NFI Senior Programme Specialist – Cabinet Office | Remote UK Civil Service Job
The Cabinet Office is recruiting a Senior Programme Specialist for the National Fraud Initiative (NFI), offering a salary of up to £53,629 per year, depending on location.
This permanent Civil Service opportunity is open to applicants with strong data analysis, fraud prevention and project management experience. The role can be performed remotely from anywhere in the UK, although occasional travel for in-person meetings across the country is required.
Visa sponsorship: Not stated in the vacancy advert. Applicants should confirm eligibility and sponsorship availability directly with the recruitment team before applying.
Job Overview
- Job title: NFI Senior Programme Specialist
- Employer: Cabinet Office – Public Sector Fraud Authority
- Salary: £45,292–£53,629 per year
- National salary: £45,292–£49,073
- London salary: £49,458–£53,629
- Job grade: Senior Executive Officer (SEO)
- Contract: Permanent
- Vacancies: 1
- Location: Remote working anywhere in the UK
- Working pattern: Full-time, with flexible working and job-share options advertised
- Reference number: 481894
- Closing date: Wednesday, 21 October 2026, at 11:55 pm
About the Role
The National Fraud Initiative is part of the Public Sector Fraud Authority’s Data, Analytics and AI Team. It works with organisations across local government, the NHS, central government and the private sector to identify and prevent fraud and error.
As a Senior Programme Specialist within the Operational Delivery Team, you will support programme delivery, manage complex data-matching activities and help maximise the financial benefits of fraud prevention.
The NFI aims to help participating organisations detect and prevent up to £150 million in fraud and error annually.
Although the role is remote, you must be willing to travel for meetings, which may take place in Stoke-on-Trent, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle upon Tyne, York, London or Glasgow.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the delivery of data-matching exercises for approximately 1,000 participating organisations.
- Analyse fraud and error outcomes and help maximise the financial benefits of NFI services.
- Manage team priorities, project milestones and delivery targets using project management tools.
- Lead complex data areas, including data-matching pilots and improvements to the NFI web application.
- Coordinate programme developments, monitor contractor performance and manage delivery risks.
- Help onboard new public and private sector participants through workshops, presentations, communications and guidance.
- Develop and improve management information reports to support programme performance.
- Research and implement evidence-based methods for estimating fraud prevention and detection savings.
- Maintain relationships with senior stakeholders and ensure the accuracy and reliability of reported outcomes.
Essential Requirements
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Experience and strong technical understanding of complex data-processing operations.
- A background in data analysis, counter-fraud or a related field.
- Technical knowledge of fraud prevention and detection methods.
- Advanced analytical skills, including manipulating complex datasets to identify patterns, anomalies and outliers.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong project management and organisational abilities.
- Experience managing competing priorities and supporting team performance.
- Strong interpersonal, influencing and people-management skills.
- Experience producing and developing management information reports.
- Experience building relationships with senior stakeholders.
- Familiarity with project tracking and workflow management tools.
- Proficiency with Google tools, including Docs and Sheets, and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
Desirable Experience
The following would be advantageous:
- Experience working in a remote or virtual team.
- Knowledge of data visualisation tools such as Power BI or Tableau.
- Experience engaging with local government, NHS or central government organisations.
Behaviours and Technical Assessment
The recruitment process will assess candidates against these Civil Service behaviours:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Managing a Quality Service
- Delivering at Pace
Candidates will also complete a work-based technical exercise and experience-based interview questions.
Salary, Pension and Benefits
Successful applicants can expect:
- Annual salary of £45,292–£53,629, depending on location.
- Civil Service pension with an advertised employer contribution of 28.97%.
- At least 25 days of annual leave, increasing by one day per year to a maximum of 30 days.
- Learning and development tailored to the role.
- Flexible working options and an inclusive working environment.
New entrants are normally appointed at the minimum of the relevant pay band.
Application and Selection Process
Stage 1: Online numerical test
Applicants must complete the online numerical test by 11:55 pm on 21 October 2026.
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Stage 2: CV and written application
Candidates must submit a CV and a Statement of Suitability, together with answers to three technical application questions. The combined Statement of Suitability and technical answers must not exceed 1,250 words.
The application must demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria and, where applicable, the desirable criteria.
The three questions cover:
- Motivation and virtual collaboration: Why you want to join the Public Sector Fraud Authority and how you have built effective, inclusive working relationships in remote teams.
- Technical data and project management: An example of analysing a complex dataset, the methods and tools used, how you managed competing priorities, and the results achieved.
- Stakeholder engagement and participation: How you would persuade hesitant public and private sector organisations to participate in the NFI, addressing data protection, cost-benefit concerns and the resources needed to investigate data matches.
Applications that do not meet the stated requirements will not progress.
Interview: Interviews are expected to take place remotely via Google Meet, although in-person interviews in Stoke-on-Trent may be required. The interview will assess the listed behaviours, technical skills and relevant experience.
Important Information for Applicants
- This vacancy is advertised for remote working anywhere in the UK, but travel is required.
- The role is full-time; alternative working patterns may be discussed, but availability is not guaranteed.
- The Public Sector Fraud Authority is expected to move to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) following government restructuring. Further information about potential impacts will be provided to candidates selected for interview.
- Applicants must meet the Civil Service nationality and right-to-work requirements.
- Successful candidates will undergo criminal record and baseline personnel security checks.
How to Apply
Review the full vacancy details and submit your application through the official Civil Service Jobs website before the deadline.
Recruitment contact: ricky.reed-killick1@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Source: Civil Service Jobs – Cabinet Office, Vacancy Reference 481894.
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