Threat and Risk Assessment, Capability Exploration and Research (TRACER) is a collaborative business function being established and operated through the National Crime Agency (NCA). TRACER operates in partnership with the Communications Capabilities Unit (CCU), National Technical Assistance Centre (NTAC) and the National Communications Data Services (NCDS). The Accelerated Capabilities Environment (ACE) and the Internet Data Unit (iDU) are key delivery partners,
At full operating capability, TRACER will provide the opportunity and threat management for digital communications associated with investigations using digital means and will develop qualified propositions detailing how the community could reduce the risk associated with those identified threats. The current scope of this threat and opportunities management is IPA related covering Communications Data (CD), Targeted Interception (TI) and Targeted Equipment Interference (TEI).

Job description

TRACER is searching for senior digital analysts to join the OTAC team.

This role will involve managing a team of analysts (and other OTAC team members) co-ordinating their work and providing technical and professional advice as required. You will need to work collaboratively with a range of people across LEA, UKIC, Academia and Industry building a strong stakeholder network. You will be responsible for reviewing and assessing the analytical outputs of your team and managing the delivery & communication of these to ensure they reach the required recipients in a secure and appropriate way. You will work closely with the OTAC Release Authority to ensure TRACER information handling protocols are appropriate and support your G3 in undertaking briefings and presentations, both internally and externally.

With a genuine interest in digital communications you will have excellent communication skills and strong leadership qualities. You will have an ability to develop relationships with a variety of stakeholders, can work in a fast moving, agile environment and handle ambiguity and uncertainty. You will need to be highly organised yet adaptable and be self-motivated as well as having the ability to motivate your team. The confidence to present to a wide range of people is key as is the ability to provide constructive feedback in a professional manner.
 

Responsibilities

Key Activities include:

• Research, evaluate and analyse digital intelligence and information gathered from a range of sources including open source, academia, industry and operations
• Manage and co-ordinate the work of your analysts (and other OTAC team members) and provide technical and professional advice and guidance as required
• Review and assess the analytical outputs of your team to ensure their assessments are well supported, robust and reflect the high professional standards of TRACER
• Lead, innovate and co-ordinate OTAC activities which could include horizon scanning, intelligence collection, running data capture workshops, event management and producing updates for the TRACER DD
• Build a network of stakeholders, interested parties and experts and proactively manage these relationships
• Manage the communication and delivery of analytical outputs including presentations and verbal or written briefings
• Actively support the G3 and Head of OTAC in developing, reviewing and disseminating the quarterly updates of the Strategic Threat and Risk Assessment (STRA)
• Deliver briefings and presentations to the wider TRACER team, NCA & law enforcement, Home Office & wider government on the threat picture
• Work closely with the TRACER Release Authority to ensure that information is handled sensitively and securely and that your team are fully aware of and adhering to all the information handling protocols
• Maintain an awareness of developments and good practice in analysis
• Manage and develop your team to ensure they receive the right training and support their continued personal development
• Encourage and support innovation in the introduction and application of analytical tools and techniques
• Seek ways to enhance your understanding of the wider law enforcement community, UKIC, digital landscape and legal frameworks within which they operate
• Constantly look at ways to improve and develop the OTAC ways of working
• Actively and positively promote the work of TRACER and the impact it is having on the wider law enforcement community
• Provide support to colleagues within OTAC and the wider TRACER team and deputise for your G3 as required

Those involved in child sexual abuse and exploitation target the most vulnerable and innocent members of our community. The NCA works tirelessly and diligently against these individuals and you may be expected to work directly or indirectly in tackling this threat.

This may involve exposure to child sexual abuse images and material and you should consider and be aware of the sensitive nature of the work before deciding to apply.
To provide support all officers working on or assisting this type of operational activity undergo a psychological assessment prior to taking up the role and at regular intervals once in post.

By applying you confirm that, if asked, you will be willing to work with us on operations to tackle these serious and high-risk offenders.

These roles are available on a permanent basis, secondment basis or Fixed Term appointment.

To be considered, you will need to successful complete an SC Enhanced clearance upon entry.

You will also be required to undertake a mandatory pre-employment substance misuse test and achieve a satisfactory result.

***All NCA officers must hold SC Enhanced upon entry as a minimum. To meet the National Security Vetting requirements for this role you will need to have resided in the UK for a minimum of 3 out of the past 5 years. For more information please see the Candidate information Pack***

Technical skills

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

• Good understanding of, and interest in, digital technologies.
• Good understanding of information management and data integrity
• Experience of analysis and development of hypotheses to make recommendations and support decision making
• Experience of researching and gathering information from a wide range of sources
• Experience of working collaboratively across a range of organisations.

Security

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check