Job summary
Do you want to be at the heart of real Defence issues and play a key role in the United Kingdom�s (UK) national security?
Established in April 2016, the Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) delivers nuclear capability to deter threats and protect our nation.
The DNO oversees all defence nuclear business (excluding operations) and is responsible for providing nuclear deterrence; sponsoring the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (all the organisations, programmes and people that sustain the UK�s nuclear deterrent); and advising on UK nuclear policy, planning and international co-operation on nuclear matters.
The UK�s independent nuclear deterrent has existed for over 60 years to deter the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life, and that of our NATO Allies. To ensure that we have a credible and capable nuclear deterrent for as long as the security situation requires, we are building four new nuclear armed submarines � known as the Dreadnought Class � and replacing our nuclear warheads. These renewal programmes will utilise world-leading technology and are a showcase in science and engineering, highlighting the prowess of British industry.�
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 know that diverse teams bring a wide range of perspectives, experiences and ideas, which lead to better decision-making, creativity and innovation. 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.�
This position is advertised at 36/37 hours per week Tacos Dependant.
Job description
This is an exciting role directly supporting the MOD SCS Pay Band 4 Chief of Defence Nuclear (CDN).
Chief of Defence Nuclear heads the Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) which sponsors both the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) and Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) as part of her accountability for delivery of the warhead and submarine build and disposal programmes as well as aspects of deterrent policy.� She works very closely with the First Sea Lord (who is responsible for submarines in-service and operations) and Navy Command.� Further, is also the Additional Accounting Officer and TLB holder for the DNO TLB.� Together, this forms the Defence Nuclear Enterprise with a clear mission: Deliver the capabilities, deter the threat, protect the nation. Chief of Defence Nuclear is responsible for delivering reform across the whole cross-Government DNE through the implementation of the DNE Strategic Plan.
The Assistant Private Secretary (APS), will work as part of a small, high-performing team that is primarily responsible for managing the CDN day to day business, ensuring that we utilise the maximum time available to this busy role. The ideal candidate will have the confidence and ability to ensure CDN is armed with the right information ahead of her meetings, enabling her to drive forward DNO�s programme of work, and communicate CDN�s intent and direction to colleagues across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE), other parts of MOD and wider Government.
Communication and interpersonal skills will be critical, as the post-holder will play an important role liaising with internal and external organisations, commissioning briefings and coordinating with the 1* Deputy Directors, 2* Directors and 3*s (MD Warhead and CEO SDA) as they deliver across a range of policy areas.
CDN�s portfolio is significant, and the successful candidate will manage the Private Office functions and line manage the Executive Assistant � overseeing all visit programmes, travel coordination, logistics and information management. This role will support the Private Secretaries and Chief of Staff to work on policy formulation, the delivery of major programmes, the management of a significant annual budget and People policies. There will be development opportunities to work on policy, delivery and strategy.
1. Leading on a discrete portfolio, proactively working with colleagues across the DNE, Whitehall and Industry to drive delivery of CDN priorities through effective diary management.
2. Supporting CDN�s office including coordinating suitable briefs and meetings, and broader office management: Corporate Management Accommodation Day file
3. Close, direct, work with seniors across the DNE.
4. Private Office management.
5. Build and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues from across the MOD, other Government departments and industry.
6. Rapidly interpret and understand the CDN intent and decisions, with the ability to communicate clearly and succinctly across a complex stakeholder community.
Line management of Executive Assistant.
7. Due to security constraints, this post is exempt from hybrid working requests. Requests for flexible and condensed working patterns can be considered but may be limited. Candidates should consider this and must discuss with recruiting line manager before submitting an application.
Person specification
This is a high-profile, varied and demanding role, which draws on a range of skills. It is essential that the post-holder is a self-starter and able to manage their time efficiently. The successful candidate will require:
8. Strong communication skills
9. Initiative and resilience to work around problems
10. An aptitude for stakeholder management as you will need to work closely with, often senior officials and military personnel from across the MOD.
11. Build and maintain strong professional relationships across the complex stakeholder environment that makes up the Defence Nuclear Enterprise � within the Ministry of Defence, executive agency delivery bodies, the Royal Navy, Whitehall and industry.
12. Interpret and analyse information to think strategically and plan ahead to identify long and short-term priorities and take action to respond to them on behalf of CDN
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
13. Leadership
14. Making Effective Decisions
15. Communicating and Influencing
16. Delivering at Pace
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.
17. Learning and development tailored to your role
18. An environment with flexible working options
19. A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
20. A with an average employer contribution of 27%
21. 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days upon completion of 5 years� service
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.
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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