AWE Aldermaston: Reading
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 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.
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.
As Executive Assistant (EA) to the Deputy Directors (DD) within the Integrated Stockpile Management team, you will provide the focal point for the Deputy Directors for all supporting activities. This post is an exciting and varied role and will provide vital support to the programme crafting the future of the nuclear weapons programme. There is opportunity to network with a wide variety of partners spanning Government, MOD and defence operators.
This position is advertised at 37 hours per week and located at AWE Aldermaston, Reading.
Job Description
The Executive Assistant post is an essential role for enabling the activities of the Deputy Directors and supporting the Integrated Stockpile Management (ISM) Programmes.
The post is within ISM, which provides project support across the whole ISM programme. The successful candidate will provide assistance with its day to day running, working closely with the Deputy Directors and team members to support its functions. A pivotal part of the role will be managing the diary activities of the Deputy Directors and assisting in the prioritisation of their communications.
This is an excellent development opportunity for someone who wishes to join the defence nuclear programme. We are a diverse and multi-disciplined team delivering key elements of the UK nuclear deterrent and gain exposure to one of the most significant, exciting, and unique projects in government. Few projects are as important as this one, and our nuclear programme is a key priority for the Government. This leads to a hugely rewarding sense of making a real contribution to defence objectives.
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.
The Executive Assistant post is an essential role for enabling the activities of the Deputy Directors and supporting the Integrated Stockpile Management (ISM) Programmes.
The post is within ISM, which provides project support across the whole ISM programme. The successful candidate will provide assistance with its day to day running, working closely with the Deputy Directors and team members to support its functions. A pivotal part of the role will be managing the diary activities of the Deputy Directors and assisting in the prioritisation of their communications.
This is an excellent development opportunity for someone who wishes to join the defence nuclear programme. We are a diverse and multi-disciplined team delivering key elements of the UK nuclear deterrent and gain exposure to one of the most significant, exciting, and unique projects in government. Few projects are as important as this one, and our nuclear programme is a key priority for the Government. This leads to a hugely rewarding sense of making a real contribution to defence objectives.
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
The Principal Responsibilities Of The Roles Include
* Organise and manage diary activities for the ISM Deputy Directors, this includes arranging meetings on behalf of both, deconflicting meeting clashes and collating agendas and brief.
* Review, prioritise and deal with e-mails on behalf of both Deputy Directors.
* Pro-actively create and manage a suitable folder structure.
* Manage phone calls for the Deputy Directors.
* Prioritise new activities and responses for the Deputy Directors.
* Organise domestic and overseas travel itineraries for Deputy Directors including, but not limited to, car hire, rail travel and air. Be prepared to adapt to last minute changes.
* Manage, record and liaise with staff across the Integrated Stockpile team for requests requiring approval from Deputy Directors, including travel requests, authorisations.
* Lead on the provision of secretariat support to business-critical meetings and forums; this will include the taking and drafting of records of meetings
* Co-ordinate and prepare/review newsletters across the Stockpile team.
* Assist with movers, leavers and joiners for the Deputy Directors.
* Co-ordination and facilitation of ISM All hands staff events and meetings.
* Co-ordination of ISM department Staff Issues/Concerns and Reward and Recognition.
We are looking for the following from a candidate
* Strong organisational skills
* Ability to work closely with colleagues to achieve a common goal
* Experience working with senior leadership
* Previous Programme Office experience an advantage, but not necessary as full training will be given
Skills
* Familiarity with Microsoft Office Software
Desirable Skills
* Experience in business administration
* Experience in diary/calendar management
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
* Working Together
* Leadership
* Communicating and Influencing
* Delivering at Pace
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
* Leadership
Alongside your salary of £29,580, Ministry of Defence contributes £8,569 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
Benefits
We truly believe that the MOD is a great place to work, and we offer a unique employee experience. We want to ensure that every single employee feels appreciated & fairly rewarded and offer the following additional benefits:
* Learning and development tailored to your role and broader skill development, enabling you to build a long-term career in your chosen area. Where appropriate there will be offers of training under our apprenticeship schemes.
* 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 (depending on site)
* Cycle Loan (Advance on Salary)
* Thank You Scheme
* Civil Service Sports Club (CSSC) Membership
* Defence Discount Service
* Defence Sports & Recreational Association (DSRA)
* On-site Nursery (depending on site)
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.
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.
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.
*Please note that not following the appropriate format will mean that you may be unable to reach the required grades for sift or interview*
At Sift, Candidates Will Be Assessed On The Following
* 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.
* Candidates are also required to complete a Personal Statement of no more than 500 words.
Behaviours: (250 Word Count)
* Leadership
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.
At Interview, You Will Be Assessed Against The Following
* Working Together
* Communicating and Influencing
* Delivering at Pace
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.
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.
Nationality Requirements - Further Information For Candidates
* This post is classed as ‘Reserved’ as per Civil Service Nationality Rules Section 3. In accordance with these rules, ‘only UK nationals may be employed in reserved posts in the Civil Service’[1] (Paragraph. 3.1).
UK National Definition
2. The definition of a ‘UK National’ can be found at Paragraphs. 1.4-1.8 of the Civil Service Nationality Rules.
Dual Nationals
3. As per Paragraph. 1.43 of the Civil Service Nationality Rules:
* ‘Candidates with dual nationality are in principle eligible for employment in the Civil Service provided that they meet the requirements in relation to one of their nationalities [i.e. UK National]. They may not be eligible, however, for employment in certain reserved posts where additional nationality requirements are imposed.’
Additional Restrictions For Reserved Posts
4. As per Paragraphs. 3.10-3.11 of the Civil Service Nationality Rules:
* Departments and agencies are entitled to impose additional requirements in reserved posts if this is considered necessary. This could include, for example, requirements as to the residency of the applicant or the nationality of one or both parents of the applicant.’
5,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.
[1] Irish nationals and Commonwealth citizens are also eligible for employment in reserved posts if they were in the Civil Service at 31 May 1996 or before, or were appointed from a recruitment scheme with a closing date for receipt of applications before 1 June 1996. (Paragraph. 3.1)
You will also be expected to achieve Developed Vetting clearance, above the normal clearance level expected for the MoD.
No application can be accepted after the closing date.
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 Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out
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: DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk .
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.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a 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.
Successful candidates must undergo a 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.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
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.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
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.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact
* Name : DNO-External Recruitment
* Email : DNO-ExternalRecruiting@mod.gov.uk
Recruitment team
* Email : DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk
Further information
Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application. If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: info@csc.gov.uk. #J-18808-Ljbffr