UK Ministry of Defence
DNO Executive Assistant
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MOD Main Building: Whitehall, London SW1A 2HB
Job Summary
The Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) is responsible for the provision of the nuclear deterrent, encompassing our submarines and nuclear warheads, while also advising on UK nuclear planning and fostering international co-operation on nuclear matters. With a multidisciplinary team of over 700 professionals, the DNO brings together expertise in science, engineering, finance, policy, programme delivery, and more. We work in partnership with the Royal Navy, the Submarine Delivery Agency and the Atomic Weapons Establishment as the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE).
Here at DNO we strongly believe that diversity and inclusion is not only the right thing to do but is also essential for a thriving and successful organisation. We have a culture where differences are celebrated, and our people feel supported, included and empowered. Join us and be part of an organisation that truly values diversity and inclusion and makes a positive impact on the world.
We are recruiting Executive Assistants (EAs) to support senior civil servants across the DNO. These are exciting opportunities at the heart of a high-profile organisation, providing direct support to leaders responsible for delivering some of Defence's most important programmes and priorities.
As an Executive Assistant, you will play a central role in supporting a senior civil servant, ensuring their time is focused on the organisation's highest priorities. You will be responsible for diary management, coordinating meetings and engagements, managing logistics, and helping to balance competing demands on their time.
The role offers significant exposure to senior decision-making and engagement across Defence, wider Government and external partners. You will act as a key point of contact for stakeholders, helping to coordinate activity, manage relationships and ensure effective communication between offices and organisations.
Private Office roles provide direct support to senior leaders and require a continuous presence to manage business, stakeholder engagement, decision-making processes and urgent issues as they arise. Given the pace and operational demands of the role, it is not considered compatible with part-time working arrangements.
This post is advertised at 37 hours per week.
Flexible and condensed working patterns can be considered for this post but due to security constraints the role is not suitable for hybrid working. Candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before submitting an application.
Job Description
You will have specific responsibilities for:
- Providing day-to-day support to senior officials.
- Managing and owning the senior official’s diary; arranging and de-conflicting meetings in line with their needs; researching and booking travel options within MOD policy and assembling and organising their briefing materials.
- Liaising with stakeholders across MOD, government, academia, and industry.
- Providing office management services including, room bookings, visitor management (booking and escorting), reprographics and logistics requests.
- Given the high number of requests, this role works closely with colleagues across the DNO to maintain a well organised schedule, adapting as priorities change.
You will work closely with senior leaders while also being part of a wider DNO Private Office community, supported by friendly and experienced colleagues. DNO is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment where individuals are encouraged to develop and succeed. Alongside access to formal learning and development opportunities, this role offers unique exposure to senior decision-making and the breadth of Defence Nuclear activity. It provides an excellent platform to build your skills, expand your network and gain experience across a range of high-profile issues, with opportunities to shape your development in line with your interests and career aspirations.
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As the post holder will have access to very sensitive information, there are limitations on travelling to a small number of countries and we will undertake additional security checks as part of the recruitment process. Applications from candidates with close connections to certain countries may take considerably longer to process, or in some cases result in a withdrawal of an offer of employment. Further details will be provided at the conditional offer stage.
You Will Have Specific Responsibilities For:
- Providing day-to-day support to senior officials.
- Managing and owning the senior official’s diary; arranging and de-conflicting meetings in line with their needs; researching and booking travel options within MOD policy and assembling and organising their briefing materials.
- Liaising with stakeholders across MOD, government, academia, and industry.
- Providing office management services including, room bookings, visitor management (booking and escorting), reprographics and logistics requests.
- Given the high number of requests, this role works closely with colleagues across the DNO to maintain a well organised schedule, adapting as priorities change.
You will work closely with senior leaders while also being part of a wider DNO Private Office community, supported by friendly and experienced colleagues. DNO is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment where individuals are encouraged to develop and succeed. Alongside access to formal learning and development opportunities, this role offers unique exposure to senior decision-making and the breadth of Defence Nuclear activity. It provides an excellent platform to build your skills, expand your network and gain experience across a range of high-profile issues, with opportunities to shape your development in line with your interests and career aspirations.
As the post holder will have access to very sensitive information, there are limitations on travelling to a small number of countries and we will undertake additional security checks as part of the recruitment process. Applications from candidates with close connections to certain countries may take considerably longer to process, or in some cases result in a withdrawal of an offer of employment. Further details will be provided at the conditional offer stage.
Person Specification
Essential:
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, maintain attention to detail and respond effectively to changing demands.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Able to manage a busy schedule, exercise sound judgement and prioritise work effectively to meet deadlines.
- Resilient and adaptable, remaining calm under pressure and responding positively to changing priorities.
- A proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues, with the confidence to work independently and take ownership of tasks.
- Committed to delivering a high-quality service to internal and external stakeholders.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and responding to emerging requirements at short notice.
- Proficient in Microsoft 365 applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams.
Desirable:
- Prior experience of providing a professional and comprehensive Executive Assistant service to Directors, Directors General and/or ministers.
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Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
Compensation and Benefits
Alongside your salary of £30,740, Ministry of Defence contributes £8,905 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
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/.
Recruitment Process
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
This post is classed as ‘Reserved’ as per the Civil Service Nationality Rules. For further information please see the attached document.
Candidates can apply online via the Civil Service Jobs website by completing the application form before the deadline shown. Apply using the Civil Service Jobs apply button, filling in all required details in all sections. Using the Success Profiles link for information on format and style, ensure you provide evidence for all Behaviours and Experience sections requested in the appropriate competency style.
Candidates will be required to provide a CV including job history and a Personal Statement of Suitability (maximum 500 words) that sets out your motivation for applying and shows how your skills and experience meet the essential/desirable requirements for the role.
At sift, candidates will be assessed against their CV and Statement of suitability and the following:
Behaviours:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Communicating & Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
If a large number of applications are received, the sift will be based on the CV, Personal Statement and the lead behaviour Making Effective Decisions only. However, evidence should be provided against all behaviours requested.
At Interview, you will be assessed on your Experience and;
Behaviours:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Communicating & Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
Interviews will be conducted via MS Teams.
You will be expected to achieve Developed Vetting clearance, above the normal clearance level expected for the MoD.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
Open to UK nationals only.
Contact point for applicants
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