G3 Tech Ops Specialist Support Officer SSO

11/01/2026, 23:55

394 

£55,575

£4,218

£ 2,000

£ 1,400

G3
Permanent
Intelligence
Collection
Intelligence
Full time
2
Disability Committed
Disability Leader
Civil Service Commission logo

G3 Tech Ops Specialist Support Officer SSO 

Location(s)

Gillingham

About the Role

Information about the Command

The role of Intelligence is to develop the right operations, which target and disrupt - by the most effective means - the offenders who seek to cause the highest harm to the UK.
A diverse directorate with a wide variety of unique functions and specialist skillsets in our ranks, some of which we deliver as the national provider for the wider Serious Organised Crime (SOC) system. From our niche technical capabilities, to our overseas network of International Liaison Officers (ILO) and our Tasking teams, there are many component parts which contribute to the efforts of the directorate and the National Crime Agency (NCA).

Information about the Business Area

Intelligence Collection coordinates NCA collection capabilities against the NCA’s highest priorities. Intelligence Collection includes forensics, open source, covert human intelligence sources, undercover officers and technical collection capabilities. This includes responding to threats and exploiting opportunities relating to the use of electronic communications by Subjects of Interest using the various powers conferred within the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (IPA). This is a dynamic and diverse arena with constant and rapid change, suiting those officers who thrive on near constant challenge.

We are looking to fill two G3 Specialist Support Officer vacancies. You will work as part of a close-knit covert operational team supporting NCA operations in demanding and hostile environments. You will be the “on ground” operational lead delivering covert technical & intrusive surveillance activity. As well as planning the covert activity you will deliver the “Type E” requirements to enable the collection of intelligence and evidence.  This role requires flexibility with working schedules.
As an SSO you will be responsible for the command, control and delivery of Technical Operations across the UK and potentially internationally. You will be responsible and lead Covert Technical Operations/Reconnaissance operations and the delivery of operational CTR/CME deployments.
You will represent the Technical Operations department/The Agency at National/International fora.                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
You will have experience of leading Inter-Agency Liaison to establish best practice and running joint training events.
Lead on developing SSO Operational and Unit standards as well as managing SSO Data returns.
Duties & ResponsibilitiesOverview
Lead Specialist Support and Technical OperationsLead, Manage and co-ordinate Technical operational activity and operational delivery.
Engage with wider operational teamsCommunicate with other operational teams to identify operational issues/concerns then find and deconflict solutions
Responsible for identifying new and emerging access capabilitiesWork with partners across Government/Policing to identify new ways of working to further professionalise the cadre
Responsible for operational deliveryDeliver on the ground lawful tactical outcomes in line with Standard Operating Procedure SOPs
Represent Tech Ops at National/International foraIdentify future opportunities and requirements for joined up working as well as knowledge exchange where appropriate in the operational space.
Responsible for Operational Security and Health and safetyLead on developing SSU/Tech Ops operational security and Health and safety in this area
Skills, Knowledge and ExperienceDescription
Operational experienceThe ability to plan and lead tactical and technical operational deployment activity
Knowledge of legislation and Technical OperationsThe ability to ensure that all operational activity is delivered in-line with current legislation, policy, SOPs, tactical options and evidential opportunities utilised by Technical Operations
Familiar with role specific Technical Equipment/Engineering equipment  Have experience of Intrusive Surveillance equipment and role specific technical/mechanical engineering equipment.
Time ManagementEffectively manages time and workload and escalates issues - ensuring tasks are completed to agreed standards and timelines.
IT SkillsAbility to confidently work with Microsoft Office as well as learn other applications and programmes as required.
Team WorkWorks effectively with others to focus on and achieve joint outcomes, rather than individual goals.
Work with PartnersDevelop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders in order to foster collaborative working relationships.
Relationship ManagementPromote professional standards and provide advice, support and develop reports in relation to criminal and misconduct allegations that impact on organisational delivery or the Agency’s reputation (as required).
MentoringAbility to mentor apprentices and support the Apprenticeship Team as required
LeadershipLead and manage a team of SMEs.
SecurityKnowledge of Operational Security issues and requirements concerning Tech Ops

DPIA

Knowledge of DPIA 


Essential Criteria

You must meet the essential criteria and evidence this within your application to be considered for the role.
Knowledge of Technical Operations deployment tactics, techniques and capabilities
Proven experience of leading a team working on multiple tasks to tight deadlines
Ability to communicate effectively
Experience of mentoring staff

Full DVLA driving licence (includes full EU licences)   

Surveillance Trained

Rural Deployment Officer (CROPS) or recognised equivalent 

Type E Trained or recognised equivalent 


Any applications from candidates not meeting this eligibility criteria will not progress.

Salary

Allowances are reviewed annually and may be increased, decreased or removed.
All salary offers will be made in line with Remuneration Policy. 
  • Roles based in London will receive an additional London Weighting (Per Annum) of £4,218
  • This position attracts a Recruitment and Retention Allowance (RRA) of £2,000 (Per Annum) available as an addition to the advertised salary.
  • This role attracts a Special Duties Bonus Payment (SDBP) up to £1,400 (Per Annum)

Benefits

All NCA employees are members of the UK Civil Service and eligible for the Civil Service pension scheme, alongside your salary the NCA contributes £16061. Further information on the benefits of the scheme is available on the Civil Service Pension Website.

New entrants to the NCA receive 26 days annual leave, rising to 31 on completion of 5 years continuous service, plus 8 bank holidays.  

If qualifying criteria is met new joiners from UK Police Forces or the UK Intelligence Community (UKIC) will have service with those employers taken into account for continuous service purposes for annual leave entitlement only, this will be up to a maximum of 31 days leave (including 1 privilege day).

Other benefits include:

  • Flexible working, including flexi-time, compressed hours and job sharing (in line with business requirements) 
  • Family friendly policies, notably above the statutory minimum
  • Learning and Development opportunities
  • Interest free loans and advances, including season tickets, childcare and rental deposits
  • Housing schemes - Key Worker status
  • Discounts and Savings with a wide variety of services including Cycle to Work, Smart Tech schemes, dental insurance, gym discounts and savings on everyday spending, available through the Reward Gateway | Edenred and Blue Light Card schemes.
  • Staff support groups/networks
  • Sports and social activities, including membership to the Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC) 

Further information is available on the NCA Website.

Selection Process Details

This vacancy is using the Success Profiles framework and will assess using the following criteria: Behaviours, Technical Skills 
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.  Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

How we will assess you

Your application will be assessed against the following:
Technical - this will be assessed by 500 word examples on:
  • Operational experience in risk management 
  • Experience in planning and executing complex high risk covert deployments 
  • In-depth understanding of the relevant legislation affecting intrusive surveillance operations. 
A panel will assess how well your application demonstrates the requirements outlined above.

You will receive an acknowledgement once your application is submitted.

We aim to have sift completed and scores released within 10 working days of the closing date of the advert. For high volume campaigns this timeframe may be extended.

Scores will be provided but further feedback will not be available at this stage.

For guidance on the application process, visit: 
NCA Applying and Onboarding 

Assessment 1

The format of this assessment will be Interview which will be tested on the criteria listed in the Success Profiles at Assessment section.

Additional assessment methods used alongside Interview
As part of the assessment process Technical Tests, Manager/senior leader briefing exercise will be required to assess the criteria outlined below:
Candidates will be required to take part in a briefing exercise which will assess experience in planning and executing complex high risk covert deployments. Also there will be a hands on practical/technical task assessing Type E skills and experience 

Success Profiles at Assessment

Behaviours
  • Making Effective Decisions 
  • Working Together 
Technical
  • Experience in planning and executing complex high risk covert deployments 
  • Type E skills and experience 
Assessment Outcome
Outcomes will be communicated via the NCA recruitment portal. 
If successful but no role is immediately available, you may be placed on a reserve list for 12 months. 
Reserve lists can be used to fill similar role types across the Agency where the assessment criteria is considered a match by the recruitment team and the business area.

In the event of a tie at the assessment stage, available roles will be offered in merit order using the following order: 

  1. Lead criteria (behaviours/technical/experience)
  2. If still tied, desirable criteria will be assessed (if advertised) 
  3. If still tied, application sift scores will be used
Feedback is provided only to those who attend an assessment.
You will be subject to vetting and pre-employment checks before appointment.
Once the vacancy closes, the advert will no longer be accessible. Please save a copy for your records. 
We encourage all candidates to visit the NCA Careers Page for more information.

Eligibility, Pre-Employment Check and Vetting

Please see the NCA T&Cs and Privacy Policy (pdf) for details on how your data is handled. 
If you are an internal candidate who has passed interview but is undergoing an internal investigation or have a written warning in place preventing a post move you may not be able to be posted until this investigation is concluded or restriction lifted.

Nationality Requirements

This role is broadly open to the following groups:
• UK nationals or dual nationals, where one component is British
Further information on nationality requirements
You will be required to participate in digital right to work and address checks as part of the recruitment process.

Security and Vetting

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is SC Enhanced. All security clearances will be managed by the NCA.
For more information on security vetting please visit: UK Security Vetting guidance for applicants and Demystifying Vetting and see our vetting charter at: The Vetting Charter.

Vetting requirements - SC Enhanced

Prior to commencing the role, you will need to successfully complete SC Enhanced clearance and then achieve both DV Enhanced and DV STRAP clearance within the first 12 months in post. 
The requirement for SC clearance is to have been present in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5 years.
The requirement for DV Enhanced clearance is to have been present in the UK for at least 7 of the last 10 years.
To obtain DV STRAP you must be willing to undergo STRAP induction and must hold full UK nationality or dual nationality, where one component is British. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis.
Failure to meet the residency requirements will result in your security clearance application being rejected.
If you fail to obtain the increased clearance within 12 months of starting, your contract of employment is at risk of termination.
For further information on National Security Vetting checks please visit the following page Demystifying Vetting
Individuals will be required to undertake and pass a substance misuse test as part of pre-employment checks.

Occupational Health

Successful candidates will be expected to undertake an occupational health assessment. Depending on the role an in-person medical may be required in either London or Warrington. Unfortunately, travel costs will not be reimbursed.

Things you need to know

Operational Roles

The National Crime Agency is a law enforcement agency and as such we are part of the Criminal Justice System. Therefore if you are going into an operational role we need to be aware if any of our officers have, either before they join us or afterwards, any of the following:

Any criminal conviction (including Court Martial), or caution or fixed penalty notice for disorder or theft;
Any adverse judicial findings;
Any charges or summonses where the proceedings are not complete;
Any misconduct or gross misconduct findings or where proceedings are not complete.

You will be asked to complete a declaration covering the above if offered a role with the NCA.

Each case will be considered on its merits and a positive declaration does not automatically mean that your application will not be progressed. However, should you fail to disclose a relevant matter then your application or employment will be adversely affected. If in doubt, please declare it at this stage.

Near Miss

If you meet the criteria for a lower grade, you may be offered that role if not appointable at the advertised grade.

Conversely, if found appointable at a higher grade but no posts are available, you may be offered a lower-grade role.

All offers are made based on merit.

Hybrid Working

The NCA supports hybrid working. The extent of remote working will depend on the role and can be discussed at the offer stage.

Reasonable Adjustments

We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and an inclusive, equal opportunities employer. 

We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone can be their authentic self. If you’re neurodiverse, have a disability, or live with a long-term health condition, we encourage you to let us know about any reasonable adjustments you may need during the recruitment process. 

If you experience accessibility issues with the advert or require reasonable adjustments, please contact our Recruitment Team at Central.Recruitment@nca.gov.uk before the advert closing date.

Please ensure you complete the ‘Equal opportunities’ and 'Reasonable Adjustments' sections in the application form to inform us on what support you may need in the recruitment process.

For more on our Disability Confident commitment, visit Disability Confident Scheme | Civil Service Careers.  

Visit NCA Benefits and Support for more details. 

Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

In order to monitor the effectiveness of the National Crime Agency's Diversity & Inclusion strategy, we require certain personal details about you on submission of your application for statistical and monitoring purposes only. Please note that this will be treated in confidence and will not impact your application.

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit on merit through fair and open competition, in line with the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

If you believe your application has not been treated fairly, email: Central.Recruitment@nca.gov.uk (quoting the vacancy reference). 
If unresolved, you may escalate your complaint to the Civil Service Commission. 

Working for the NCA

The National Crime Agency is a 24/7 organisation, and working patterns must support business requirements. Some roles may require you to respond at short notice or outside of core hours.
If preferable, alternative contract types may be available. Please review the green bar of this advert to view all available contract types for this role. Where Loan or Secondment options are available, these would be for existing Civil Servants (Loan) and applicants from accredited Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs) or any other employer (Secondment). Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis must be obtained before commencing the application process. In the case of Civil Servants, the terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant. This includes grade on return.
If you have any specific queries about the role that are not covered by the advert, please contact:

Name : Central Recruitment Team
Email : Central.Recruitment@nca.gov.uk

Attachments


NCA T&Cs and Privacy Policy (pdf)

This vacancy is closed to applications.