Defence Nuclear Organisation - Assistant Head Strategy

The Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) is responsible for the provision of the nuclear deterrent, encompassing our submarines and nuclear warheads, while also advising on UK nuclear planning and fostering international co-operation on nuclear matters. With a multidisciplinary team of over 700 professionals, the DNO brings together expertise in science, engineering, finance, policy, programme delivery, and more. We work in partnership with the Royal Navy, the Submarine Delivery Agency and the Atomic Weapons Establishment as the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE).

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 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 post is open to substantive Grade 7s and experienced colleagues on promotion.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

The required security clearance for this role is Developed Vetting (more information below in the Security section). This post is classed as ‘Reserved’ as per the Civil Service Nationality Rules. For further information please see the attached documents.

The first duty of government is to keep its people safe. The Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE) is a vast organisation, bringing together civil servants, military, contractors and industry partners to deliver Defence’s top priority. This role plays a crucial part in cohering individual work strands across the enterprise, ensuring strategic alignment and supporting efficient, joined-up delivery across the Enterprise. The Strategic Projects team is also responsible for engagement between the DNE and wider MOD Strategy function, representing the views of the enterprise and ensuring wider DNE-MOD alignment. The role will have the following responsibilities:

• Lead the DNE’s approach to implementation of key defence strategic priorities such as those set out in the Strategic Defence Review. Drive efforts to deliver activity that aligns with these recommendations, ensuring this is accurately and comprehensively reported to Ministers via key governance Boards.
• Conduct strategic analysis of DNE delivery and X-HMG support for the deterrent, identifying opportunities for improvement. Provide evidence-based recommendations to senior leadership to inform decision-making and optimise strategic outcomes.
• Be the primary DNE lead for all senior briefings, up to and including the Prime Minister. Build a network of stakeholders across all areas of the enterprise, drawing on these relationships to regularly produce high-quality, comprehensive briefing packs at pace. Ensure CDN and Senior Officials have the required information available to them for meetings with MOD Ministers and wider Government.
• Lead and coordinate DNE strategic projects, aligned with enterprise objectives and senior stakeholder requirements.
• Ensure DNE alignment with Defence Reform as it continues its implementation phase. Represent the DNE at Defence Reform fora, identifying areas where further internal work is required and ensuring this activity is undertaken.
• Line management responsibility for one SEO (C1).

The role will also undertake a variety of activities within the wider DNO Strategy department and will be expected to reprioritise as necessary to support emerging taskings.

Please note that flexible and condensed working patterns can be considered for these posts. 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 submitting an application. Part time/job share is not applicable to these roles that successful individuals to take forward at pace to establish and start delivering the outputs within the first few months of employment

Open to UK nationals only.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

The first stage of the selection process requires candidates to successfully complete the Civil Service Verbal test and the Civil Service judgment 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 CV to include job history, and previous experiences and a Personal Statement of Suitability (maximum 500 words) that sets out your motivation for applying and shows how your skills and experience meet the essential/desirable requirements for the role.

At Sift, you will be assessed on your;

• CV
• Personal Statement

Success Profile Behaviours:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Working Together

If a large number of applications are received, the sift will be based on your CV, Personal Statement and the lead behaviour Seeing the Big Picture only. However, evidence should be provided against all behaviours as requested.

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 on your Experience and;

Success Profile Behaviours:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Working Together
• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing

Candidates invited to interview will be required to undertake a presentation 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 for this advertised post may be considered for similar roles within the Business Unit.

You will also be expected to achieve Developed Vetting clearance, above the normal clearance level expected for the MoD.

The Defence Nuclear Organisation plays a vital role in supporting the delivery of the UK’s independent strategic nuclear deterrent. To help enhance security, staff working for the DNO are encouraged to always exercise a high level of discretion in sharing information or talking about their work. As part of the application process, we ask that you do not tell anyone other than your partner or close family member about your application to join the DNO. You should not mention your application on social media or discuss it with anyone else at this stage.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment

Further information:

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.

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. 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.

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.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.