DNO Governance and Policy Advisor to the Defence Nuclear Enterprise

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 first duty of government is to keep its people safe. As we invest in the future of our nuclear deterrent, ensuring the right strategic direction, oversight, and accountability for the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE) – through effective governance and strategy – is vital to our national security.

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.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

The required security clearance for this role is Developed Vetting (further information attached).

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.

This post is classed as ‘Reserved’ as per the Civil Service Nationality Rules. For further information please see the attached document.

As part of this responsibility, the successful job holder will:

• Partner across the Strategy and Engagement Unit to deliver critical strategy projects for the DNE (at least 25% of the job holder portfolio) as well as analysing and evaluating strategic risks and challenges facing the DNE.
• Draft briefing and advice to SCS3 and SCS4 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 support they need to function effectively.
• Deliver effective stakeholder engagement and forward planning.
• Develop and own strong relationships with board members, their offices and stakeholders across the DNE.
• Be responsible for the secure management and handling of high classification material – incorporating classified material into your strategic briefing.

Open to UK nationals only.

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.

As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete a CV and a Personal Statement (max 500 words). Your CV should consist of your career history, full qualification details and previous skills/experience, including any key achievements in each job roles. Your CV will be scored against the experience required for the role as noted within the essential criteria.

At Sift, you will be assessed on your;

• CV
• Personal Statement (500 Words)

At sift, Candidates will be assessed against their CV and Statement of suitability and the following:

• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together
• Communicating and Influencing
• Seeing the Big Picture

If a large number of applications are received, the sift will be based on the CV, Personal Statement and the lead behaviour Delivering at Pace only. However, evidence should be provided against all the Success Profile Behaviour requested.

At Interview you will be assessed against your Experience, Success Profile Behaviours

• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together
• Communicating and Influencing
• Seeing the Big Picture

Prior to the interviews candidates will be required to do a minute taking written assessment. Further details we be provided nearer to the time.

Interviews will be conducted in person, MOD Main Building, London.

Candidates who are found to meet an acceptable standard at interview but are not successful in 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.

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.

There may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all DCS candidates that meet the minimum criteria for the job. For example, in certain recruitment situations such as a high volume of applications, seasonal demand, or peak periods, the employer may wish to limit the overall number of interviews offered to both DCS and non-DCS applicants.

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.