Security Operations Specialist

Specialist, Security Operations

Test Center Security Operations (Not related to cybersecurity)

Basic Description & Role Objective:

• This position interfaces with test centers, candidates, internal staff, management & Pearson English Language Learning (ELL) to investigate & report compliance with security requirements in the business.

• This position is also responsible for the design, implementation & tracking of existing, new quality & security procedures, policies & programs for the Pearson Language Testing (PLT) program.

• It is essential that the individual supports & implements the company policies & procedures around Quality, Security, Health & Safety.
  

Key Responsibilities:

• Investigate PLT security incidents and risks, and proactively own their resolution.

• Pro-actively monitor the global testing channel for PLT security risks by utilizing existing reports or creating new reports to investigate new security trends.

• Manage the systematic risk profiling of countries/regions for PLT testing.
  As required, recommend and implement corrective actions such as re-training, suspension or termination of testing centers, and revoking candidate results on request from PLT.

• Make recommendations for technology and process improvements to support security policies and initiatives.

• To run, investigate in conjunction with the global security teams as necessary, and report to PLT, the outcome of daily result hold reports.

• Maintain an issues and risks log pertaining to PLT compliance and security.

• Maintain regulatory and governmental accreditation, ensuring continuing adherence to relevant criteria, and evaluate compliance against that criteria and highlight areas of concern.

• Compile mandatory Home Office and regulator data submissions.
  Assist with any escalated test center issues in order to resolve them by liaising with operational teams as necessary.

• Be an ‘expert and spokesperson’ to all internal parties, to raise the internal awareness and mindshare of the security message.

• Act as an escalation point for PLT security issues and in turn, escalate where appropriate to the Manager, EMEA Special Investigations.
  

Key Tasks:

• Conduct thorough investigations into security risks and incidents, working with internal staff, systems and data, as well as third parties to assemble the required information.

• Maintain accurate and extensive documentation of results, using the Global Security SharePoint system to document all actions in the case or security task, and all evidence collated.

• Timely reporting of the status of investigations to all internal sections and ELL.

• Implement effective corrective actions, post investigation or integrity shop such as  - Requesting staff re-training, issuing formal warnings to the PVTC sites or formally closing down a PVTC site, following the legal guidance and templates issued.

• Run the daily results hold reports and conduct investigations as appropriate, including collaboration with global security teams. Update ELL on result holds daily, and keep extensive records of results, including any test sponsor decisions on status of individual candidate results.

• For the PLT testing program, timely report any instances of misconduct and review evidence available to recommend revocation or reset of candidate tests.

• Pro-actively monitor the global testing channels for PLT tests to ensure test  security, by utilizing the reports available to examine new security trends uncovered. 

• Create and manage risk profiling of countries/regions specific to PLT program.

• Keep informed of all new global security risks by attending global investigation meetings and discussing security trends with the global security teams and reading cases on SharePoint.

• Develop, maintain and communicate efficient security processes to relevant parties.

• Assist with Pearson English International Certificate (PEIC) reviews and client requests.
  

Essential skills, qualifications & competences:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a related field, such as information security, operations or project management, research or investigation.

• At least 4 years experience in a related function, involving management of security / fraud investigations and resolution.

• Experience of gathering and presenting information to support legal actions.

• Attention to detail and a strong level of commitment to a task.
  Excellent communication skills, both verbally and written, aiding in influencing and persuading external parties.

• Time management and prioritization skills, leading to the ability to balance the demands of multiple projects at any given time.

• Evidence of problem solving and analytical skills, both in line with established processes and procedures, and also using creativity to develop innovative new policies.

• The ability to exercise discretion in the conduct of sensitive investigations into security breaches.

• Sound working knowledge of the Microsoft office suite and associated packages including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Co-Pilot.
  

Preferred Skills:

• Prior investigation work and experience of collating evidence to legal standards.

• Experience & understanding of the testing industry preferred.
  

Working Arrangements:

• Hybrid & affiliated with Noida India Head Office.

• Potential for international travel to other offices, or the premises of clients & other partners.

• Full time position.

• Extended hours working may be required in peak periods.

 

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Experience Level

Entry Level