DNO - Warhead Nuclear Threat Reduction Programme Manager
Ministry of Defence
Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 28th October 2024
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About the job
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.
The Nuclear Threat Reduction team seeks to identify, understand and mitigate threats to the UK and its allies including countering terrorist threats, preventing the proliferation of information and materials and understanding the nuclear ambitions of other states.
This small team has a significant has a broad portfolio which has a significant impact across UK Government and internationally.
This role leads deriving, implementing and supporting Nuclear Emergency Response requirements, with emphasis on stakeholder management, knowledge exchange and achieving capability.
Candidates should be aware that the Nuclear Threat Reduction team is required to be flexible and agile as threats emerge and it is likely that addition other topics will need to be addressed as part of this role.
This post can be based in Reading or London with occasional travel between the sites.
Job description
The postholder provides strategic direction to MOD’s Nuclear Threat Reduction (NTR) programme, delivering the function of intelligent customer on behalf of DNO WHD Cap-DD. Specifically, this is providing technical oversight for the nuclear emergency response capability work stream to ensure the MOD requirements are achieved through the AWE technical programme, providing continual review and improvement.
This includes supporting DNO Delivery to ensure that the requirements are implemented, reviewed and prioritised through agreed deliverables, providing guidance to ensure that NTR work funded through Other Government Departments (OGD) balances with the AWE programme.
Elements of this will involve collaboration and engagement with a broad range of stakeholders within MOD, OGD, International Partners and Industry Contractors.
As the Nuclear Emergency Organisation (NEO) Capability Sponsor, the postholder would act as the NEO Intelligent Customer, engaging with both Defence and wider UK nuclear emergency response in the NEO arena to understand business-as-usual, seek best practice, review changes and provide feedback.
The postholder would lead, direct and review AWE NEO requirements. Developing an agreed requirements set for AWE NEO support across all LCPs. This encompasses all requirements put on AWE NEO including level of response, reach back support, capabilities to deliver the response and exercising for the event of an incident or emergency.
The postholder would also direct, develop and manage an emerging NTR NEO response capability; providing planning, training and exercise of an above-OS reach-back service into AWE in support of an HQ DNEO response.
The role includes acting as the UK co-chair of a related UK/US Joint Working Group, establishing, delivering and managing collaborative programmes and technical information exchanges, supporting national policy and UK/US operators. Also acting as secondary chair to a second UK/US Joint Working Group, seeking areas of cross-working group collaboration and to provide redundancy.
The role also provides technical nuclear advice on all strands of UK NEO capability development, provision of Subject Matter Expert technical support to emerging capabilities and technologies and acts as the UK owner of a responder training course that sponsors and ensures UK response personnel receive appropriate US training.
This post is on the MOD Civilian Nuclear Post Control List (PCL) and may attract the Nuclear Recruitment and Retention Allowance (RRA). This is a discretionary allowance. The post being listed on the PCL does not mean that the post holder will have an automatic entitlement to receive the RRA. The NSQEP RRA is not a contractual allowance and can be amended or withdrawn without notice in line with MOD Main and Submarine Delivery Agency policy.
Hybrid and flexible working can be considered for this post but will need regular workplace attendance due to security constraints. Candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before submitting an application.
This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.
Person specification
Desirable Qualifications
- STEM related degree or significant experience.
- Programme management qualification such as MSP, P3M etc.
Desirable Skills
- MSP or willingness to undertake within 3 months.
- Stakeholder management.
- Knowledge of emergency response activities.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Changing and Improving
- Leadership
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
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
- 25 days annual leave, raising to 30 days following 5 years’ service (+ 8 days bank and public holidays), with family friendly benefits including improved maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
- Cycle Loan (Advance on Salary)
- Thank You Scheme
- Defence Sports & Recreational Association (DSRA)
- Defence Discount Service
- Some of our sites have on-site gyms, restaurants, cafes, nurseries and more
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.
‘London locations may attract locational allowances. The ‘Inner London Weighting RRA Allowance’ is £3,250 per annum and the ‘Outer London Weighting RRA Allowance’ is £1,750 per annum.
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 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 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.
You have around 1250 words for a Personal Statement, where you have the opportunity to show how you meet the requirements of the role.
Candidates will be assessed against the following behaviours during the Interview-
Changing and Improving
Making Effective Decisions
Leadership
Communicating and Influencing
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 bench-marked and these will be used to sift all candidates, with those meeting the minimum requirements invited to interview.
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.
Interviews will be conducted face to face at MOD Main Building
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.
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:
a) ‘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:
a) 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)
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 into 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.
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.
Security
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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 : DNO-External Recruitment
- Email : DNO-Externalrecruiting@mod.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk
Further information
info@csc.gov.uk.
