and overseas.

ESF has over 18,000 students. Our culture is one of joy in learning and pride in achievement. The great majority of our students study for the IB Diploma and gain entry to universities all over the world. ESF has a long‑standing commitment to children with individual needs and is the principal provider for English‑speaking children with special educational needs in Hong Kong. For further details about ESF, please visit our website at https://www.esf.edu.hk/.

Thinking about a career as a Technical Specialist?

Explore job and salary trends, in‑demand skills and role reviews.