DNO - Warhead Atomic Control Office (ACO) Technical Support

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.�

Within DNO, the Warhead Group leads the UK nuclear warhead programme which provides a stockpile of reliable, safe and effective nuclear warheads to support the UK�s strategic nuclear deterrent now and in the future. There are Warhead Group staff based in MOD Main Building, MOD Abbey Wood (Bristol), Aldermaston (Reading), HM Naval Base Clyde (Scotland) and Washington DC.��

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.�

Job description

This post is part of the Atomic Control Office (ACO) which sits as part of the wider Mutual Defense Agreement (MDA) team within Warhead Group.

The MDA team has responsibility for providing support to a wide range of important tasks which support the exchange of information between the UK and US Governments under the auspices of the 1958 MDA - a hugely important treaty for the defence nuclear enterprise that is the cornerstone of the UK�s national security.

The team also has responsibility for the policy relating to the protection of some of the UK�s most sensitive information, and for the management and coordination of the provision of technical advice relating to the classification of that information. It is the classification area of the team in which this post will sit and will report directly to the ACO Policy Lead (a MoD C1, CS SEO equivalent).

Due to the accountability of the role, the post holder should expect regular and routine interactions with the wider technical team and staff from across the directorate.�

The post holder will be expected to build and maintain close and positive working relationships with personnel across the enterprise and external stakeholders including members of the Nuclear Research Advisory Council and those on the register of Nuclear Experts. Occasional travel to the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) will be required. Other travel in the UK may be required.

The role will provide the successful candidate with a unique insight into the technical requirements and security culture that underpins the development and delivery of warheads for the UK strategic nuclear deterrent. It is an excellent opportunity for an experienced administrator to develop their skills in a new environment or for someone looking for development opportunities in the defence nuclear enterprise.

The work is varied and involves the control and management of highly classified documents and special handling materials, maintenance of physical and electronic filing and records systems, as well as wider office management responsibilities and involvement in the support to our interactions with the US under the MDA.�

The post holder should expect regular and routine interactions with a wide range of personnel at all levels both within DNO, the wider MOD, across other Government Departments and into the wider Defence Nuclear Enterprise. Some interactions with a range of international partners, particularly across the US government should also be expected.

Person specification

The day-to-day responsibilities of the post holder will include:

Assisting in the development and management of the directorates information management strategies and policies for atomic classification and Need-to-Know (NTK).Building, maintaining and ensuring appropriate security and access requirements are in place for a central repository of classification and security related guidance across various platforms.Managing the upkeep and maintenance of various NTK access records, ensuring that they are stored and maintained in line with the relevant policies and procedures, and MOD security requirements. The post holder will be expected to assist other parts of the directorate in the development and implementation of electronic access records as and where required.Being a member of the DNO Warhead Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPB) Secretariat and acting as the initial point of contact for: members of the Nuclear Research Advisory Council (NRAC), the Warhead Technical team, the Cabinet Office, and others. On behalf of the NRAC Secretariat the post holder will deal with members� queries; conflicts of interest; legal and regulatory issues; and legislative and compliance activities.Managing and maintaining DNO Warhead�s Register of Nuclear Experts. This incorporates: monitoring and analysis of the diversity and equality of registered members; managing candidate sifts internally and the arrangement of independent sifts; management of communications to members and candidates; maintaining the database of members and records of business cases for the use of members; authorisation and payment of claims and expenses of NRAC members and registered experts, ensuring it is within business case approvals, keeping financial records and liaising with finance and DBS as required; and undertaking preparation work for the expansion of the register.Providing generic business support to the wider MDA team as and when required. This may include assisting with the transfer of information between different IT systems.Supporting the running of the DNO Warhead London office by taking delegations and acting as an escort for visitors; performing general office admin tasks; and managing appropriate actions and communications to the wider team.

The post holder should have good administrative skills with experience of working with MS Office; effective written and oral communication skills, able to interact with colleagues at all levels; excellent organisational skills, able to multi-task, prioritise and deal with busy and quieter periods of work and be a team player who can work effectively with colleagues across several locations. Applicants should describe how they can demonstrate they have these skills in their Personal Statement as part of the application process.

Although the post will be engaged in work that is technical in nature, no background in nuclear or wider science and technology is required for the role. Some familiarisation training and opportunities for personal development will be available.

Desirable Skills

Previous experience in the defence nuclear enterprise.Previous experience of working in a national security related role, handling classified information.Previous experience working in a secretariat or business support function.Familiarity with MOD finance, business cases and payment systems. Experience of working with MS Office.Database and/or records management experience.

Behaviours

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

Communicating and InfluencingWorking TogetherMaking Effective DecisionsManaging a Quality Service

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

Communicating and InfluencingWorking Together

Benefits

Alongside your salary of �28,300, Ministry of Defence contributes �7,641 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

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 optionsA culture encouraging inclusion and diversity25 days annual leave, raising to 30 days following 5 years� service (+ 8 days bank and public holidays), with family friendly benefits including improved maternity, paternity and adoption leaveA��with an average employer contribution of 27%Cycle Loan (Advance on Salary)Thank You SchemeDefence Sports & Recreational Association (DSRA)Defence Discount ServiceSome of our sites have on-site gyms, restaurants, cafes, nurseries and more

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.

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 Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.

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