Security Architect - Senior for Cyber Security

Assignment: RQ00824 - Security Architect - Senior

Requisition: RQ00824

Job Title: Security Architect - Senior for Cyber Security

Client: Ontario Health

Start Date: 2026-11-30

End Date: 2027-08-10

Department: Digital Excellence in Health

Office Location: 525 University Ave, Toronto

Business Days: 175.00

Location: Up to 3 days onsite (subject to HM's discretion)

Public Sector Experience: Nice to Have

Must Haves:

• 1.Cyber Security Incident Response (CSIRT) Experience
  • Demonstrated experience in coordinating and managing cyber incidents (not just participating)
  • Experience working in CSIRT/SOC environments
  • Involvement in incident lifecycle (triage, coordination, recovery, post-incident reviews)
  • Experience supporting cross-functional and external stakeholder engagement during incidents
• 2.Cyber Security Incident Response - Communication, Reporting & Program Maturity
  • Proven ability to communicate effectively during incident situations, including with external stakeholders
  • Strong experience in developing incident reports, executive briefings, and communicationsExperience building or improving procedures, playbooks, policies, and standards
  • Demonstrated contribution to program maturity, governance, and process improvement, including awareness of AI-driven threats and experience aligning incident response / Zero Trust work to broader program workstreams
• 3.Zero Trust Implementation (Hands-On Delivery)
  • Proven hands-on experience implementing Zero Trust technologies, especially in identity and access management (IAM)
  • Ability to identify gaps in identity, access, and security architecture
  • Experience translating Zero Trust concepts into operational controls and outcomes
  • Demonstrated involvement in implementation-not just strategy or design
• 4.Identity & Network Security Expertise (Zero Trust Enablers)
  • Strong experience with identity security controls (MFA, Conditional Access, RBAC, PAM/PIM, Entra ID)
  • Working knowledge of network security aligned to Zero Trust (segmentation, secure access models, ZTNA)
  • Experience integrating identity and network controls into operational environments

Description

Background Information:

• The purpose of this request is to onboard a contingent cyber security resource to support the Director, Cyber Security Defence & Resilience, with both operational and strategic initiatives across the Agency and the broader health sector.
• This role will focus on two primary areas:
• Cyber Security Incident Response (CSIR): Enhancing program maturity, strengthening governance, and supporting the coordination of day-to-day cyber security incidents across the Agency and the health sector. A strong emphasis will be placed on communication, stakeholder engagement (including external audiences), and high-quality reporting, along with the development of procedures, policies, and standards.
• Zero Trust Implementation: Supporting the hands-on implementation and operationalization of Zero Trust principles and technologies across the enterprise. This includes assessing current security architecture, identifying gaps in identity, access, and network security controls, and working closely with Cyber Security Defence(CSD), Information Security Office (ISO), and operational teams to implement practical, integrated solutions.
• This role is not deeply technical (e.g., digital forensics), but requires a strong background and hands-on in CSIRT/Security Operations and Zero Trust implementation to ensure delivery of real, measurable outcomes and an operational Zero Trust model.
• This engagement sits within Agency's broader AI-Driven Risk Program and mitigation plan, established in response to the rapid rise of adversarial AI capabilities that are increasing the volume, speed, and complexity of cyber attacks across the health sector. The plan is being executed through serval workstreams spanning "Prevent & Reduce Exposure," "Detect, Contain & Respond," and "Outpace the Adversary." While this role is focused primarily on Cyber Security Incident Response and Zero Trust implementation, the resource is expected to align their work to, and support the relevant workstreams - recognizing that Zero Trust and incident response are central enablers of the organization's ability to defend at machine speed.

Responsibilities:

• CSIRT (Cyber Security Incident Response Team):
• Lead program maturity initiatives, including:
• Developing and maintaining incident response procedures, playbooks, policies, and standards
• Establishing and improving incident response governance, processes, and workflows
• Defining KPIs, metrics, and reporting for program effectiveness
• Supporting tabletop exercises and simulation activities
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the Agency and the health sector to:
• Support coordinated incident response and communication
• Provide advisory support during sector-wide cyber incidents
• Promote cyber resilience and standardized security practices
• Support incident response readiness for AI-accelerated / machine-speed threats, including faster containment and "breach vs. break" decision playbooks
• Support and enhance the Cyber Security Incident Response program, including:
• Coordinating cyber incident response activities across internal teams and external stakeholders
• Acting as a key point of contact for incident communications, including engagement with external partners and sector organizations
• Developing incident reports, executive briefings, and communication materials
• Supporting incident response activities (non-forensic), leveraging CSIRT/SOC experience
• Zero-Trust
• Drive practical integration across domains, including:
• Translating Zero Trust principles into enforceable controls, processes, and standards
• Supporting alignment across identity, endpoint, and network security components
• Bridging strategy, architecture, and day-to-day operations
• Align Zero Trust and identity work to the program's workstreams - particularly legacy modernization & Zero-Trust controls, Securing external doors (MFA/Conditional Access), and accelerated vulnerability remediation - contributing to these efforts at a supporting level
• Support and deliver Zero Trust implementation, including:
• Assessing current-state architecture and identifying gaps in identity, access, and network security controls
• Supporting or leading hands-on implementation of Zero Trust-aligned technologies, particularly in identity
• Working closely with technical teams to configure, integrate, and operationalize security solutions
• Ensuring Zero Trust capabilities are embedded into operational practices, not just deployed

Desired Skills:

• Experience in healthcare or public sector environments, particularly Ontario health sector
• Familiarity with regulatory and security frameworks (e.g., PHIPA, NIST CSF, ISO 27001)
• Experience supporting cross-organizational incident response coordination
• Experience implementing Conditional Access, PAM/PIM (Privileged Access Management/Privileged Identity Management), or identity governance solutions
• Exposure to Zero Trust maturity models or assessments
• Knowledge of cloud security environments
• Experience with network micro-segmentation or Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
• Experience with SOAR (Security Orchestration Automation and Response) platforms or automation of incident workflows
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM, GIAC, Azure Security Engineer)
• Familiarity with defending against AI-driven / adversarial-AI threats and machine-speed attack techniques
• Exposure to program-delivery models where security work is organized into coordinated workstreams (e.g., attack-surface reduction, CTEM, AI-enabled detection)

Required Skills:

• Minimum 7 10 years of experience in cyber security, with strong exposure to Incident Response / Security Operations (CSIRT/SOC)
• Proven experience coordinating and managing cyber incidents, including communication with internal and external stakeholders
• Strong ability to produce clear, concise reports, executive briefings, and incident communications
• Experience developing incident response procedures, policies, standards, and playbooks
• Proven hands-on experience implementing Zero Trust technologies, particularly in identity and access management (IAM)
• Demonstrated ability to assess security environments and identify gaps, especially across identity and network security domains
• Strong experience with identity-focused controls (e.g., MFA, Conditional Access, identity governance, privileged access)
• Practical experience translating Zero Trust concepts into operational controls and measurable outcomes
• Experience working with Microsoft security ecosystem (e.g., Defender, Sentinel, Entra ID) and AWS security ecosystem (e.g., Guard Duty, Security Hub,
• Solid understanding of network security concepts aligned to Zero Trust (e.g., segmentation, secure access models)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level engagement
• Working awareness of the modern AI-driven threat landscape (e.g., AI-accelerated exploitation, automated / machine-speed attacks) and its implications for incident response and Zero Trust priorities

Strong expertise in:

• Cyber Security Incident Response coordination and program maturity
• Security Operations / CSIRT environments
• Zero Trust implementation (not just strategy)
• Identity and Access Management (IAM) as a core Zero Trust pillar
• Network security principles supporting Zero Trust architectures

Demonstrated ability to:

• Assess environments and identify control gaps, particularly in identity and access
• Implement and operationalize security technologies, ensuring adoption into daily operations
• Translate Zero Trust concepts into practical, measurable solutions
• Develop policies, procedures, playbooks, and standards
• Produce high-quality reporting and executive communications
• Solid understanding of:
• Incident response lifecycle (aligned to NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) or industry standards)
• Modern cyber threat landscape and attack vectors

Core competencies:

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills (internal and external)
• Ability to operate in high-pressure incident environments
• Analytical thinking and structured problem-solving
• Ability to bridge technical teams and leadership audiences
• Strong focus on execution, delivery, and measurable outcomes

Required Experience:

• 1.Cyber Security Incident Response (CSIRT) Experience
  • Demonstrated experience in coordinating and managing cyber incidents (not just participating)
  • Experience working in CSIRT/SOC environments
  • Involvement in incident lifecycle (triage, coordination, recovery, post-incident reviews)
  • Experience supporting cross-functional and external stakeholder engagement during incidents
• 2.Cyber Security Incident Response - Communication, Reporting & Program Maturity
  • Proven ability to communicate effectively during incident situations, including with external stakeholders
  • Strong experience in developing incident reports, executive briefings, and communicationsExperience building or improving procedures, playbooks, policies, and standards
  • Demonstrated contribution to program maturity, governance, and process improvement, including awareness of AI-driven threats and experience aligning incident response / Zero Trust work to broader program workstreams
• 3.Zero Trust Implementation (Hands-On Delivery)
  • Proven hands-on experience implementing Zero Trust technologies, especially in identity and access management (IAM)
  • Ability to identify gaps in identity, access, and security architecture
  • Experience translating Zero Trust concepts into operational controls and outcomes
  • Demonstrated involvement in implementation-not just strategy or design
• 4.Identity & Network Security Expertise (Zero Trust Enablers)
  • Strong experience with identity security controls (MFA, Conditional Access, RBAC, PAM/PIM, Entra ID)
  • Working knowledge of network security aligned to Zero Trust (segmentation, secure access models, ZTNA)
  • Experience integrating identity and network controls into operational environments

Additional Deliverables

• Deliverables are not limited to the above and may evolve based on:
  • Organizational priorities
  • Emerging threats or incident activity
  • Maturity needs across CSIRT and Zero Trust initiatives
• The resource is expected to adapt to changing requirements and contribute broadly to:
  • Cyber security program maturity
  • Operational effectiveness and resilience
  • Alignment to the AI-Driven Risk Mitigation Program
• Ensure CSIRT and Zero Trust deliverables are consistent with, and reference, the relevant workstreams within the workstream program
• Where applicable, provide input into workstreams tied to identity, access, and Zero Trust controls (e.g., securing external doors, legacy / Zero-Trust modernization) and to incident-response acceleration for AI-era threats
• Contribute to reporting that connects incident response and Zero Trust progress to the program's overall risk-reduction objectives

Deliverables

Cyber Security Incident Response (CSIRT) Program

• Mature the CSIRT Program
• Review, update, and enhance Incident Response (IR) standards, policies, procedures, and playbooks
• Document and standardize end-to-end incident response workflows across internal teams
• Work with internal stakeholders and external partners to align workflows, clarify roles/responsibilities, and improve coordination
• Ensure alignment with industry standards (e.g., NIST) and organizational requirements
• Support CSIRT Operations
• Act as a lead responder / coordinator for:
• Confirmed internal security incidents
• Large-scale or high-impact external cyber security incidents affecting the sector
• Lead incident coordination, stakeholder communication, and reporting activities
• Produce incident reports, executive briefings, and communication artifacts
• Conduct and document post-incident reviews (lessons learned) and track improvement actions
• Enhance Communication & Reporting
• Establish or refine incident communication protocols, including external stakeholder engagement
• Develop standardized reporting templates and communication materials (e.g., SITREPs, executive summaries)

Zero Trust Implementation

• Current-State Assessment & Gap Analysis
• Work with internal teams to assess the current security posture, with a focus on:
• Identity and access management controls
• Network security posture (segmentation, access models)
• Identify and document gaps against the defined Zero Trust framework and architecture
• Tactical Implementation Planning
• Develop a practical, prioritized implementation plan to address identified gaps
• Focus on key Zero Trust pillars, particularly:
• Identity (e.g., MFA, Conditional Access, privileged access)
• Network security (e.g., segmentation, secure access models)
• Hands-On Implementation & Operationalization
• Support and/or lead implementation of Zero Trust-aligned technologies
• Work directly with technical teams to configure, integrate, and operationalize solutions
• Ensure controls are embedded into day-to-day operations and delivering measurable outcomes
• Standards & Integration
• Develop and refine Zero Trust standards, implementation patterns, and guidance
• Ensure alignment and integration across identity, endpoint, and network security domains

Additional Terms

• The term of this Engagement Assignment is for 175 Business Days, with an option to extend for up to an additional 250 days at the Agency's discretion. The Engagement Assignment may be extended for unused Business Days at the Agency's discretion.
• The resource will comply with the Agency's policies and procedures.
• The resource will be issued an Agency laptop and is expected to provide at least one additional monitor, an external keyboard and a mouse at their own expense. In addition, when the resource is working from their home location they must have a private office space and are not permitted to work in an open communal space. Internet connection must be hard-wired and suitable bandwidth to support the IT requirements of this role. If these conditions cannot be met within their home office space, the resource will transition to full time in office, and the hybrid option will no longer be available.
• The Agency systems cannot be accessed from outside the province of Ontario, and Agency assets including laptops and related equipment cannot be removed from the province of Ontario, without prior written approval from the Agency.
• Assignment Type: This position is currently listed as "Hybrid". The resource under this request will be required to work onsite as per Hiring Manager sole discretion.

Knowledge Transfer

• The resource will ensure comprehensive and continuous knowledge transfer to the Agency team throughout the duration of the engagement, with a formal transition period prior to contract completion. Knowledge transfer will not be deferred solely to the end of the engagement, but conducted on an ongoing basis as information is developed and consolidated.
• The resource must provide and maintain complete, up-to-date documentation, including but not limited to:
  • Incident Response standards, policies, procedures, and playbooks
  • Documented workflows (internal and external coordination)
  • Incident communication templates and reporting materials
  • Zero Trust assessments, gap analysis, and implementation plans
  • Configuration and operational guidance for implemented technologies (identity and network)
  • All documentation will be reviewed with appropriate team leads and formally validated and approved by the manager/director to ensure accuracy, completeness, and usability.
• The resource will work collaboratively with internal teams to ensure:
  • Knowledge sharing is embedded in day-to-day activities
  • Key deliverables, milestones, and decisions are communicated and understood
  • Internal staff are enabled to independently operate and sustain the processes and solutions implemented
  • The resource will conduct structured knowledge transfer sessions, including:
  • Walkthroughs of Incident Response processes and workflows
  • Briefings on incident coordination practices and communication protocols
  • Deep dives into Zero Trust implementation decisions, configurations, and operational models
• A formal transition / handover plan must be developed and executed prior to the end of the engagement, including:
  • Identification of knowledge owners within the Agency team
  • Transition of operational responsibilities
  • Confirmation that all key processes and controls are fully operational and understood
  • The resource will provide walkthroughs and demonstrations of any implemented solutions, including:
  • Technology configurations (e.g., identity and access controls, network security controls)
  • Integration points and dependencies
  • Operational procedures required to maintain and support the solutions
• Success of knowledge transfer will be measured by:
  • The Agency team's ability to execute incident response processes independently
  • The Agency's ability to maintain and operate Zero Trust controls without vendor reliance
  • Completion and approval of all documentation and transition deliverables