Russian Near Abroad Policy and Strategy Officer
Ministry of Defence
Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 21st October 2024
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About the job
Job summary
We are seeking a policy officer within the Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia (REECA) team. REECA is part of the Euro-Atlantic Security (EAS) Directorate in MOD’s Security Policy and Operations area. REECA is responsible for defence policy, strategy and engagement with Russia, Central Asia, Ukraine, the South Caucasus, Moldova, Belarus and the Black Sea, and delivery of MOD’s Russia Campaign Plan. The team also comprises of the Parliamentary and Communications team.
REECA works closely with EAS Military colleagues to shape and deliver our policy and strategic plans, and EAS policy teams as our window onto wider global Defence partners across Europe, Canada and NATO, to collaborate on our defence diplomacy and policy development, including on areas such as the Arctic and NATO’s eastern border.
About Security Policy and Operations (SPO).
SPO officials work directly with Ministers to define the objectives and context for military operations by the UK’s Armed Forces. SPO delivers advice and direction as a combined Department of State and Military Headquarters. It shapes Defence relations with other nations and international security organisations. It leads the MOD’s counter-terrorism policy and Defence’s contribution to UK security policy, working with Government colleagues to implement it. In all these areas, we ensure the MOD is accountable to Parliament and the public.
The role is challenging but fascinating, with regular ministerial interest and briefing.
This position is advertised at 37 hours per week. Some domestic and overseas travel may be necessary. Owing to the nature of the work, regular attendance in MOD Main Building in London will be required, with some home working possible with prior agreement.
Job description
The role sits within the South Caucasus, Ukraine and Black Sea team (SCUBS) within REECA. The team provides a critical policy function within Defence’s contribution to cross government support to Ukraine, as well as supporting the Defence relationship with Moldova, Belarus, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and its Black Sea strategy. It sits at the intersection of the reactive crisis and capability ambition and initiatives, and the developing longer-term support to Ukraine and her neighbours. The team work closely with colleagues in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the National Security Secretariat (NSS) in the Cabinet Office.
The role will contribute to strategy and engagement with countries in Russia’s ‘Near Abroad’. It will also contribute to the delivery of the Russia Campaign Plan priorities on Ukraine and the Near Abroad, working closely with the wider REECA team. The post reports ultimately to the Assistant Head Ukraine and Near Abroad Region Strategy and works with the wider Russia and Ukraine policy teams in the Euro-Atlantic Security group, which is a mixed civilian/military team.
The post holder will help deliver all aspects of strategy and policy advice including: written and oral advice to Ministers and senior officials; consultation with wider HMG departments and agencies; working closely with UK Defence Sections in the relevant countries and with those countries’ military representatives in the UK; and cooperating with military HQ and stakeholders in MOD, including the other Strategy, Policy and Operations Campaign Teams.
Detailed responsibilities include:
- Helping to develop and give policy advice on long term and reactive operational issues to Ministers and senior decision-makers in MOD and wider HMG
- Building and maintaining strong networks with stakeholders, including Private Offices, Defence Sections, Foreign DAs and Embassies, Defence Intelligence, Special Operations, Military and PJHQ, and FCDO
- Ensuring coherence with wider Ukraine and Russia policy and providing insight, knowledge and challenge as required
- Supporting the development and delivery of the Russia Campaign Plan Line of Operation on Russia’s Near Abroad and related strategy;
- Supporting UK Defence Sections overseas and liaising with overseas DA and Embassy staff in the UK
- Helping to manage visits and bi-lateral contacts up to ministerial level and providing coherence, policy insight and strategic input to the MoD’s engagement.
- Providing support for the Ukraine and Near Abroad Strategy Team
Person specification
Essential criteria:
- leadership and strong communication and collaboration skills.
- Previous experience in the provision of advice to seniors.
- A proven track record of meeting tight and challenging deadlines.
- Excellent collaboration and prioritisation skills, and experience working with colleagues across Government.
Desirable criteria:
- Prior experience working on crisis response, Defence policy or operations or on international security.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Making Effective Decisions
- Delivering at Pace
- Communicating and Influencing
Benefits
- 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 Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Candidates will be required to provide CV details to include job history; qualification details and previous skills and experience.
Candidates will be required to provide a Statement of Suitibility on how they meet the essential / desirable criteria, why they are interested in the position, and what skills and strengths they would bring to the team. (Word count: 500)
At sift and interview, you will be assessed against the following Success Profiles Behaviours:
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Making Effective Decisions
- Delivering at Pace
- Communicating and Influencing
Should we receive a large number of applications for this vacancy, sifting will be conducted against the behaviour Seeing the Big Picture and the CV.
Interviews are anticipated to be held in October.
Please note, feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview.
Strong candidates if unsuccessful for this post may still be considered for other similar roles. A reserve list will be held for 12 months, and reserve candidates may be contacted about similar roles during this time.
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.
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Working for the Civil Service
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).
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Alasdair Donaldson
- Email : Alasdair.Donaldson118@mod.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk
Further information
info@csc.gov.uk.
