Environment Agency
Critical National Infrastructure Specialist - 34595
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Critical National Infrastructure Specialist - 34595
**CNIS Specialist Roles – Job Description
We are recruiting for three CNIS (Corporate National Infrastructure Security) specialist roles within the Environment Agency (EA):
- CNIS Protective Security Specialist
- CNIS Personnel Security & Vetting Specialist
- Commercial Security Assurance Specialist
About the Roles
Are you a collaborative and technically robust team member passionate about risk mitigation and security resilience? If so, these roles are perfect for you!
The CNIS team ensures physical, personnel, cyber, and supply chain security alignment with national security obligations, resilience, and risk management standards.
You’ll:
- Provide strategic leadership to:
- Protected assets (cycle paths, roads, drainage systems).
- People and processes (vetting processes, insider threat control).
- Equal risk mitigation (procurement, third-party suppliers).
- Work collaboratively across teams to develop consistent security standards.
- Commit to training, incident response readiness, and key operational projects.
Ruled by Risk? Lead or Mitigate It.
Personal Security & Vetting
- Define and assure role-level vetting requirements and controls.
- Lead UK government vetting regimes, including insider risk management.
Protective Security
- Lead risk assessments and protective security measures across CNIS assets.
- Work on collaborative resilience testing and incident playbooks.
Commercial Security Assurance
- Ensure secure procurement, contracts, and supplier management align with risk controls.
- Monitor contract KPIs for Third-Party Risk (TPR) compliance.
Key Responsibilities
CNIS Protective Security Specialist
- Conduct and assure site risk assessments.
- Design and publish establishment security standards.
- Manage incident response protocols (playbooks, testing, after-action reviews).
- Consult with CTSA on security-led strategy and testing for critical assets.
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CNIS Personnel Security & Vetting Specialist
- Set role-based vetting controls, working with Defra’s Security & Professional Standards.
- Specialise in insider risk detection and mitigations.
- Manage investigations and compliance workflows with HR.
Commercial Security Assurance Specialist
- Embed security clauses into procurement contracts.
- Monitor post-signature security performance.
- Advise on supply chain security, inclusive of guidance from the NCSC.
About the Team
Based within Corporate Management, Assurance & Security, this agile team:
- Provides collaborative security guardrails for the organisation.
- Emphasises risk-based mitigation over bureaucratic oversight.
- Encourages cross-team integration for action-focused alliances.
Experience & Qualifications
To apply, you must have 5 or more years of experience in one or more of these areas*:
- Protective Security Specialist – Site assessments, building design standards.
- Personnel Security & Vetting – Understanding of UK Gov public sector vetting frameworks, insider threat.
- Commercial Security – Contract negotiation, supplier risk management, policy drafting.
Note: Requires familiarity with security risk interoperability and working with senior stakeholders to align competing demands.
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Security Vetting
National Security Vetting (UK Gov) Security Clearance (SC) requirement applies to all roles.
Key Competencies for Application
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As part of your application, you’ll need to provide examples proving:
1. Builds and Sustains Relationships
Forged cross-disciplinary partnerships to jointly address security challenges successfully. Provide:
- Your credentialing method(s) for establishing rapport.
- The measured positive security outcome.
2. Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Time-sensitive (heat-of-moment) risk intervention, and resultant outcomes.
3. Achieves Results
Identified and resolved a critical risk of failing on a security-related objective.
Employment Notes & Policy
General
- Incident Response Ready – Successful applicants must participate in training and scheduled drills.
- Guaranteed Interview Policy – Disability accommodations provided.
- Flexible Working – Job share arrangements welcome.
Civil Service Status
Note, the Environment Agency is not part of the Civil Service but aligns with UK Gov ethics and HR standards.
Non-Departmental Public Body Commitments
The EA supports value for public money by using Central Government frameworks, including the Crown Commercial Service.
Use of AI in Applications
- Explicit disclaimer on unauthorised use of AI tools for content generation.
- Training on grade cognisance and human decision-making required.
Interview Information
You’ll be invited to join an information session before formal interviews:
- When? Wednesday, 17 Jun, 12.15pm (GMT).
- How? Register via emma.young@environment-agency.gov.uk.
Stipulated interview window: Week commencing 13 Jul 2026. Applications due shortly after session, check digits carefully for deadlines.
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