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 mission of the Principal Security Advisor (PSyA) team is to support Chief Defence Nuclear by ensuring the security and resilience of Command Plan outputs and establishing an effective organisation to implement security policy as specified by MOD’s Director of Security and Resilience, the Defence Nuclear Security Regulator (DefNucSyR) and the MOD Chief Information Officer (CIO). 

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

The primary objective for the Nuclear Security Advice Coordinator role in the Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) Principal Security Advise (PSyA) team, is to be the initial point of contact for all requests for security advice from staff within the DNO and other security teams within the wider Defence Nuclear Enterprise.

Duties include: 

• Staffing the security Warning, Advice and Reporting Point (WARP) group mailbox, including triaging and responding to requests for advice and directing complex issues to the relevant Security Advisors (SAs)
• Co-ordinating the quarterly on call duty rota
• Issuing and advising on the completion of appropriate security forms
• Supporting the Incident Response Coordinator with the investigation and subsequent risk and impact assessment of security incidents
• Performing Information Management activities for the PSyA Team, including updating and uploading information to SharePoint in line with Joint Service Publication (JSP) 441
• Inviting staff to Annual Mandatory Security Training sessions
• Acting as a National Security Vetting (NSV) Sponsor for contractors employed in DNO

Other duties to support the wider security output of the DNO PSyA team will also be required, working closely with the DNO PSyA Security Operations Manager and thematic Security advisors.  

In addition, the post holder will take part in an out of hours on call Duty Officer Rota for the DNO PSyA team, to deliver timely responses to DNO Security matters and issues. 

Hybrid and flexible working can be considered for this post but need at least 60% workplace attendance due to security constraints. Candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before submitting an application.

Person specification

This role will provide the right candidate with a fantastic start to a career in the Government Security Profession (GSP) and the opportunity to work in one of the most sensitive and high-profile programme areas within the Ministry of Defence and Government. 
 
Essential:   

Ability to maintain focus in difficult situations and adapting to find solutions that meet the needs of stakeholders, drawing on multiple personnel and teams to complete tasks. 

Used to multitasking and managing a competing set of priorities. You will be organised and efficient with your time, able to prioritise and deliver quickly but to a high standard.   

Ability to be flexible and adaptable, working autonomously from varied locations, able to act on own initiative, and quickly develop good working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders at all grades and ranks. 

Excellent team working skills, focusing on continuous improvement to achieve shared goals and objectives. 

Prepared to jump into the role and duties you won’t be afraid to ask questions. We all work closely together, so collaboration is key. 

A good level of IT proficiency ((MS Sharepoint, Outlook and Excel))

Ability to quickly build strong relationships with key stakeholders. 

Excellent communication skills

Desirable 

An understanding of Defence, its delivery, structure and corporate governance with a good awareness of HMG protective security and policy. 

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £24,985, Ministry of Defence contributes £6,745 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.

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

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 complete an online CV template to include job history, qualifications and previous experiences and skills. Please also include any relevant responsibilities and achievements.

You have a maximum of 250 words for a Personal Statement. Candidates should provide within their personal statement evidence of how their previous skills and experience meet the requirements of the role.

When choosing your Behaviour examples, please make sure you use real life scenarios that relate to your own experiences. Whilst technology may help to enhance your written submission, presenting the ideas of others or those generated by technology, could result in your application being rejected.

At Sift, you will be assessed on

• Behaviours:
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Making Effective Decisions
• CV
• Personal Statement (250 words)

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; 

• Behaviours:
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Making Effective Decisions
• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Experience

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.

The interview panel will explore in more detail the examples given for the Behaviours and will also ask questions based on your CV and Personal Statement to explore your relevant experience. 

Interviews will be conducted over MS 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. 

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.