Length of employment: Job Summary: Do you want to sit at the heart of Defence issues and play a key role in the United Kingdom's national security?In this role you will be doing just that, working on high profile issues on one of the Ministry of Defence's top priorities. This role will provide you with a unique insight into the fascinating world of nuclear. The Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) delivers nuclear capability to deter threats and protect our nation. It oversees all defence nuclear business (excluding operations, which are delivered by the Royal Navy) and is responsible for providing nuclear deterrence; sponsoring the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE: 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 defence 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 ensurethat we havea 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. DNO strongly believe that embracing diversity and inclusion is not just the right thing to do but it is also our strength and is 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 37 hours per week. Part time/job share is not applicable to this role, as successful individuals will be required to take forward at pace in order to establish and start delivering the outputs within the first few months of employment. Job Description: Governance is crucial to the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE) as it provides the strategic direction, oversight, and accountability to the Enterprise - which is vital for our national security. By upholding high standards of governance, the DNE enhances its delivery and performance, as well as maintaining public trust. As part of this responsibility, the successful job holder will: Draft briefing and advice to 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 administrative support they need to function effectively. Deliver effective stakeholder engagement and forward planning. Develop and own strong relationships with Committee members, their offices and stakeholders across the DNE. The successful candidate will also support the wider Strategy and Engagement Unit's activities and will be expected to reprioritise as necessary to support emerging tasking's (e.g. developing the DNE's strategy). 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. The required security clearance for this role is Developed Vetting (further information attached). This post is classed as 'Reserved' as per the Civil Service Nationality Rules. For further information please see the attached documents. 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% 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days upon completion of 5 years' service On-site Gym Cycle Loan (Advance on Salary) Thank You Scheme Defence Sports & Recreational Association (DSRA) Defence Discount Service On-site 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. Essential Skills: Excellent written communication skills, with experience of drafting minutes and briefings which convey complex information in a concise and accurate record. 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. Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, prioritising and delivering to deadlines. Desirable Experience: Experience in board secretariat and governance. Experience of working in a strategic environment with senior management and/or policy officials. Knowledge and/or an interest in security and defence issues. The first stage of the selection process requires candidates to successfully complete the Civil Service Verbal test and the Civil Service Judgement test. Following successful completion of the online tests, 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. *Please note that not following the appropriate format will mean that you may be unable to reach the required grades for sift or interview* Candidates will be required to provide a Personal Statement (500 words max). Candidates will also be required to complete an online CV template to include job history, full details of education and qualifications and previous experiences and skills. Please also include any relevant responsibilities and achievements. At sift, you will be assessed against your CV, Personal Statement and the following Behaviours: Delivering at Pace Working Together Communicating and Influencing If a large number of applications are received then the sift will be based on only Delivering at Pace and Personal Statement. However, evidence should be provided against all behaviours requested. When choosing your Behaviour examples, please make sure you use real life scenarios that relate to your own experiences. Whilst technology may help to enhance your written submission, presenting the ideas of others or those generated by technology, could result in your application being rejected. The requirements for the role have been benchmarked and these will be used to sift all candidates, with those meeting the minimum requirements invited to interview. At interview, you will be assessed against the following Behaviours: Delivering at Pace Working Together Communicating and Influencing Seeing the Big Picture Interviews will be conducted face to face at MOD Main Building. Candidates invited to interview will be required to undertake a writing exercise as part of an assessment. Further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates in advance of the interviews. Candidates who are found to meet an acceptable standard at interview but are not successful in one of the advertised posts may be considered for similar roles within the Business Unit. Candidates will be required to complete an online Verbal test and Civil Service Judgement test. The Civil Service Judgement Test is not bankable and therefore must be taken on every vacancy where it is applied. Should you be invited to complete the online tests, please allow sufficient time to complete the tests and the remainder of the full application form; only candidates who are successful at the test stage will be invited to complete the remainder of the application by clicking 'Submit Application'. Your application must be completed by 23:55 on the closing date of the vacancy. Late submissions cannot be accepted. The tests are not timed, as they work by giving you harder questions if you answer the previous question correctly, and easier if you get it wrong. You should allow up to an hour for each test, and each test must be completed before you will be invited to complete the second part of your application. Internet access will be required for the duration of the test. Please refer to the attached Candidate Guidance for further information. Candidates that reach the minimum required pass mark will have their results saved as a banked score against the following tests: New Civil Service Verbal Test New Civil Service Numerical Test When a candidate has a banked score they're not asked to re-take the same test providing it is set at the same level. Scores will be banked for a 6 month period from the date of test completion. If a candidate is invited to take the same test against multiple vacancies, the banked score will be recognised against all vacancies and all active applications will progress. CSJT scores cannot be banked as each test is generated from the behaviours required for a specific role which will vary between recruitment campaigns. If you require any particular arrangements (for example due to a disability or health problem) to be made in order for you to complete the online test you MUST contact the DBS Enquiry Centre on 0800 345 7772 BEFORE accessing the online test. Opening times Mon -Friday 0800- 1600 hrs. The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact:. As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system. Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.