JOB SUMMARY

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 Nuclear Material Accountant (NMA) is responsible to Dir Warhead through the DD Fissile Enablers for the security, safety control and accounting of the Defence Accountable Nuclear Material such as Plutonium and Enriched Uranium. These nuclear materials are of high value, high consequence, sensitive in use and used for the manufacture of the UK Nuclear Deterrent and Naval Nuclear Submarine Reactor Cores. DNO Nuclear Material Accountancy and Control arrangements are maintained to standards that provide outcomes at least as good as those required by UK civil nuclear and international regulation.
This post is advertised at 37 hours per week.

JOB DESCRIPTION

As a Nuclear Material Accountant, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the proper management of MOD owned Accountable Nuclear Material in compliance with statutory legislation, obligations, and MOD policy. Your responsibilities will include collecting and verifying Nuclear Material Accountancy Data to support various key functions such as evidence of the UK’s Military Nuclear Stockpile integrity and material stockpile stewardship, analysis, and prediction.
This post is on the MOD Civilian Nuclear Post Control List (PCL) and may attract the Nuclear Recruitment and Retention Allowance (RRA). This is a discretionary allowance. The post being listed on the PCL does not mean that the post holder will have an automatic entitlement to receive the RRA. The NSQEP RRA is not a contractual allowance and can be amended or withdrawn without notice in line with MOD Main and Submarine Delivery Agency policy.

SKILLS

Desirable Skills

• 2 years’ experience of Audit/Assurance of activity in regulated environment.
• Experience of working in the Defence nuclear programme with knowledge of policies and procedures across all life cycle phases.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

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

• Nuc 7.1: Management, Decommissioning and Disposal of Nuclear Materials including Irradiated Fuels

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.

We truly believe that the MOD is a great place to work, and we offer a unique employee experience. We want to ensure that every single employee feels appreciated & fairly rewarded and offer the following additional benefits:

• Learning and development tailored to your role and broader skill development, enabling you to build a long-term career in your chosen area. Where appropriate there will be offers of training under our apprenticeship schemes.
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
• 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
• On-site Gym (Optional depending on site)
• Cycle Loan (Advance on Salary)
• Thank You Scheme
• Defence Sports & Recreational Association (DSRA)
• Defence Discount Service
• On-site Nursery (Depending on site)

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.

NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS

Open to UK nationals only.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and maintain the DNO Nuclear Material Accountancy & Control standards and guidance, outlining detailed accountancy requirements and reporting frequencies to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Provide guidance on Nuclear Material Accountancy & Control to assist operators in implementing DNO Policy, offering support and advice on the development of new control measures to minimize accounting errors.
• Create the annual DNO assurance programme to evaluate the adequacy of site accountancy and control processes, assessing their effectiveness and compliance with policy based on errors, incidents, previous findings, wider lessons learned and other relevant intelligence.
• Conduct Physical Inventory Verification of Defence Nuclear Material to evaluate site accountancy and control effectiveness, identifying risks, issues, and areas for further assurance activities, and implementing intervention measures where necessary.
• Support the 2nd line of defence assurance of Nuclear Material Accountancy & Control systems by auditing site activities and ensuring compliance with processes and DNO requirements.
• Generate consolidated Accountable Nuclear Material accounts and routine reports, review Site returns, and provide expert scrutiny to address any account issues, ensuring reliability of recording, reporting of errors, discrepancies, anomalies, and mass balances.

Successful candidates are advised to provide the following evidence within their personal statement.

• Commitment to delivering high-quality results consistently.
• Ability to deliver detailed, accurate, and error-free information.
• Proactive approach in anticipating and resolving issues before they arise.
• Positive problem-solving attitude with a focus on identifying effective solutions.
• Proficiency in sourcing and evaluating relevant evidence to support decision-making processes

If you are a detail-oriented individual with a strong understanding of audit and assurance procedures and a commitment to upholding regulatory standards, we invite you to apply for this challenging and rewarding position.
Once in post the successful candidate should undertake training to qualify as a classified radiation worker and carry a Radiation Record Passbook, enabling them to conduct physical inventory verification activities across various sites as part of their role.
Hybrid and flexible working can be considered for this post but will need regular workplace attendance due to security constraints. Candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before submitting an application.