Associate Head, Army Policy and Governance

3 weeks ago


Andover, Hampshire, United Kingdom Ministry of Defence Full time

Position Overview

We are seeking a skilled team leader to guide a group of policy experts in delivering high-quality outputs for senior military and Civil Service officials in a dynamic setting.

The Ministry of Defence employs a diverse workforce of over 50,000 Civil Servants, with approximately 7,000 located within the Army Top Level Budget (TLB). This workforce encompasses a variety of roles, including trainers, human resources professionals, educators, psychologists, storekeepers, financial analysts, project managers, and policy secretariat personnel. Each function plays a crucial role in achieving the Army's objectives.

The Policy and Secretariat division is a high-performing team with extensive expertise in policy and parliamentary affairs. It fulfills the Department of State responsibilities within the Army and represents the Permanent Secretary's advisory role on policy matters. This division is among the largest and busiest secretariats in Defence, managing all Army-related Parliamentary and Ministerial business, including Parliamentary Questions, Ministerial Correspondence, Freedom of Information requests, and Treat Official correspondence, while also supporting Ministers and senior officials during Select Committee appearances and providing advice on behalf of the Army.

Given the consistent public and media interest in the Army, it is essential to keep Ministers and Defence communications informed on matters likely to attract attention.

Role Responsibilities

The Grade 6 position will play a pivotal role in ensuring the effective delivery and quality assurance of the team's work. The successful candidate will act as a deputy for the SCS1 Head of Team when necessary, focusing on corporate leadership and transformation initiatives. Key responsibilities include:

  • Being an integral member of the Army Secretariat senior leadership team, fostering a positive team culture and addressing feedback and suggestions related to Learning and Development and Ways of Working. This role includes line management of two to three Grade 7 staff.
  • Supporting the SCS1 in building and maintaining policy expertise within the small Army policy profession, while facilitating career development and progression.
  • Leading specific corporate change initiatives, which may involve evaluating the structure and grading of operational delivery teams and assessing the role of operational policy advisors within the Army.
  • Overseeing cross-cutting policy matters for the Army Secretariat team, collaborating closely with the Army Strategy and Communications branches to formulate and convey Army policy and strategy.
  • Acting as a deputy for the SCS1 Head of Team in senior meetings and engagements, as well as in the review and approval of parliamentary and ministerial tasks.
  • Establishing networks throughout the Army, particularly with the outer offices of senior Army personnel. This role may require occasional travel to various locations across the UK.
  • Ensuring the delivery of high-quality services, meeting deadlines, and maintaining standards for parliamentary questions, FOIs, and correspondence.

This position is structured for 37 hours per week, with a hybrid working model that requires 60% of time spent in the office.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for candidates who possess:

Essential Qualifications

  • Experience in managing parliamentary and ministerial operations, including PQs, Freedom of Information requests, and ministerial advisories.
  • A proven track record of leading teams in a fast-paced, high-profile environment.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • The ability to cultivate and sustain a broad network of contacts within the Army and across Defence, including at senior official and ministerial levels.

Desirable Qualifications

  • Experience working in or closely with ministerial private offices.
  • Experience in Defence-related roles.
  • Experience in delivering corporate change and transformation initiatives.

Core Competencies

During the selection process, candidates will be evaluated against the following competencies:

  • Leadership
  • Strategic Vision
  • Effective Decision-Making

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, the Ministry of Defence contributes significantly towards your membership in the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. The Army is committed to being a supportive employer, promoting flexible working arrangements to help maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Additional benefits for Army civil servants include:

  • 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing to 30 days after five years of service.
  • 8 paid public holidays each year.
  • A highly competitive pension scheme.
  • Opportunities for personal and professional development tailored to your role.
  • A flexible working environment.
  • A culture that promotes inclusion and diversity.
  • Access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), a complimentary service designed to foster a productive and healthy work environment.
  • Enhanced parental and adoption leave.
  • 6 days of special leave per year for volunteering activities.

Army Headquarters also provides free parking, access to a sports and social club, and on-site amenities including a gym and shops.

Learning and Development

We believe in the potential of every individual to make a significant impact, and you will receive support to enhance your skills and advance your career. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to discuss their development options with their manager upon starting the role.

Where feasible, some positions may allow for a combination of office and remote work. This arrangement is non-contractual, with all office-based employees expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working hours in the office, subject to capacity and necessary workplace adjustments.

All applicants should be aware of the Ministry of Defence's commitment to providing a safe and healthy working environment, including policies on smoking and tobacco use.

We may contact you regarding your experience with our recruitment process to enhance our customer satisfaction. This survey is voluntary and anonymous, and any personal data collected will be handled in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).



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