We are seeking an exceptional leader to join the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in the role of Chief Digital and Information Officer (SCS2), to define and deliver digital, data and technology services across the FCDO's UK and international estate.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Department for International Development (DfID) merged on 1 September 2020 to form the new Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The FCDO pursues our national interests and projects the UK as a force for good in the world. It promotes the interests of British citizens, safeguards the UK's security, defends our values, reduces poverty and tackles global challenges with international partners. This is a unique career opportunity to take up a stretching, high-profile and business critical SMS/SCS2 position within the newest ministerial department.

The FCDO employs 17,300 staff in our diplomatic and development offices worldwide, including in 280 overseas embassies and high commissions. Our UK-based staff work in our joint headquarters in King Charles Street, London and Abercrombie House, East Kilbride (and you may be based out of either with travel to both expected), with further staff based in Milton Keynes. As CDIO, the post holder will be responsible for a budget of GBP200m and lead a geographically dispersed team of 420.

The FCDO is in the first year of an ambitious transformation agenda - as CDIO you will oversee the delivery of world class IT across the department's global platform, transforming and integrating our digital, data and technology services, mitigating cyber security threats and leading the integration and merger of the existing departments.

Operating at the centre of world events, this role will be demanding and rewarding in equal measure. You will form part of the senior leadership team reporting into the Director General Finance & Corporate; your duties will include:

• Overseeing the delivery of digital, data and technology services across the FCDO's UK and international estate. This includes integration of the two separate Legacy IT systems to ensure the FCDO can function as a single organisation;
• Leading the design and delivery of the FCDO's corporate digital enterprise architecture and technology strategies;
• Delivery of live operational support for the global network. This encompasses corporate application services, portfolio and change management, software development (including business analysis and user research), data services, cyber security, knowledge, information and records management, data protection and transparency;
• Delivering a pan-Government secure IT communications network;
• Chairing the CDIO Network Board, seeking to drive efficiencies and additional benefits for One HMG and FCDO colleagues working in missions overseas.

In order to be effective in post as CDIO of a wide-reaching and influential department, it is essential applicants provide evidence and proven examples across the following selection criteria:

• An experienced technology leader and change manager with a strong track record as a collaborative, results driven and problem solving leader, who can set clear strategic direction and lead and inspire a focused team through a period of significant upheaval and challenge to deliver long-term benefits.
• A proven track record in large-scale project and programme management, operating with technical experience and commercial nous.
• High levels of personal drive and an interest and passion for innovation and delivering results through new and more efficient ways of working, underpinned by a familiarity with 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 collaborate and build effective load bearing relationships.
• Experience of leading, directing and managing large, geographically dispersed teams in a complex organisation, with the ability and gravitas to confidently challenge and influence decision making, structures and processes to lead an effective organisation.

This role is available as Full time but flexible working arrangements including job share arrangements may also be considered. The successful applicant will have access to the Civil Service pension scheme, 25 days per annum leave allowance and be required to work a minimum of 37 hours per week.

For an informal confidential discussion about the role please contact Ed Stroud at Allen Lane on .

Requests for the candidate pack and application submissions (CV, supporting statement of no more than 2 sides and diversity form) should be submitted. It is mandatory that your application includes a completed diversity monitoring form.

Please note, for security and intelligence purposes, this post is reserved for British citizens.

Closing date for applications: 09:00 on Monday 15th March 2021.

The FCDO is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and inclusion, and want our workforce to reflect the communities that we serve. We are also committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive workplace where all our people are able to bring their whole selves to work and perform at their best.

The Civil Service Commission provides assurance that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition.