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 role would be embedded in the Submarine Capability (SubCap) part of DNO, which provides Defence-wide leadership of submarine capability management and portfolio delivery, with a vision to be a strong and effective Sponsor for submarine capabilities in support of national strategy; maintaining today’s operational advantage and planning for the future.  Organised in capability and functional teams, its mission is to be accountable for the development and delivery of submarine capabilities, including the build of new submarines, and through to the disposal and decommissioning of submarines. 

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.

Job description

The role would also work closely with the Enterprise Portfolio directorate in DNO, working with the Submarine Capability Deputy Director to ensure that SubCap are in alignment with work ongoing across the wider Defence Nuclear Enterprise.

The Portfolio Insights Assistant Head will lead a small team which operates at the strategic / portfolio level in the Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO), primarily working with the Submarine Capability (SubCap) part of DNO. They will also have regular engagement with the Enterprise Portfolio directorate to ensure that SubCap are aligned with wider work ongoing across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise.

The Portfolio Insights team takes on ‘special projects’ i.e. particular projects of work aimed at improving the way that we deliver our projects / programmes. For example, a project ongoing includes improving our management information and reporting to one of our most senior portfolio boards. Past projects have included analysis of our historic financial versus milestone performance. The team also takes on responding to policy and strategy requests, as well as work commissioned by our Deputy Director and Director chaired portfolio boards, where such work requires a cross-SubCap response. This is a varied and interesting job, and part of it will include continuing to evolve the scope of the team to meet the demand. It is designed to be flexible. The Portfolio Insights team takes on the more strategic questions and tasks, allowing the teams delivering our programmes (such as the Dreadnought new submarine build programme) to focus on the day-to-day delivery of their programmes.

Person specification

The successful candidate’s key responsibilities will include:

• Line management of 1 x SEO, the SEO line manages an HEO.
• Work with the G7 Portfolio Office Manager within SubCap, who generates and coheres portfolio information for performance and risk reporting purposes. The Portfolio Insights role will be focused on the longer term, strategic questions whilst the Portfolio Manager generates portfolio information and advises seniors on the delivery status of the portfolio. Both are essential for effective an effective portfolio management function.
• Coordinate and build relationships with key partners including Submarine programme teams delivering programmes such as the Dreadnought programme and Senior Responsible Owners, allowing them to focus on delivering their programme without being diverted by longer-term / urgent questions that can be taken care of at the portfolio level.
• Proactive identification and resolution of conflict across programmes and projects. Lead on varied projects to resolve and address any challenges faced by those delivering programmes in SubCap (e.g. current project is looking at improving our management information and data reporting).
• Lead on strategy / policy / data analysis requests, where they require a strategic cross-directorate response rather than a response from a particular programme in the directorate.
• Lead on championing and aligning work ongoing across the Nuclear Enterprise (includes e.g. Navy Command, Submarine Delivery Agency) to improve the way that we deliver our programmes. Communicate the work that they are doing to DNO to increase alignment and awareness. Will include considering ways to bring in expertise from across MOD into SubCap to improve our big picture thinking.
• Leading on the above tasks will involve a) the B2 leading on some tasks directly themselves and b) the SEO or HEO leading on tasks and the B2 proving direction. The B2 role will include evolving the scope of the team and ensuring effective delegation to their team to allow them to lead on projects.
• Procure and contract manage external assistance expertise where required.

Essential Skills: 

Previous experience of project delivery / programme and portfolio management e.g., experience working in a portfolio office and in aligning strategy with programme/portfolio delivery.

Experience of programme and portfolio reporting and data analysis.

Desirable Qualifications: 

Qualification in project, programme or portfolio management e.g. Management of Portfolios, Managing Successful Programmes, APM PMQ (or equivalent qualification / evidence of sufficient experience)

Desirable Skills: 

Previous experience of Defence programme and portfolio management and/or experience of the delivery of military capability programmes. 

Experience preferably aligned to Association of Project Management or Government Project Delivery Profession frameworks.

Experience of managing low to medium value contracts.

Experience of PowerBI.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £57,670, Ministry of Defence contributes £15,570 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 education and qualifications and previous experiences and skills. Please also include any relevant responsibilities and achievements.
• Personal Statement- which should be a maximum of 750 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
• Communicating and Influencing

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

However, evidence should be provided against all behaviours requested.

At Interview, you will be assessed on;

• Behaviours:
• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Changing and Improving
• Working Together
• Seeing the Big Picture

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. 

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.