Course Design & Delivery Lead

In executing an OST, you will undertake three weeks of detached duty each May/June, working very long days, which could be in a challenging or austere environment. The OSTs are one of the most rewarding aspects of the GSP.

Main Responsibilities:

• Under the guidance of the Head of the GSP, to lead on the delivery of a designated course module of the GSP. Draft the relevant documentation for Course Committee approval, plan the structure of the modules and produce the module programme, being cognisant of emerging trends and issues that need to be covered. You will also liaise with the Course Committee and the Director of Academic Studies to agree seminar topics and questions.
• To research, identify and engage high-calibre subject matter expert speakers to meet the objectives for the term/module lectures, panels and case studies. Ensure seamless delivery of these serials. Pro-actively build and maintain a network of contacts, and work both collaboratively and inclusively.
• Agree questions with the Deputy Head of the GSP for the weekly Course Member surveys and, on completion of the surveys, review and assess feedback to inform the continuous improvement process of the entire course.
• Plan, deliver and accompany UK external activities. Programme all serials, and book and oversee budget for travel and accommodation, liaising with the Tour Leader and the regional hosts to ensure seamless delivery of the tour programme within the allocated budget.
• Plan, deliver and accompany one of the three-week Overseas Study Tours. Work closely with embassies and high commissions to develop the visit objectives, intellectual content and programme, project manage and accompany the tour to meet learning objectives, acting as the focal point with all external organisations. Identify potential costs and ensure the tour remains within the agreed budget.
• Other responsibilities as required. These could include developing and ensuring the successful delivery of Strategy Case Studies, Strategy Exercises or additional classroom or visit-based learning for the current GSP and future iterations.

Person specification

The post holder will require the following attributes and abilities:

• A minimum of 3 years’ professional experience in a relevant field.
• Excellent interpersonal skills in order to liaise credibly with course members, lecturers (academics and high-profile speakers), defence attachés, diplomats and external organisations, both within the College and when representing the RCDS during external visits.
• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary team, maintaining positive working relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to negotiate and influence senior stakeholders to help shape GSP outputs and outcomes.
• Knowledge of (and a keen interest in) the wider government, military and geopolitical landscape.
• Strong administrative, organisational and planning skills, with a demonstrated ability to deliver outcomes on time, to the required standard, and in a fast-paced environment.
• A proven ability to write effectively, and present complex information clearly, to non-technical audiences.
• Good cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• A commitment to undertake continuous professional development relevant to the role, and to contribute to the learning and development of the team as a whole.
• The ability to travel nationally and internationally for up to three weeks at a time.

Due to the nature of the course, the post is an in-person role based in central London, at the Royal College of Defence Studies. The Royal College of Defence Studies is housed in a historically significant, listed building. Due to its protected status, limited structural modifications can be made to the premises. This means that, although a small lift is available, the building is not fully accessible for individuals who may have certain access requirements. Please do contact us to discuss individual cases.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions
• Changing and Improving

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing
• Seeing the Big Picture

Benefits

• Alongside your salary of £46,040, Ministry of Defence contributes £13,337 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
• 25 days’ paid annual leave, rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service.
• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options (subject to the requirements of the academic calendar)
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
• On-site restaurant
• (Optional) Mess membership

The post does not offer relocation expenses.

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

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