UK Ministry of Defence
DNO Governance and Policy Advisor to the Defence Nuclear Enterprise
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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.
The first duty of government is to keep its people safe. As we invest in the future of our nuclear deterrent, ensuring the right strategic direction, oversight, and accountability for the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE) – through effective governance and strategy – is vital to our national security.
Please note that flexible and condensed working patterns can be considered for this post. However, due to security constraints the post is not suitable for hybrid/remote working and successful applicants will be based in MOD Main Building (Whitehall).
Candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before applying.
This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.
The required security clearance for this role is Developed Vetting (further information attached).
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.
This post is classed as ‘Reserved’ as per the Civil Service Nationality Rules. For further information please see the attached document.
Job Description
As part of this responsibility, the successful job holder will:
- Partner across the Strategy and Engagement Unit to deliver critical strategy projects for the DNE (at least 25% of the job holder portfolio) as well as analysing and evaluating strategic risks and challenges facing the DNE.
- Draft briefing and advice to SCS3 and SCS4 board Chairs, including the Chief of Defence Nuclear, and take minutes for DNE boards – the strategic centre of Britain’s nuclear deterrent.
- Ensure efficient governance of the DNE senior boards, ensuring the boards and their members receive the support they need to function effectively.
- Deliver effective stakeholder engagement and forward planning.
- Develop and own strong relationships with board members, their offices and stakeholders across the DNE.
- Be responsible for the secure management and handling of high classification material – incorporating classified material into your strategic briefing.
Person Specification
Essential Skills
- Excellent written communication skills, with experience of drafting quality minutes (given the high classification, without the aid of technology) and briefings which convey complex information concisely and accurately.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, prioritising and delivering to deadlines.
- Strong oral communication skills, including with senior officials.
- Effective stakeholder management skills, able to build strong relationships to support efficient delivery of priorities.
- Excellent problem-solving and planning skills, with the ability to rapidly structure a problem and make evidence-based decisions.
- Political awareness and strategic analysis skills that can be deployed flexibly across a wide range of priorities.
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Desirable Skills
- Experience of working in strategy or governance, engaging with senior management and/or policy officials.
- Knowledge and/or an interest in security and defence issues.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Delivering at Pace
- Working Together
- 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. 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/.
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.
MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
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Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
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.
As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete a CV and a Personal Statement (max 500 words). Your CV should consist of your career history, full qualification details and previous skills/experience, including any key achievements in each job roles. Your CV will be scored against the experience required for the role as noted within the essential criteria.
At Sift, you will be assessed on your;
- CV
- Personal Statement (500 Words)
At sift, Candidates will be assessed against their CV and Statement of suitability and the following:
- Delivering at Pace
- Working Together
- Communicating and Influencing
- Seeing the Big Picture
If a large number of applications are received, the sift will be based on the CV, Personal Statement and the lead behaviour Delivering at Pace only. However, evidence should be provided against all the Success Profile Behaviour requested.
At Interview you will be assessed against your Experience, Success Profile Behaviours
- Delivering at Pace
- Working Together
- Communicating and Influencing
- Seeing the Big Picture
Prior to the interviews candidates will be required to do a minute taking written assessment. Further details we be provided nearer to the time.
Interviews will be conducted in person, MOD Main Building, London.
Candidates who are found to meet an acceptable standard at interview but are not successful in this advertised post may be considered for similar roles within the Business Unit.
You will also be expected to achieve Developed Vetting clearance, above the normal clearance level expected for the MoD.
The Defence Nuclear Organisation plays a vital role in supporting the delivery of the UK’s independent strategic nuclear deterrent. To help enhance security, staff working for the DNO are encouraged to always exercise a high level of discretion in sharing information or talking about their work. As part of the application process, we ask that you do not tell anyone other than your partner or close family member about your application to join the DNO. You should not mention your application on social media or discuss it with anyone else at this stage.
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
There may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all DCS candidates that meet the minimum criteria for the job. For example, in certain recruitment situations such as a high volume of applications, seasonal demand, or peak periods, the employer may wish to limit the overall number of interviews offered
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