Senior Acoustic Analyst

Job summary

This is an exciting opportunity to work as an Senior Acoustic Analyst within the Maritime Data Assessment Centre (MDAC), which is part of the Defence Intelligence organisation, supporting key MOD operational outputs. This role is highly suited for an individual with experience of intelligence and acoustics analysis, who once qualified, will support a 24/7/365 team with the interpretation of national intelligence products within this specialist field. This is a Monday to Friday, day-working role; however, you may be asked to undertake some shift work to maintain competencies or provide resilience on the 24/7 watch floor. Any work outside normal hours will be arranged and agreed with your line manager in advance and may attract additional remuneration in line with MOD Civil Service pay policy.

In Defence Intelligence (DI) our people solve problems, create understanding and give perspective to the diverse and complex Defence threats and challenges in a rapidly changing world. Together our civilians and military personnel inform decision making in Defence, manage complex finance programmes and develop new technology.

In DI we believe your unique experiences, view and understanding of the world could provide a vital perspective and contribution to our work. We recognise that great minds do not think alike and are striving to increase our diversity representation at all levels. As an equal opportunities employer we hire, train and promote people based on merit and inspire to create an inclusive workplace free of discrimination.

All job adverts in DI are subject to fair and open competition.

This position is advertised as 37 hours per week.

Job description

You will conduct accurate data analysis and assessment, identifying acoustic data elements from a broad range of sources, to inform and disseminate timely, relevant reports in support of MDAC outputs. Your role will be supporting a 24/7, 365-day operation, delivering high-quality analytical products that support decision-making and operational effectiveness. As a Senior Analyst you will be required to undertake advanced analytical courses and support the development of operational processes and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Once trained, work as a senior analyst providing analytical support to the 24/7 watch floor.
• Conduct accurate and timely analysis of source data, utilising appropriate analytical techniques to deliver assessments in the most suitable method for the task.
• Support the head of Quality Assurance providing support to the assurance functionality of MDAC.
• Contribute to the continual cycle of source analysis reporting, using appropriate dissemination methods and recognising protective markings and classifications as required.
• When working on the watch floor collaborate with the Team Co-Ordinator to develop and review search plans and criteria.
• When working on the watch floor present analytical data in various formats as required by the task, for review by the Team Co-Ordinator, to support reporting and inform decision-making by the Team Leader.
• Maintain robust audit trails for all source data obtained.
• Develop your analytical tradecraft by identifying and undertaking relevant acoustic analysis training to enhance Senior Analyst proficiencies beyond awareness level.
• Qualify as a Team Co-Ordinator to provide additional resilience within the shift teams.
• Complete non-functional mandatory training and perform other administrative tasks as required within the duties of the role.

Person specification

• Must be a Sole UK National
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Excellent IT skills, including word processing, PowerPoint and excel spreadsheets.
• The ability to prioritise, work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Strong analytical thinking and logical reasoning.
• Capability to objectively analyse all sides of an issue.
• Prior experience of military/ defence intelligence or acoustic analysis ( highly desirable).

This post is a Reserved position therefore this vacancy is open to Sole UK nationals only and cannot be offered to someone with dual nationality. Successful candidates who do not hold the necessary clearances will be made provisional job offers and asked to undergo our vetting procedures. Once the relevant clearances have been acquired a formal job offer will be made and start dates can be discussed. Should candidates fail to acquire the relevant clearances the provisional job offer will be rescinded. Candidates should note this process can take several months.

Essential Criteria

You will be required to qualify as a Senior Acoustic Analyst. For applicants not already qualified, there is the requirement to become qualified within the first 12 months of employment, full training is provided.

Behaviours

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

• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Leadership
• Developing Self and Others

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £30,740, Ministry of Defence contributes £8,905 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

Furthermore, we offer a range of excellent benefits including but not limited to the following:

• Leave entitlement - 25-day annual leave allowance per year increasing by 1 day per year (maximum 30 days per year). In addition, 8 statutory Bank Holidays and 1 privilege day per year.
• Professional Development - We are committed to your continued professional and personal development with learning as one of our core values.
• Health and Wellbeing – for a small fee staff can use the exceptional onsite gymnasium facilities.
• We also offer an excellent range of family-friendly benefits, for example, enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
• Special Paid Leave to volunteer up to 6 days a year

The post does not offer relocation expenses.

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a twelve month probation period.

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Any move to MOD 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/.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywher