About the job

Job summary

As reconfirmed in the Integrated Review Refresh 2023 the foundation of the UK’s integrated approach to deterrence and defence remains a minimum, credible, independent UK nuclear deterrent.

The National Security Secretariat is responsible for advising the Prime Minister on nuclear deterrence policy and co-ordinating relevant activity across Government, working closely with the Ministry of Defence, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Department of Energy Security and Net Zero and HM Treasury.

Key priorities include the major programme of modernisation and recapitalisation of the UK’s deterrent and policy work to ensure that the UK’s approach to capability planning, arms control, counter proliferation and strategic stability is informed by clear analysis of the UK’s security interests and the future international context.

Job description

This is a vital role at the heart of government, working collaboratively across government and internationally, under the direction of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and Cabinet Secretary, to shape policy and deliver a complex and sensitive suite of activities. The successful candidate will lead the team that is the Cabinet Office focus of expertise on nuclear deterrence, the Defence Nuclear Enterprise and the trilateral AUKUS agreement, as well as counter proliferation and arms control policy. They will be responsible for supporting the Prime Minister, Cabinet Secretary and National Security Adviser on these issues and co-ordinating relevant cross-Government activity.

Key responsibilities include: 

• Ensuring the Government’s nuclear policy and strategy is coherent with wider national security policy and oversee its implementation through the Defence Nuclear Enterprise. 
• Advising the NSA and Prime Minister on all aspects of the operation and maintenance of a credible, safe and effective nuclear deterrent, including crisis preparedness and alignment with other military capabilities and diplomatic actions.
• Managing the Cabinet Office’s key bilateral nuclear relationships, including work with international allies and partners to ensure coherence and a shared approach to nuclear deterrence. They will also be responsible for the central oversight and coordination of the UK's participation in the AUKUS agreement.
• Providing effective secretariat support to Ministerial and senior official committees responsible for nuclear deterrence policy and its implementation. 
• Convening and co-ordinating cross-Government stakeholders to resolve differences of view on policy or implementation.
  
• Leading and shaping cross-Government policy on strategic stability, arms control and counter proliferation.
• As a member of the Cabinet Secretariat there may be a requirement to fulfil crisis management roles within the National Security Secretariat or Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms (COBR) to contribute to the Government’s response to or recovery from a national emergency.

Person specification

It is important that, through your CV and supporting statement, you provide evidence of the professional skills, breadth of experience and personal qualities for this post.  

Essential Criteria:

• Strong leadership and the ability to build, guide and support a high performing team. Ability to gain the confidence and trust of individuals of varying seniority across the organization and with senior high profile external stakeholders.

• A track record of working across organisational boundaries to build a collaborative and effective approach. Excellent relationship management and teamworking skills.

• Resilience and the ability to work under pressure to deliver ambitious outcomes and produce high quality work to tight deadlines.

• Strong analytical, policy development and problem-solving skills. Able to understand and explain complex technical issues to non experts and influence high level decision makers.

• Intellectual flexibility, sound judgement, the ability to see the big picture and understand the implications of current events.

• Very strong oral and written communication skills.

• Experience of working at a senior level in large organizations responsible for sensitive and high profile activities that are subject to public scrutiny.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £75,000, Cabinet Office contributes £20,250 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, Strengths and Experience.

Application process

To apply for this post, you will need to complete the online application process, outlined below. This should be completed no later than 23:55pm, Friday 22nd December 2023.

1.A CV (no longer than 1250 words) setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you have  provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years.

2.A Statement of Suitability (no longer than 1250 words) explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with particular reference to the essential criteria in the person specification.

Failure to complete both sections of the online application form (CV and Statement of Suitability) will mean the panel only have limited information on which to assess your application against the criteria in the person specification.

As part of the online application process, you will be asked a number of diversity-related questions. If you do not wish to provide a declaration on any of the particular characteristics, you will have the option to select  'prefer not to say’. See the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy for more information.

Should you encounter any issues with your online application please get in touch with us via: scscandidate.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Your application will be acknowledged when it is received.

Shortlist

A panel, including the hiring manager, will assess your application to select those demonstrating the best fit with the role by considering the evidence you have provided against the criteria set out in the ‘Person Specification’ section. Failure to address any or all of these may affect your application.

The timeline later in this pack indicates the date by which decision is expected to be made, and all longlisted and shortlisted candidates will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible thereafter.

Assessment

If you are successful at the application stage, you will be invited to attend a panel interview, in order to have a more in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the Person Specification.

We will be assessing against experience and the success profile Behaviours and Strengths at the interview.

You may also have the opportunity to speak to the Recruiting Manager prior to the final interview to learn more about the role and the organisation. Please note this is not part of the formal assessment process.

Full details of the assessment process will be made available to shortlisted candidates. If selected for an interview, you will be required to prepare a presentation for the final interview and will be given the subject in advance.

If we receive applications from more suitable candidates than we have vacancies for at this time, we may hold suitable applicants on a reserve list for 12 months, and future vacancies in the Civil Service requiring the same skills and experience could be offered to candidates on the reserve list without the need for a new competition.

Regardless of the outcome, we will notify all candidates as soon as possible.

Expected timeline (subject to change)

• Expected Shortlist – W/C 8th January 2024.
• Expected interview date/s – From the 23rd of January 2024.

Reasonable adjustments

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

• Contact Government Recruitment Service at: scscandidate.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
• Complete the ‘assistance required’ section in the ‘personal information’ page of your application form to provide information we should be aware of that will enable us to support you further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'contact point for applicants' section.

Further information

Periodic National and International travel will be required for this role.

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'contact point for applicants' section.

Please note that this role requires Developed Vetting (DV) clearance, which would normally need 10 years’ UK residency in the past 10 years. You will need to undergo further STRAP clearance once in post.This is not an absolute requirement, but supplementary checks may be needed where individuals have not lived in the UK for that period. This may mean your security clearance (and therefore your appointment) will take longer or, in some cases, not be possible.

Please note terms and conditions are attached. Please take time to read the document to determine how these may affect you.

Any move to Cabinet Office from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at: https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.

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.