The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is recruiting Cyber Security Specialists to fill permanent positions in Dublin. This is an exceptional opportunity for experienced cyber security professionals to play a frontline role in protecting Ireland’s critical national infrastructure and digital systems. Two specialist streams are open: Operations and Resilience/Compliance.
About the Organisation
The NCSC is an operational arm of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. It leads the management of major cyber security incidents across government, provides guidance to citizens and businesses on cyber threats, and maintains strong international relationships for information sharing. The NCSC also advises Government IT and Critical National Infrastructure providers on network and information security vulnerabilities, and holds a central role in implementing the EU’s NIS2 Directive across Ireland.
About the Roles
Reporting to a Principal Cyber Security Specialist, successful candidates will join a technologically complex and rapidly evolving organisation with dynamic, agile teams and established processes. Two distinct specialisms are available:
Role 1 – Cyber Security Specialist (Operations)
The Operations Specialist will work in one of the following areas: cyber security incident response, cyber threat intelligence collection, or malware and forensic analysis.
Key Responsibilities — Operations
- Operating, sustaining and developing the NCSC’s cyber security monitoring, malware and forensic analysis functions and associated threat intelligence platforms
- Preparing for, responding to and investigating national cyber security incidents; contributing to national strategy and planning
- Collecting, analysing and distributing cyber threat intelligence (CTI)
- Planning and project management of technical projects and producing technical reports
- Co-ordinating national, EU and international activities, including cyber exercises
- Developing and maintaining relationships with national, EU and international peers and stakeholders
- Participating in cyber security working groups nationally and internationally to support information sharing and best practice
- Managing individual and team performance and development within the relevant Directorate
Role 2 – Cyber Security Specialist (Resilience/Compliance)
The Resilience/Compliance Specialist will work across areas including engagement, critical infrastructure protection, strategic threat analysis, compliance, capacity building, certification, corporate governance and project management.
Key Responsibilities — Resilience/Compliance
- Implementing national and EU cyber security policy, including the NIS2 Directive, EU Cyber Security Act, risk management, certification, telecoms security, information sharing and supply chain security
- Assisting in the development of systems, processes and legislation for the implementation of cyber security policy in Ireland
- Co-ordinating national, EU and international activities including cyber exercises
- Participating in cyber security working groups to develop guidelines, best practice and new legislation
- Assessing compliance with NIS2 security measures, facilitating audits and implementing enforcement measures where appropriate
- Engaging externally on cybersecurity awareness raising with Government, academia and industry, including critical infrastructure stakeholders
- Conducting evidence-based strategic risk assessments and advising senior decision makers
- Engaging with national and European cybersecurity certification schemes
- Assisting in developing the National Cybersecurity Coordination and Development Centre Ireland (NCC-IE)
Requirements and Qualifications
Role 1 – Operations (Essential)
- A qualification at minimum Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) — or NARIC Ireland equivalent — in Cyber Security, Computer Science or a related discipline
- At least 3 years’ recent (within the last 5 years) relevant experience in Cyber Security or Information Technology
- Comprehensive knowledge of cyber security developments including incident response, CTI, digital forensics, network investigations, malware analysis and OSINT
- Proven ability to troubleshoot technical issues and mitigate risks at a senior level
- Proven track record of achieving results with a wide range of stakeholders
- Ability to lead, manage and develop a team
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including technical report writing for both technical and non-technical audiences
- Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated capacity to build collaborative relationships
- Demonstrated commitment to Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and innovation
Role 2 – Resilience/Compliance (Essential)
- A qualification at minimum Level 7 NFQ (or NARIC Ireland equivalent) in a relevant discipline
- At least 3 years’ recent (within the last 5 years) relevant experience in Cyber Security, Compliance/Audit, Risk Management or Public Policy
- Recent experience in developing and implementing policies, strategies and/or managing complex projects in cyber, risk or related areas
- Proven track record of achieving results with a wide range of stakeholders
- Ability to lead, manage and develop a team
- Excellent oral and written communication skills including technical and policy reporting
- Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated capacity to build collaborative relationships
- Demonstrated commitment to CPD and innovation
Desirable (both roles): Recognised certifications from bodies such as ISACA, GIAC, SANS, CREST or ISC2; project management experience; existing EU, NATO or National Security clearances.
Salary
€87,510 – €109,216 per annum (salary starting at €87,510 with annual increments for satisfactory performance, rising to €109,216 at LSI2). Additional benefits include a public sector pension, 30 days annual leave, cycle to work scheme, tax saver transport pass, and access to a Public Service Credit Union.
Location
National Cyber Security Centre, Tom Johnson House, Haddington Road, Dublin 4 (D04 K7X4). Blended working arrangements are in place, subject to business needs. Some travel to client, stakeholder and site meetings may be required, with travel and subsistence paid in accordance with Civil Service regulations.
Contract Type
Permanent — Civil Service
Application Details
Applications must be submitted online via www.publicjobs.ie. Candidates may apply for both roles on a single application form, but must ensure they meet the eligibility requirements for each role selected.
New users must register on the publicjobs platform before applying. Once registered and verified, return to the vacancy listing and click “Apply”. Ensure all sections of the application form are fully completed and submitted — unsubmitted applications will not be considered.
Successful candidates will be placed on a panel in order of merit. It is not expected that appointments will be made from these panels after January 2028.
Reference: 6123
Campaign Information
Interviews are expected to commence from early July 2026. Candidates should monitor their publicjobs Application Centre for updates, as notifications may be filtered to junk/spam folders. Please add @publicjobs.tal.net to your safe senders list.
The Candidate Information Booklet, Eligibility to Compete and Principal Conditions of Service documents are available to download from the publicjobs listing.
Informal Enquiries
For queries regarding this competition, contact:
Alex Rogers
Recruitment & Selection, publicjobs
Email: midvolrecruitment@publicjobs.ie
If you do not receive an acknowledgement of receipt within 24 hours of submitting your application, email: alex.rogers@publicjobs.ie
