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. 

This position is advertised at 36/37 hours per week Tacos Dependant.

Job description

This is an exciting role directly supporting the MOD SCS Pay Band 4 Chief of Defence Nuclear (CDN).

Chief of Defence Nuclear heads the Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) which sponsors both the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) and Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) as part of her accountability for delivery of the warhead and submarine build and disposal programmes as well as aspects of deterrent policy.  She works very closely with the First Sea Lord (who is responsible for submarines in-service and operations) and Navy Command.  Further, is also the Additional Accounting Officer and TLB holder for the DNO TLB.  Together, this forms the Defence Nuclear Enterprise with a clear mission: Deliver the capabilities, deter the threat, protect the nation. Chief of Defence Nuclear is responsible for delivering reform across the whole cross-Government DNE through the implementation of the DNE Strategic Plan.

The Assistant Private Secretary (APS), will work as part of a small, high-performing team that is primarily responsible for managing the CDN day to day business, ensuring that we utilise the maximum time available to this busy role. The ideal candidate will have the confidence and ability to ensure CDN is armed with the right information ahead of her meetings, enabling her to drive forward DNO’s programme of work, and communicate CDN’s intent and direction to colleagues across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE), other parts of MOD and wider Government.

Communication and interpersonal skills will be critical, as the post-holder will play an important role liaising with internal and external organisations, commissioning briefings and coordinating with the 1* Deputy Directors, 2* Directors and 3*s (MD Warhead and CEO SDA) as they deliver across a range of policy areas.

CDN’s portfolio is significant, and the successful candidate will manage the Private Office functions and line manage the Executive Assistant – overseeing all visit programmes, travel coordination, logistics and information management. This role will support the Private Secretaries and Chief of Staff to work on policy formulation, the delivery of major programmes, the management of a significant annual budget and People policies. There will be development opportunities to work on policy, delivery and strategy.

• Leading on a discrete portfolio, proactively working with colleagues across the DNE, Whitehall and Industry to drive delivery of CDN priorities through effective diary management.
• Supporting CDN’s office including coordinating suitable briefs and meetings, and broader office management:
  • Corporate Management​
  • Accommodation​
  • Day file​
• Close, direct, work with seniors across the DNE.
• Private Office management.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues from across the MOD, other Government departments and industry.
• Rapidly interpret and understand the CDN intent and decisions, with the ability to communicate clearly and succinctly across a complex stakeholder community.

Line management of Executive Assistant.

• 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

This is a high-profile, varied and demanding role, which draws on a range of skills. It is essential that the post-holder is a self-starter and able to manage their time efficiently. The successful candidate will require:

• Strong communication skills
• Initiative and resilience to work around problems
• An aptitude for stakeholder management as you will need to work closely with, often senior officials and military personnel from across the MOD.
• Build and maintain strong professional relationships across the complex stakeholder environment that makes up the Defence Nuclear Enterprise – within the Ministry of Defence, executive agency delivery bodies, the Royal Navy, Whitehall and industry.
• Interpret and analyse information to think strategically and plan ahead to identify long and short-term priorities and take action to respond to them on behalf of CDN

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £35,290, Ministry of Defence contributes £9,528 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

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.You have 250 words to answer each Behaviour.

*Please note that not following the appropriate format will mean that you may be unable to reach the required grades for sift or interview* 

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

At Sift, you will be assessed on;

• CV - to include job history, full details of qualifications and previous experiences/skills. Please also include any relevant responsibilities and achievements.
• Personal Statement- which should be a maximum of 500 words that sets out your motivation for applying and shows how your skills and experience meet the essential / desirable requirements for the role.

• Behaviours:
• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace

If a large number of applications are received, then the initial sift will be based on the behaviour Leadership only, CV and Personal Statement. 

However, evidence should be provided against all behaviours requested.

At Interview, you will be assessed on;

• Behaviours:
• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace

• Experience

Interviews will be conducted over Microsoft Teams.

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. T

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.

The role currently being advertised has not been assessed as business critical and 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

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.