DNO AUKUS PDO Policy and Workforce Manager

at  Ministry of Defence

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.
In 2021 the United Kingdom, United States of America and Australia announced the programme for Australia to acquire conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability through the “AUKUS” trilateral enhanced security partnership.
At the heart of this programme is the AUKUS Policy Team who are responsible for delivering critical policy related outcomes for the UK and the wider international partnership. Within the team, there are three areas: programme policy focused on export licensing and non-proliferation; workforce, looking at ensuring that the UK and Australia have the people and skills necessary to deliver the programme, and; international policy, responsible for domestic and trilateral communications, senior briefing and engagement cross-government and internationally. This role sits within the programme policy and workforce areas.
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 37 hours per week.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of a trilateral defence programme across policy and workforce development.
The post involves:

Cross cutting responsibilities

• Providing secretariat and operational support to both UK and trilateral working groups
• Identifying, tracking, and mitigating risks and impediments for the areas of responsibility
• Leading on communications/engagement for these areas across the wider Government community
• Working with the AUKUS Programme Management Office to ensure that the workstreams are feeding into programme governance structures.

Workforce related responsibilities:

• Managing the triage process for placements coming into the UK
• Owning operational stakeholder relationships for international placements
• Providing UK Secretariat for tri-national workforce programme
• Developing onboarding process continuous improvement
• Own and maintain UK AUKUS enablement register
• Manage and maintain UK AUKUS People Strategy risk register
• Manage and maintain UK AUKUS People Strategy Work Breakdown Structure
• Other tasks as required

Policy (export controls):

• Facilitating export controls expertise to the workforce programme.
• Owning the relationships with key MOD and cross-Government stakeholders to ensure that export controls expertise is prioritised and delivered to the wider programme.
• Owning and delivering US/UK export controls guidance and training for the AUKUS teams.
• Developing an export controls information management process
• Other tasks as required

Hybrid and flexible working can be considered for this post. Successful candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before starting the role.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Candidates must have a willingness to obtain Associate Membership of CIPD, and gain awareness of the Policy Profession standards to Level 1, if not already held.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS:

• Developing and implementing policy and people-related solutions to emerging problems
• Providing high quality written and oral briefings to senior colleagues
• Building trusted relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
• Providing secretariat support for meetings

DESIRABLE SKILLS:

• Experience of working with export controls or workforce development issues
• Experience of project or programme management

BEHAVIOURS

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

• Working Together
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £44,590, Ministry of Defence contributes £12,917 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• 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%

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD office, will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.
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 all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.
MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.
Things you need to know

EXPERIENCE AREAS

• Experience of working in a policy and/or people-related environment, including developing solutions to emerging problems
• Experience of working in a fast paced and changing environment along with planning, collaborating, and delivering through others to meet deadlines on multiple pieces of work.
  Interviews will be conducted face to face at Main Building, London,
  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.
  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 in to 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. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa. It 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.

NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS

Open to UK nationals only.

Cross cutting responsibilities

• Providing secretariat and operational support to both UK and trilateral working groups
• Identifying, tracking, and mitigating risks and impediments for the areas of responsibility
• Leading on communications/engagement for these areas across the wider Government community
• Working with the AUKUS Programme Management Office to ensure that the workstreams are feeding into programme governance structures

Workforce related responsibilities:

• Managing the triage process for placements coming into the UK
• Owning operational stakeholder relationships for international placements
• Providing UK Secretariat for tri-national workforce programme
• Developing onboarding process continuous improvement
• Own and maintain UK AUKUS enablement register
• Manage and maintain UK AUKUS People Strategy risk register
• Manage and maintain UK AUKUS People Strategy Work Breakdown Structure
• Other tasks as require