Chief Digital and Information Officer

Job Title: Chief Digital and Information Officer

Organisation: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)

Terms: Permanent, up to £162,500 (SCS2 Grade)

Benefits: Civil Service pension scheme (28.97%) and annual leave starting at 25 days leave per annum

Location: London or East Kilbride (hybrid working policy of a minimum of 60% in the office)

Allen Lane is privileged to be supporting Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in their appointment of a Chief Digital and Information Officer – a unique career opportunity of critical importance both domestically and internationally.

The FCDO has a central role to play in delivering the Government’s priorities, creating a more secure and prosperous UK and world. We use our global convening power, work closely with businesses, allies, and partners, and build our best-in-class capability and reputation in all aspects of our work: crisis response, consular, diplomatic, development and intelligence.

This opportunity presents itself at a crucial moment in time for the Department. Following the successful merger for the FCO and DFID, one of the Great Offices of State is now on the cusp of an exciting digital transformation that will drive the Department’s mission.

By integrating cutting-edge technologies, the FCDO will continue to enhance efficiency, strengthen international collaboration and deliver exceptional outcomes for the British people and the world. Our CDIO will drive our ambitious digital, data and cyber transformation strategy. You will play a pivotal role in embedding digital innovation into our business, ensuring that we remain agile and responsive to the fast-changing technological environment. You will form part of the senior leadership team that drives genuine change across the organisation and enables the FCDO to deliver every day in every part of the world.

This is an opportunity to inspire and be inspired on a daily basis. A fascinating and rewarding job, working on something that is worthwhile, at the centre of world events and making a positive difference to people’s lives across the globe.

As CDIO, you will be responsible for delivering world class secure IT, digital and data services for more than 17,000 FCDO employees in 280 overseas embassies and high commissions, as well as involved in the Government’s ambitious digital agenda.

You will be responsible for driving “FCDO 2030”, which will deliver a more efficient, streamlined and impactful department and meet the Foreign Secretary’s vision to make the FCDO a world leading digital foreign affairs ministry. Reporting to the FCDO Chief Operating Officer, you will be responsible for an annual budget of £230m, growing significantly over the next few years to help drive a digital transformation programme. You will also manage a growing professional team of over 400 based across our London, Milton Keynes, East Kilbride and overseas offices.

In a demanding and complex role, the FCDO expect applicants to demonstrate their skills, experience and capability against the following essential criteria in their application:

• Demonstrable experience of being an excellent strategic thinker and technology leader who is experienced in delivering large digital transformation and building relationships at the most senior levels across complex organisations.
• Evidence of being a technology leader with a strong track record of setting clear strategic direction and leading a large and geographically dispersed team through a period of significant change and a proven track record in delivering large-scale and complex project and programme management, driving value for money.
• Evidence of delivering results through innovation and more efficient ways of working, operating with technical experience, commercial nous and expertise in secure IT services.
• Experience operating at the most senior level, equivalent to Board and Ministerial, across and outside an organisation of scale, with the ability to communicate with clarity and enthusiasm and to collaborate and build effective load bearing relationships.

It is important that your application provides evidence and examples that meet these criteria. A deep technical knowledge of foreign policy and wider Government priorities is not critical; however, an interest and an aptitude for learning will be expected.

Click here to view a comprehensive candidate pack, containing further information on the Department, person specification and the context of role.

How to apply: applicants must provide a tailored CV, supporting statement (no longer than two pages) explaining your suitability for the role and a completed diversity monitoring form.

The application deadline is Monday 28th July by 9:00am. Applications must be sent to [email protected].

This role can be based at one of our Headquarters offices in London or East Kilbride, but please note that due to the nature of the role, frequent travel to our King Charles Street, London HQ is required if you are based in East Kilbride. Occasional international travel will be required. The FCDO operates with a hybrid working policy of a minimum of 60% in the office.

The terms of the employment include access to the Civil Service pension scheme (employer contribution of 28.97%) and annual leave starting at 25 days leave per annum.

If successful you must hold, or be willing to obtain, security clearance to DV level. All offers of appointment will be subject to achieving DV level clearance. You must have been resident in the UK for five out of the last ten years immediately prior to your application.

We want the modern FCDO to reflect the very best of 21st century Britain. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified applicants, irrespective of background or circumstances.

Please note, the Easy Apply feature on LinkedIn does not constitute a formal application to this role.