Defence Nuclear Organisation - Assistant Head Strategy

Job summary

The Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) is responsible for the provision of the nuclear deterrent, encompassing our submarines and nuclear warheads, while also advising on UK nuclear planning and fostering international co-operation on nuclear matters. With a multidisciplinary team of over 700 professionals, the DNO brings together expertise in science, engineering, finance, policy, programme delivery, and more. We work in partnership with the Royal Navy, the Submarine Delivery Agency and the Atomic Weapons Establishment as the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE).

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 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 post is open to substantive Grade 7s and experienced colleagues on promotion.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

The required security clearance for this role is Developed Vetting (more information below in the Security section). This post is classed as ‘Reserved’ as per the Civil Service Nationality Rules. For further information please see the attached documents.

Job description

The first duty of government is to keep its people safe. The Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE) is a vast organisation, bringing together civil servants, military, contractors and industry partners to deliver Defence’s top priority. This role plays a crucial part in cohering individual work strands across the enterprise, ensuring strategic alignment and supporting efficient, joined-up delivery across the Enterprise. The Strategic Projects team is also responsible for engagement between the DNE and wider MOD Strategy function, representing the views of the enterprise and ensuring wider DNE-MOD alignment. The role will have the following responsibilities:

• Lead the DNE’s approach to implementation of key defence strategic priorities such as those set out in the Strategic Defence Review. Drive efforts to deliver activity that aligns with these recommendations, ensuring this is accurately and comprehensively reported to Ministers via key governance Boards.
• Conduct strategic analysis of DNE delivery and X-HMG support for the deterrent, identifying opportunities for improvement. Provide evidence-based recommendations to senior leadership to inform decision-making and optimise strategic outcomes.
• Be the primary DNE lead for all senior briefings, up to and including the Prime Minister. Build a network of stakeholders across all areas of the enterprise, drawing on these relationships to regularly produce high-quality, comprehensive briefing packs at pace. Ensure CDN and Senior Officials have the required information available to them for meetings with MOD Ministers and wider Government.
• Lead and coordinate DNE strategic projects, aligned with enterprise objectives and senior stakeholder requirements.
• Ensure DNE alignment with Defence Reform as it continues its implementation phase. Represent the DNE at Defence Reform fora, identifying areas where further internal work is required and ensuring this activity is undertaken.
• Line management responsibility for one SEO (C1).

The role will also undertake a variety of activities within the wider DNO Strategy department and will be expected to reprioritise as necessary to support emerging taskings.

Please note that flexible and condensed working patterns can be considered for these posts. However, due to security constraints the post is not suitable for hybrid/remote working and successful applicants will be based in MOD Main Building (Whitehall). Candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before submitting an application. Part time/job share is not applicable to these roles that successful individuals to take forward at pace to establish and start delivering the outputs within the first few months of employment

Person specification

Essential Skills:

• Excellent written communication skills, with experience of drafting submissions and briefings which convey complex information in a concise and compelling fashion (using the full suite of Microsoft programmes).
• Excellent team working skills and a collaborative mindset for working across government.
• Strong oral communication and stakeholder management skills, able to build strong relationships to support effective delivery of priorities.
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills, providing you with the ability to rapidly structure a problem.
• Political awareness and strategic analysis skills that can be deployed flexibly across a wide range of priorities.
• Comfortable working under ambiguity and in a fast-paced environment, with the ability to quickly re-prioritise as necessary to deliver critical activity.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience of coordinating across government or working with other government departments.
• Sound judgement and analytical skills to enable evidence-based decisions and identify risks.
• Knowledge or an interest in the Defence Nuclear Enterprise.
• Experience of working in a strategic environment with Senior Management, and/or Policy Officials, would be an advantage.

Behaviours

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

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Working Together
• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing

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

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Working Together

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £61,630, Ministry of Defence contributes £17,854 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).

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

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 six-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