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 position is advertised at 36/37 hours per week Tacos Dependant.

Job description

SSPAG is part of the Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO). SSPAG’s role is to help assure the effectiveness of the Nuclear Deterrent. We do this through a programme of analysis, assessments and audits of key capabilities and operations. Our assessments are central to senior decision making within the Ministry of Defence. In SSPAG you will be at the heart of real Defence issues, delivering against one of the Department’s top priorities, in a high-profile area which is rarely out of the news.

The Technical Partner role is based in the SSPAG Strategic Assessments team. We undertake bespoke numerical simulations, conduct operational analysis, and provide technical studies which support the UK submarine fleet. The Technical Partner role is unique within the team, split between technical work and project delivery to understand and deliver novel capabilities. The post would suit an individual with experience in leading and managing technical projects, possessing an inquisitive technical mindset and the aptitude to learn from engagement with the engineering, analytical, science and technology communities.

As part of a busy and well-respected team, you will be responsible for leading and managing the design, implementation and support of projects and scientific studies delivering insight into future technologies related to the effectiveness of the Nuclear Deterrent. You will have opportunities to engage across MoD, Dstl, industry, academia, wider government, and potentially internationally in the identification of routes for bringing this understanding to the team.

You will also have the opportunity to contribute directly to technical studies relating to submarine effectiveness. These studies cover a wide range of techniques, including operational analysis; the creation and use of bespoke numerical models; signal processing and signal detection.

Even if you don’t think you’ve got 100% of what we’re after, still give it a go. There will be training opportunities plus a supportive environment for the right candidate who is willing to invest their time and energy into developing themselves for this role.

• Flexible and condensed working patterns can be considered for this post but due to security constraints the role is not suitable for hybrid working. Candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before submitting an application.

Person specification

The successful candidate must have a STEM degree (or equivalent relevant experience) providing technical and/or analytical skills. However, subject specific knowledge can be developed within role.

The successful candidate should have the ability to demonstrate:
- Experience in gathering, organising and evaluating information, working with complex datasets.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, enabling the post holder to succinctly convey complex information to a varied audience and to deal with stakeholders at all levels both within and outside the organisation.
- Strong organisational skills.
- Strong IT skills, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
- Aptitude to prioritise, work under pressure and to meet strict deadlines.
- Ability to work collaboratively with others.

 The following are desirable but not essential and can be developed within role:

- Experience of technical or scientific work in relation to the underwater domain.
- Experience of conducting operational analysis, numerical modelling or simulation.
- Experience in any signal detection technologies.
- An understanding of submarine operations.
- Experience of project / programme management
- Awareness of the UK Strategic Deterrent and the role it plays in national security.

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.

We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

Changing and Improving

Making Effective Decisions

Leadership

Communicating and Influencing

Full CV is required. 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: 5.   ‘…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.’ 6.   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 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)  You will also be expected to achieve Developed Vetting clearance, above the normal clearance level expected for the MoD.   No application can be accepted after the closing date.     Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.   SSPAG is accessed by 2 flights of stairs. Working underground with no natural light and no lift access. 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 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.