Job summary
Would you like to make a real difference to the effectiveness and wellbeing of the Royal Air Force and those with whom they work?
Would you like to use the power of your analyses to influence strategy and policy to the benefit of the Service and the public that we serve?
Would you like to work flexibly, have a generous holiday entitlement and contributory pension, and support for at least five days of professional and personal development each year?
Would you like your office to be in rural Buckinghamshire, but within easy reach of High Wycombe, with free parking and good transport links, plus a subsidised gym, small shop, and caf� on site?
If so, you will be interested in this opportunity for a psychologist to work within the Occupational Psychology Team at Headquarters Air Command (RAF High Wycombe).� The successful applicant will assist in providing occupational psychology research output for the RAF and the wider MOD, in support of current and future personnel strategy. This is to be achieved through supporting and conducting bespoke in-house research; exploitation of existing research; synthesis of externally derived research, and the application of professional knowledge.
This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.
Job description
The successful applicant will join the Occupational Psychology Team for Air People, conducting research such as Continuous Attitude Surveys, bespoke applied psychological research, and wider engagement with emerging social science.
The primary role is to support the development of strategy and policy by providing accurate and timely research evidence which is collected objectively and robustly. This evidence underpins policy decisions with the aim of enhancing RAF effectiveness by improving the lived experience of Whole Force personnel.
Key Duties:
1. Provide occupational psychology advice and consultancy to RAF and MOD staffs in support of current and future personnel strategy.
2. Lead on analysis and reporting of combined climate surveys.
3. Lead, plan, manage, conduct, and report on applied research into occupational psychology issues.
4. Take a lead role on certain continuous attitude surveys for the RAF.
5. Ensure appropriate project processes are in place.
6. Assist stakeholders to understand current context and exploit research findings, including synthesising multiple research findings, providing bespoke analysis, and advice.
7. Provide an intelligent customer capability for the RAF regarding social science research.
8. Maintain active liaison with Armed Forces/MOD departments especially other MOD psychologists, the Defence People research team, Defence Statistics, other executive agencies, and national or international bodies.
9. Maintaining and promulgating an up-to-date awareness of occupational psychology and associated ongoing developments in the RAF, MOD, and other Armed Forces.
10. Assist stakeholders to understand current context and exploit research findings.
11. Act as Line Manager to an Executive Officer in the team.
12. Perform other duties commensurate with the grade as directed by the head of the HQ Air Occupational Psychology team.
Person specification
Key Criteria
The successful applicant will meet the qualification and membership requirements listed below and demonstrate ability in the following criteria:
13. Leading survey research and statistical analysis, and commitment to high quality research output.�
14. Responding to short notice requests for advice and information.
15. Managing stakeholders at all levels.
16. Drawing together different evidence sources to present an overview and an understanding of the psychological impact of findings.
17. Providing technical advice and comment on the quality of other�s evidence and research.
18. Collaborating with colleagues in other teams and being willing to learn from these experiences.
19. Developing their professional knowledge, learning about key contextual issues, and knowledge sharing.
20. Using statistical data software such as SPSS; as well as Excel experience.
21. Applicants must be highly motivated, have good interpersonal skills and the ability to work with staff at all levels.
Qualifications
A British Psychological Society accredited Honours degree in psychology (or equivalent) and been awarded Graduate Basis for Chartered membership (GBC).
British Psychological Society accredited MSc in Occupational Psychology.
Minimum of two years� relevant postgraduate experience in an organisational setting.
Memberships
Graduate member of the British Psychological Society
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
22. Communicating and Influencing
23. Delivering at Pace
24. Making Effective Decisions
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
25. Occupational Psychology 1 - Professional Standards
26. Occupational Psychology 2 - Consultancy and Promotion of the Profession
27. Occupational psychology 3 � Application of Research skills and Knowledge
Benefits
Alongside your salary of �35,290, Ministry of Defence contributes �9,528 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
28. Learning and development tailored to your role
29. Support for development to Occupational Psychology Practitioner�
30. An environment with flexible working options
31. A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
32. A with an average employer contribution of 27%
33. 25 days paid annual leave rising one day each year to a maximum of 30 days after five years
34. 8 days public holiday per year
35. Privilege Day for the Sovereign's birthday
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 .
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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Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD office, will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.