Investment Security Adviser

Job summary

Following a recent change to the Machinery of Government, the Investment Security Unit is based in the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) as of 20th July 2026.

BIST will connect the UK’s world-class science and technology base directly to the businesses, places and workers that will drive good growth across the country. Such changes will not affect the selection process for this campaign; however, we wanted to take this opportunity to advise you of the recent changes.

The Investment Security Unit (ISU) sits at the cutting edge of the government’s economic security agenda in the newly formed DBIST Economic Security and Trade Relations Directorate, delivering an operational response to changes in the global economy and the geostrategic balance of power.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, curious and detail-oriented individual to join the friendly and high performing Risk Identification and Review team as an Investment Security Adviser. This is a role that uniquely combines policy and operational delivery, cross-government negotiation, exposure to Ministers, and opportunities for business engagement.

Job description

The ISU leads the Government screening of acquisitions of, or investment into, UK companies; assessing the risks that investments, or the transfer of assets, could present to the UK’s national security. The Risk Identification and Review team is responsible for leading the cross-Whitehall review of the national security implications of individual investments, identifying risks and supporting ministerial decision-making on real-world economic security risks.

The ISU is an exciting and diverse place to work, with teams delivering a range of operational, policy, analytical and international activities. This role is an excellent opportunity to strengthen core behaviours and skills at this level and above, offering wide exposure to other government departments within and beyond the national security space, and a range of private sector industries.

Person specification

You will be responsible for overseeing and driving individual investment security cases. You will manage a portfolio of active investigations. This involves
conducting due diligence checks on the acquisitions, and collaborating with other Government departments and partners to procure the necessary expertise and
views and make a judgement on the level of national security risk that an investment may pose, and producing high-quality written and oral advice to senior officials and Ministers.

You will also work with policy and legal advisors to assess how the Act could be applied to mitigate any national security risks arising from investments. You will produce high-quality written and oral advice to support senior officials and ministerial decision-making. You will play a key role in keeping seniors and Ministers sighted on developments, often at short notice. You will support the day-to-day running of the ISU, ensuring that the unit is able to deliver the high-quality service for which it has become known.

We’re looking for candidates who can collaborate efficiently within a dynamic operational environment to deliver high quality results to tight deadlines. You will also possess critical thinking, communication and analytical skills to make reasoned judgements on the level of risk created by investments. We need candidates who are inquisitive, critical thinkers who will continue to develop their knowledge and experience and apply both to new issues. We welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates, including those from underrepresented groups.

Essential:

● Ability to confidently analyse information from a wide variety of sources to arrive at a well-reasoned, persuasive decision;
● Ability to deliver high quality work at pace, while balancing multiple priorities;
● Excellent written and oral briefing skills;
● Ability to engage with a broad variety of cross- government and international stakeholders;

Desirable:

● Understanding of national security policy or operations;
● Experience in working with cross-government groups and agreeing a way forward on issues where there are competing priorities.
● Experience of delivering continuous improvement and / or developing corporate culture or willingness to engage in corporate initiatives.

Due to the nature of the role, the successful candidate will need to either hold or undergo SC clearance before a start date can be agreed, with a willingness to apply for DV clearance once in post.

Additional information:

Cabinet Office policy is that a minimum 60% of your working time should be spent at your principal workplace. For some roles, due to their nature and the business need, this may be up to 100%. Requirements to attend other locations for official business will also count towards this level of attendance.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Making Effective Decisions

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £42,409, Cabinet Office contributes £12,285 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• Learning and development tailored to your role.
• An environment with flexible working options.
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
• A Civil Service Pension which provides an attractive pension, benefits for dependants and employer contributions of 28.97%.
• A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by one day per year up to a maximum of 30.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

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 (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, and Experience.

Application process

Applicants should submit:

● CV

● Personal statement (500 words maximum) detailing how they meet the essential and desirable criteria listed for the role

● Example statement (250 words maximum) on meeting the lead behaviour (Making Effective Decisions)

The CV, and Personal Statement, and lead behaviour will be used at the sifting stage. Candidates who pass the sift will progress to interview.

Selection process

The Behaviours to be assessed at interview stage are:

Making Effective Dec