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 Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) is an integral component in delivering our mission. In July 2021, AWE transitioned into an Arm’s Length Body (ALB) of MOD. At the same time, the AWE Shareholder Team was established as a joint team between DNO and UK Government Investments (UKGI) to create the conditions for success under which AWE can make the best possible contribution to Defence. We seek to do this by supporting and challenging AWE and work closely with teams across DNO, MOD and HMG in delivering both traditional ALB sponsorship activities and wider initiatives.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week. There are currently no line management responsibilities for this role.

Job description

The post is part of the AWE Shareholder Team and will support the AWE Sponsor AH on the day-to-day sponsorship relationship.  DNO sponsors AWE in Government and the AWE Shareholder team works closely with DNO Warhead Group to ensure AWE delivers their portfolio of activity in support of the UK’s nuclear deterrent.

This post will support delivery of the teams annual workplan that covers a diverse and exciting scope of work.  In 2024 the main team campaigns are implementing DNO’s responses to the recent NAO review, co-ordinating a revised remuneration approach for AWE, securing an improved route to contract for MOD customers of AWE, implementing a Board & Corporate Effectiveness improvement plan and an AWE Chair Campaign.

• Hybrid and flexible working can be considered for this post but will need regular workplace attendance due to security constraints.

Person specification

Specific workplan activities will be agreed on an on-going basis to ensure a varied workload and provide tailored opportunities for development, and which ensure the team remains responsive and flexible to new requirements. Initial activities will include:

• Responsibility for ensuring Functional Standards are being applied correctly in AWE and overseeing progress to compliance via active stakeholder engagement across the organisations.
• The role will also provide support to reviews and audits related to AWE within the DNO, and the subsequent activities to implement recommendations.
• Support the wider team in delivering on MOD’s through-year corporate assurance responsibilities as the sole shareholder of AWE; specifically, project managing the laying of the AWE Annual Report & Accounts in Parliament.
• Responsibility for conducting KPI analysis on data received from AWE to contribute to briefings for the DNO Non-Executive Director who sits on the AWE Board and assisting in the creation and implementation of a Board and Corporate Effectiveness strategy.
• All members of the team look to be best-in-class and ensure we are setup to deliver and be recognised as a centre of expertise across DNO, UKGI, AWE and wider MOD/Gov. You will manage the stakeholder map, risk register and records management processes for the team; leading the data capture and changes to these useful tools and ensuring we adopt best practice.

Essential Skills:

• Excellent team working skills with a focus on continuous improvement to achieve shared goals and objectives.
• The ability to be flexible and adaptable, working autonomously, able to act on your own initiative, and quickly develop good working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders at all grades and ranks.
• Ability to effectively plan programmes of work and deliver within challenging timescales, maintaining focus in difficult situations and adapting to find solutions that meet needs of stakeholders, drawing on multiple personnel and teams to complete tasks.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information in a concise and compelling fashion to senior stakeholders.
• Ability to be both forward thinking and politically astute, with strong ability to view work within the wider context, maximising opportunities for impact.

Desirable Skills:

• Previous experience of Government Sponsorship of Arm’s Length Bodies.
• Previous experience of working in a strategic environment with Senior Management, Board Members, and/or Policy Officials would also be an advantage. 

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £43,080, Ministry of Defence contributes £11,631 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 250 words that sets out your motivation for applying and shows how your skills and experience meet the essential / desirable requirements for the role.
• Behaviours:
• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together
• Changing and Improving
• Delivering at Pace

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

However, evidence should be provided against all behaviours requested.

At Interview, you will be assessed on;

• Behaviours:
• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together
• Changing and Improving
• Delivering at Pace

• Experience

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.