UK Ministry of Defence
Business Support Officer
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EO Business Support Officer – Attaché Branch Business Support Location: Chicksands, East of England, SG17 5PR Hours: 37 hours per week
About the Role
The Attaché Branch Business Support position is embedded within the Defence Intelligence Academy at Chicksands, supporting the Military Intelligence College. The team provides critical pre-deployment training to all UK Defence Attachés/Advisors and their support staff, focusing on intelligence gathering, security awareness, and intergovernmental collaboration.
This role is a hybrid of administrative support and training coordination, engaging with senior military personnel (typically OF-6 to OF-4 officers and OR-8 to OR-6 NCOs) on three 6-week training packages annually. The Branch consists of just five personnel, requiring a highly organised, proactive approach to bridge gaps across Defence partnerships.
Key Responsibilities
You will serve as the single point of contact and core administrator for Attaché Branch operations. Core duties include:
Training & Course Support
- Coordinate and administer A Branch training courses, including aligning with internal/external partners.
- Engage with military training providers, visiting lecturers, and role-playing staff to ensure seamless programme delivery.
- Manage liaison with senior personnel, staff, and trainees, including attendees visiting from foreign and civilian agencies.
- Assist with visitor logistical arrangements and hosting security protocols.
Resource Management
- Maintain inventory and operational readiness of branch assets (equipment, databases, course materials).
- Oversee contractual services in collaboration with the Quality Management (QM) department, acting as the primary point of contact.
- Develop and refine course content in partnership with subject-matter experts.
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Policy & Compliance
- Apply recommended administrative practices within the Defence Security Advisory Team (DSAT) framework.
- Upholdisation Security Standard (BASIC) and security protocols for handling classified information.
Corporate Duties
- Comply with mandatory training obligations.
- Undertake personal development initiatives, including further civil-service-specific development.
- Support additional duties as authorised by the Commanding Officer, Military Intelligence College (CO MIC).
Person Specification
The successful candidate must demonstrate an ability to:
- Exhibit strong communication and influence, particularly with senior stakeholders.
- Combine administrative precision with adaptability in dynamic Defence environments.
- Showcase self-motivation, demonstrating initiative to anticipate challenges and pre-empt needs.
- Maintain a calm professionalism when engaging high-ranking officials.
Desirable Attributes
- Experience with Defence administrative systems (e.g., Global Defence Network/Royal Navy).
- Familiarity with Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) processes.
- cual GREAT (UK) core qualification (optional but advantageous).
Essential
- Full Category B UK Driving Licence.
Assessment Criteria
Applications will be evaluated on:
- Communication & Influence – Effectively tailor messages across military/governmental hierarchy.
- Effective Decision-Making – Prioritise tasks and navigate adherence to operational constraints.
- Quality Service Delivery – Consistently meet stakeholder expectations and course timetables.
Compensation & Rewards
- Base Salary: £30,740 per annum.
- Cash Contribution to Pension: £8,905 towards enhanced civil-service defined benefit scheme.
- Non-Contractual Hybrid Working: Eligible, but minimum 60% duty station attendance required at Chicksands.
- Additional benefits:
- Learning & development opportunities tailored to this field.
- Inclusive workplace culture.
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Recruitment Key Messages
⚠️ Disability & Diversity:
- Disability Confident Scheme available; moderate adjustments made upon request.
- Schedule interviews, including reasonable accommodations, contact: DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk.
⚠️ Security Vetting & Clearance:
- Requires Developed Vetting clearance; full background checks mandatory.
- Complete comprehensive personnel security baseline checks before appointment.
⚠️ Nationality:
- Open to UK, EU, Commonwealth, and Irish nationals with inferred working rights.
- Full list available via [MOD guidance](link included but not referenced).
⚠️ Security Policy:
- Zero tolerance for harmful influence – blatant or historical misconduct precludes eligibility.
- All employees required to sign MOD smoke-free workplace agreement (no-consuming, vaping, last or chewing tobacco permitted).
Selection Process
- Sift (Online Application):
- Submit a statement of suitability (words max. 250; attached CV).
- Interview:
- Begin with CV & written statement assessment.
- Structured behavioural interviews focusing on the three success profiles above.
- Location: In-person at Defence Intelligence Academy, Chicksands.
Contact
For further details, reach out to: Name: Maj Claire Dickson Email: claire.dickson364@mod.gov.uk General Inquiries: DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk
Additional Note: All applications benefit from early engagement with key stakeholders. Consider communicating pro-actively with senior personnel in advance when applying and request a call with Maj Dickson for additional context.
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