Information Assurance & Cyber Security Specialist

Information Assurance & Cyber Security Specialist - Inside IR35

Must Have SC Clearance 

Contract: 01/11/2025 - 30/04/2026

Location: On-site with flexibility | Security Clearance: SIFA Level 5

Rate: £550 per day (Inside IR35)

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Information Assurance & Cyber Security Specialist to support critical HMG and Defence-related projects. This role requires deep expertise in system security, risk management, and accreditation, alongside strong collaboration skills to work with both client stakeholders and delivery partners.

The successful candidate will play a key role in safeguarding sensitive systems, ensuring compliance with HMG policies, and managing the accreditation lifecycle, while supporting operational priorities and security governance activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on HMG systems, information, and security risk management, providing expert accreditation and assurance.
• Conduct Information Assurance risk assessments and complete Privacy & Regulatory Impact Assessments.
• Provide security accreditation, waivers, and go-live approvals in line with delegated authority and client risk appetite.

   

• Deliver monthly IA risk and issue briefings to Senior Leadership Team (SLT).
• Chair and operate Client Security Working Groups (SWGs).
• Support incident response and remediation activities in conjunction with the Client OSM.
• Undertake physical security site inspections and approvals to agreed standards.
• Ensure ongoing 3rd party compliance and threat mitigation.
• Maintain accurate and auditable records in a decision log.
• Balance delivery between BAU, emerging requirements, and operational priorities, using tools such as JIRA and Confluence.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong knowledge of systems, information and security risks, including threat intelligence and detection.
• Demonstrable experience with MOD, Home Office and wider HMG security and accreditation processes.
• Understanding of cyber security industry best practice, benchmark certifications, and emerging trends.
• Expertise in cloud hosting principles and security implications for UK sovereign bodies.
• Proven experience with:
  • Information Assurance risk management (HMG policy aligned)
  • System accreditation & re-accreditation
  • IS27001/2 compliance
  • CHECK certification requirements & ITHC
  • Architecture, system design & lifecycle
  • Privacy & Regulatory Impact Assessments
  • Physical security reviews

Certifications (Desirable)

• Certified Cyber Professional (CCP)
• CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)

   

Team & Delivery Dynamics

• Collaborate with a small team of domain experts 
• Work closely with the Client IA team to ensure effective risk management.
• Embrace a metrics-driven, disciplined approach to delivery and reporting.

This role requires active Security Clearance: SIFA Level 5

Contract Duration: 01/11/2025 - 30/04/2026

Rate: £550 per day (Inside IR35)