At FCDO Services, we’re experts in providing secure IT systems and solutions for government-level customers, including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Whether we’re fitting embassies with cutting-edge security systems or hosting sensitive information safely in the Cloud, our work is both vital and wide ranging.

Where do you come in? As our Chief Architect, you’ll be the one leading the way and setting the high standards for our technology architecture. It’s a role packed with influence – and it’s one where you’ll find impact on a global scale.

Shape solutions that protect the nation’s interests

To deliver for our government customers with complex needs, we have to design top-quality solutions and use the very latest technologies. You’ll make sure we do just that. With your deep expertise, you’ll feel at home providing specialist architecture advice to customers and colleagues alike. In fact, you’ll be the leading technical architecture authority for FCDO Services, representing us across government forums and departments. That’s why you’ll need to be a natural at building relationships, and always be reliable, responsive and easy to work with.

Use your expertise to support rare technology projects

Leading a team of experienced technology architects, you’ll support on some of the country’s most critical technology projects and services – an opportunity that’s rare to find.
You’ll be focused on empowering and inspiring the team, helping them maintain the very highest standards in architecture design. You’ll coach and mentor the wider architecture community too, always on the look-out for opportunities and on the pulse of emerging technologies.

Solve complex challenges and have lasting impact

With an in-depth understanding of IT security principles, you’ll tackle complex technical challenges with confidence. Not only that, you’ll have the know-how to define our overarching technical roadmaps and IT technical strategy. It’s why we’ll expect to see enterprise architecture experience, as well as experience of leading an architecture community and working in a government technology environment.

So yes, we’ll expect a lot from our Chief Architect. But you’ll get a lot back too. Aside from the exciting challenges of a role full of variety and impact, you’ll have a Civil Service pension, flexible working options, and other benefits. And you’ll keep developing with training and opportunities to stay up to date with best practice and new technologies. In short, it’s your job, bigger.

All of our employees have to be security cleared before being appointed, so you will need to undergo a vetting process as part of your application. This role requires you to go through DV. You can find out more about vetting on our website.

You can find out more about careers with us on our website at https://www.fcdoservicescareers.co.uk/career-areas/digital-data-and-technology/ Or, why not read what our Director of Technology and Operations has to say about her early career, joining FCDO Services and why there’s far more to tech than coding here: https://www.fcdoservicescareers.co.uk/whats-new/a-personal-journey-to-a-career-in-tech-from-a-female-leader/

Hanslope Park based posts attract a Location Allowance of £1,750 per annum.

FCDO Services are regulated by the Civil Service Commission.


It takes a diverse team to protect a diverse world.

The vital work we do takes an incredible community of colleagues, with different skills, backgrounds, cultures and identities. We support every individual, so that you always know you’re welcome and valued. It’s what makes us a Disability Confident employer. And Employers for Carers. And it’s how you know you’re joining an inspiring, inclusive organisation.