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 Warhead Directorate leads the UK nuclear warhead programme which provides a stockpile of reliable, safe and effective nuclear warheads to support the UK’s strategic nuclear deterrent now and in the future.

The Warhead Directorate has staff based in MOD Main Building, MOD Abbey Wood (Bristol), Aldermaston (Reading) and HM Naval Base Clyde (Scotland). This post will be based in either Bristol, Aldermaston or MOD Main Building (London).

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week. 

Job description

The Replacement Warhead Programme Business Support Coordinator/Information support post is exciting and varied and will provide vital support to the programme crafting the future of the nuclear weapons programme. There is opportunity to network with a wide variety of partners spanning Government, MOD and defence operators both nationally and internationally.

This is an excellent development opportunity for someone who wishes to join the defence nuclear programme. We are a diverse and multi-disciplined team delivering key element of the UK nuclear deterrent and gain exposure to one of the most significant, exciting and unique projects in government. Few projects are as important as this one, and our nuclear programme is a key priority for the Government. This leads to a hugely rewarding sense of making a real contribution to defence objectives.

The Business Support Coordinator/Information Support post will provide a pivotal role in ensuring that the enabling activities required to support the DNO Replacement Warhead Programme (RWP) are conducted in an appropriate manner. It will provide business and information support to all areas within the DNO RWP across all UK site locations where RWP staff are based as listed above. The role will also provide administrative support to RWP staff posted to the United States in all locations.

We are a sophisticated programme utilising a suite of systems in support of delivery. We require new joiners to have an appropriate level of access to RWP information and the effective use of technology to accurately classify, collate, catalogue and store relevant information. The post holder will have regular opportunities to engage with partners across the Warhead Directorate and wider DNO to ensure that the RWP is aligned with standard IM methodology across for the area.

Person specification

Provide business support and Information support to the RWP by:

• Ensuring information management processes are kept up-to-date and reviewed regularly to ensure they’re fit for purpose under the latest KIM guidelines
• providing advice on information management issues and promoting best practice relating to information management
• Supporting the process of cataloguing and indexing RWP documents in a logical manner, consistent with Warhead, DNO and MOD best practice;
• Supporting the Information manager in developing appropriate retention and disposal schedules for electronic content and supporting audits
• Working closely with stakeholders with an interest in business support/Information support across the Warhead Directorate and wider DNO to ensure consistency of approach,
• Ensuring the admission of visitors onto all sites, liaising with security manager
• Assisting line managers with the on-boarding processes for new joiners and leavers;
• Handling travel and subsistence bookings for domestic and international visits and associated audits – including hire car, hotel and air transport bookings;
• Coordinating team meetings and away days;
• Taking the lead for visits to the USA, building knowledge with SME’s, processes are communicated and ensuring all visits are submitted on time.
• Ensuring RWP team business continuity processes are in place in line with wider directorate process;
• Selecting, managing and distributing management information across the full suite of systems utilised by the RWP, including by managing changing to SharePoint folders and access permissions, including new starters and Leavers.

Support the RWP Security Manager on all information management matters within the RWP by:

• Assisting on all security responsibilities, tasks and working closely with stakeholders.

Skills:

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Software

Desirable Skills:

• Experience in business administration and Information support

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £28,300, Ministry of Defence contributes £7,641 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.

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, full details of education and qualifications and previous experiences and skills. Please also include any relevant responsibilities and achievements.

You have 1250 words for a Personal Statement, where you have the opportunity to show how you meet the requirements of the role.  

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.  

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.

At interview, you will be assessed against the following Success Profiles Behaviours:

• Managing a Quality Service
• Changing and Improving
• Delivering at Pace
• Seeing the Big Picture

Nationality Requirements - Further Information for Candidates

1. This post is classed as ‘Reserved’ as per Civil Service Nationality Rules Section 3. In accordance with these rules, ‘only UK nationals may be employed in reserved posts in the Civil Service’[1] (Paragraph. 3.1).

UK National Definition

     2. The definition of a ‘UK National’ can be found at Paragraphs. 1.4-1.8 of the Civil Service Nationality Rules.

Dual Nationals

     3.  As per Paragraph. 1.41 of the Civil Service Nationality Rules:

     a)   ‘Candidates with dual nationality are in principle eligible for employment in the Civil Service provided that they meet the requirements in relation to one of their nationalities [i.e. UK National]. They may not be eligible, however, for employment in certain reserved posts where additional nationality requirements are imposed.’ 

Additional Restrictions for Reserved Posts

      4. As per Paragraphs. 3.10-3.11 of the Civil Service Nationality Rules: 

      a)  ‘…departments and agencies are entitled to impose additional requirements in reserved posts if this is considered necessary. This could include, for example, requirements as to the residency of the applicant or the nationality of one or both parents of the applicant.’

      5, If you are a Dual National who possesses UK Nationality and wish to check your eligibility for the post, please contact our recruiting team at the details below. Please be advised that we will not be able to provide a justification for our decision for security reasons. 

DNO External Recruitment - DNO-ExternalRecruiting@mod.gov.uk

[1]  Irish nationals and Commonwealth citizens are also eligible for employment in reserved posts if they were in the Civil Service at 31 May 1996 or before, or were appointed from a recruitment scheme with a closing date for receipt of applications before 1 June 1996. (Paragraph. 3.1)

Candidates are advised that due to the sensitivity of the role we can only accept UK Nationals and you will also be expected to achieve Developed Vetting clearance, above the normal clearance level expected for the MoD.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

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.