Information Security and Monitoring Specialist

The Information Security and Monitoring Specialist will provide dedicated support within Operational Capability and Internal Assurance.

This cross-cutting role requires an understanding of the wider team's responsibilities to deliver a robust service across DWP and partner organisations.

The role will consist of a primary specialism alongside additional responsibilities, depending on business requirements at the time of recruitment.

The post requires British nationality and a Developed Vetting (DV) clearance.

Job Description

You will work as a member of the Operational Capability (OC) Team in the Department's Cyber Resilience Centre (CRC), at the forefront of detecting and investigating potential security threats across CRC.

Your primary focus will be on identifying indicators of compromise and malicious activity, conducting in-depth analysis of system alerts and logs, and ensuring swift, effective responses to emerging risks.

You will work closely with stakeholders across CRC and the wider security community to coordinate responses, escalate incidents when necessary, and support investigations with clear, actionable intelligence.

Your expertise in Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools will be critical in driving informed decision-making.

This role requires a background in information security, incident response, and protective security practices, with the ability to operate discreetly and decisively in high-assurance environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyse system alerts and logs to detect suspicious or malicious activity.
• Conduct proactive threat hunting and incident investigations.
• Escalate and present potential incidents with comprehensive supporting evidence.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to coordinate responses to threats.
• Take remedial actions following inappropriate internal behaviour or security breaches.
• Support and manage access to secure site, systems and services, ensuring that access is granted, maintained, and reviewed in line with security policies and business requirements.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of monitoring systems, processes, and playbooks.
• Support strategic capability development alongside the Head of Operational Capability.
• Provide operational support to the team as needed.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced professional who can demonstrate:

Essential Criteria

• Experience in using SIEM tools and other security technologies.
• Ability to monitor, investigate and manage sensitive information with discretion.
• Experience in cyber security monitoring and incident response.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and logs.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £45,132, Department for Work and Pensions contributes £13,074 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

DWP have a broad benefits package built around your work-life balance which includes:

• Working patterns to support work/life balance such as job sharing, term-time working, flexi-time and compressed hours.
• Generous annual leave – at least 23 days on entry, increasing up to 30 days over time (pro-rata for part-time employees), plus 9 days public and privilege leave.
• Support for financial wellbeing, including interest-free season ticket loans for travel, a cycle to work scheme and an employee discount scheme.
• Health and wellbeing support including our Employee Assistance Programme for specialist advice and counselling and the opportunity to join HASSRA a first-class programme of competitions, activities and benefits for its members (subscription payable monthly).
• Family friendly policies including enhanced maternity and shared parental leave pay after 1 year's continuous service.
• Funded learning and development to support progress in your role and career. This includes industry recognised qualifications and accreditations, coaching, mentoring and talent development programmes.
• An inclusive and diverse environment with opportunities to join professional and interpersonal networks including Women's Network, National Race Network, National Disability Network (THRIVE) and many more.