Army - Policy Advisor Senior Executive Officer

UK Ministry of Defence; Greater London; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a high-caliber Policy Advisor to join its dynamic team focused on Army Operations. This role offers a unique opportunity to provide critical policy advice and support to senior military personnel, ensuring operational compliance and enhancing the effectiveness of military strategies. As part of a diverse and resilient workforce, you will engage with key stakeholders, conduct risk assessments, and contribute to significant military operations. This position not only promises professional growth but also a chance to make a tangible impact on national security initiatives.

Benefits

25 days paid annual leave

Highly competitive pension scheme

Personal and professional development

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Enhanced parental and adoption leave

6 days special leave for volunteering

Learning and Development opportunities

Free parking

On-site gym

Qualifications

• Experience in foreign, defence, or security policy issues.
• Ability to communicate effectively and succinctly.

Responsibilities

• Provide policy advice and support to senior military officers.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop standard operating procedures.

Skills

Policy Analysis

Communication

Resilience

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

Degree in Political Science or Related Field

Job description

Army Headquarters, Andover, SP11 8HJ

We are passionate about Smarter Working and believe that a combination of flexible working practices, digital technology and modern workspaces will give you the opportunity to enjoy a healthy work-life balance, while ensuing you deliver your outcomes effectively and efficiently – we expect you to know where to be to have the most impact, balancing your individual needs with that of your team and the organisation.

Job Summary

The Ministry of Defence employs over 50,000 Civil Servants. Within that, the Army Top Level Budget (TLB) employs around 7,5000 MOD Civil Servants located at over 300 locations. Ours is a diverse workforce. There are many different functions and professions delivering key outputs for the Army.

The Land Special Operations Force (LSOF) is the Field Army Headquarters, nested within the Land Operations Command (LOC), for land special operations forces, including the special operations brigade and the ranger regiment. The LSOF’s priority, as a NATO-focussed special operations force, is warfighting. The aim is to operate primarily in the deep battlefield alongside allies to enable conventional force manoeuvre. They look to build a deep understanding of the environment and regional partners, operating with them persistently over time, whilst competing day-to-day with our adversaries. The cultural, technical, and procedural interoperability makes LSOF particularly critical, as speed matters at times of crisis. You will be a core part of this interoperability.

The team is split across three themes: policy, legal and media, mirroring the setup in the Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ).This post sits within the LOC, within the policy branch, headed by the Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff (DACOS), as part of the wider Army policy profession lead by Head Army Secretariat who is accountable for policy advice within the Army. Delegations for operational policy advice are retained in the Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ). The policy team is currently staffed by a Senior Executive Officer civilian policy advisor with the intent to recruit two more. Finally, there is an expert Human Security and the Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) advisor. The team is responsible for providing specialist operational advice on all army operation, in support of the team under the Chief of Joint Operations (CJO), as well as Commander Field Army and COS Field Army.

You will have to opportunity to accompany and advise senior officers, including whilst on international duties. We will give you the training and the development you need to deliver this to the correct standard.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job Description

We are looking for a high-calibre and highly resilient individual to join the heart of Army Operations at the LOC, as a Policy Advisor, LSOF, supporting the Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff (DACOS) and Assistant Chief of Staff (ACOS) LSOF. This role is the primary route and source of independent policy advice in direct support to, and embedded in, the LSOF team.

You will have the opportunity to provide policy advice; Human Security (HS) and CIMIC advice to wider army formations during planning activity and whilst deployed on exercises and operations on areas such as Protection of Civilians, prevention of and response to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, Modern Slavery (Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings), Children Affected by Armed Conflict, Building Integrity (counter corruption) and Cultural Property Protection.

You will be responsible for signposting policies, protocols, and procedures, conducting risk assessments, and providing input into planning processes. In your deployed role, you will lead on collecting, assessing, and advising on the political dimension and political economy of the Deployment Nation and the wider operational area.

You will build a strong network, liaising with key stakeholders and army formations, leading on policy staff work, analysis, and advice within LSOF, and contributing to parliamentary/secretariat work and ministerial submissions for timely advice to Ministers on operations, in conjunction with Army Policy & Secretariat in the Army Head Quarters, PJHQ and the Security Policy and Operations Directorate in MOD.

In practice, this role is responsible for a range of core tasks, functions and outputs including:

• Developing and maintaining the standard operating procedures with LSOF for the inclusion of and reference to policy advice at every stage
• Ensuring operational compliance with the Chilcot Checklist and the good operations guide from preliminary planning to execution of and recovery from LSOF exercises and operations
• Providing operational policy advice to military planners in the designing and preparation of operations and exercises, where delegated by PJHQ
• Deploying in support of LSOF, UK-led NATO and wider-LOC exercises, supporting and as part of the command group
• Cultivating and maintaining a relevant network across MOD’s policy infrastructure, with PJHQ as the primary customer, but also including other Front-Line Commands, key posts within Field Army and elsewhere
• Provide operational policy advice to the LSOF, LOC and the Field Army, pan-framework
• Provide high-quality policy advice to CFA and their subordinate commanders on LSOF operations, ensuring at all times that decision-making reflects ministerial intent
• Deploy on LSOF, NATO and wider-LOC exercises in support of and as part of the command group
• Cultivate and maintain a relevant network across the special operations policy community including Regents Park and MOD
• Provide Human Security advice as a trained Human Security Advisor (HSA) in support of the Land Operations Command and the Field Army, pan-framework
• Support secretariat work relating to the post holder’s responsibilities
  
  

You will need to be adaptable to changing demands within the HQ and willing to travel. In some cases, the requirement to travel may be at short notice, if the individual is aligned to certainty LSOF taskings. You will have the opportunity to train for and deploy on army exercises and operations worldwide, with the likely location being Europe. In these circumstances work could be performed in tented or containerised office and living space. This role comes with a 10-day Notice to Move requirement for limited periods of time when there are high levels of activity. This would only occur once you are fully operational. Travel will be encouraged and expected in support of activity abroad.

Accommodation will be provided to the incumbent where there is an operational requirement. The opportunity to work from home is available but limited.

We are looking for a high-calibre and highly resilient individual to join the heart of Army Operations at the LOC, as a Policy Advisor, LSOF, supporting the Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff (DACOS) and Assistant Chief of Staff (ACOS) LSOF. This role is the primary route and source of independent policy advice in direct support to, and embedded in, the LSOF team.

You will have the opportunity to provide policy advice; Human Security (HS) and CIMIC advice to wider army formations during planning activity and whilst deployed on exercises and operations on areas such as Protection of Civilians, prevention of and response to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, Modern Slavery (Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings), Children Affected by Armed Conflict, Building Integrity (counter corruption) and Cultural Property Protection.

You will be responsible for signposting policies, protocols, and procedures, conducting risk assessments, and providing input into planning processes. In your deployed role, you will lead on collecting, assessing, and advising on the political dimension and political economy of the Deployment Nation and the wider operational area.

You will build a strong network, liaising with key stakeholders and army formations, leading on policy staff work, analysis, and advice within LSOF, and contributing to parliamentary/secretariat work and ministerial submissions for timely advice to Ministers on operations, in conjunction with Army Policy & Secretariat in the Army Head Quarters, PJHQ and the Security Policy and Operations Directorate in MOD.

In practice, this role is responsible for a range of core tasks, functions and outputs including:

• Developing and maintaining the standard operating procedures with LSOF for the inclusion of and reference to policy advice at every stage
• Ensuring operational compliance with the Chilcot Checklist and the good operations guide from preliminary planning to execution of and recovery from LSOF exercises and operations
• Providing operational policy advice to military planners in the designing and preparation of operations and exercises, where delegated by PJHQ
• Deploying in support of LSOF, UK-led NATO and wider-LOC exercises, supporting and as part of the command group
• Cultivating and maintaining a relevant network across MOD’s policy infrastructure, with PJHQ as the primary customer, but also including other Front-Line Commands, key posts within Field Army and elsewhere
• Provide operational policy advice to the LSOF, LOC and the Field Army, pan-framework
• Provide high-quality policy advice to CFA and their subordinate commanders on LSOF operations, ensuring at all times that decision-making reflects ministerial intent
• Deploy on LSOF, NATO and wider-LOC exercises in support of and as part of the command group
• Cultivate and maintain a relevant network across the special operations policy community including Regents Park and MOD
• Provide Human Security advice as a trained Human Security Advisor (HSA) in support of the Land Operations Command and the Field Army, pan-framework
• Support secretariat work relating to the post holder’s responsibilities
  
  

You will need to be adaptable to changing demands within the HQ and willing to travel. In some cases, the requirement to travel may be at short notice, if the individual is aligned to certainty LSOF taskings. You will have the opportunity to train for and deploy on army exercises and operations worldwide, with the likely location being Europe. In these circumstances work could be performed in tented or containerised office and living space. This role comes with a 10-day Notice to Move requirement for limited periods of time when there are high levels of activity. This would only occur once you are fully operational. Travel will be encouraged and expected in support of activity abroad.

Accommodation will be provided to the incumbent where there is an operational requirement. The opportunity to work from home is available but limited.

Person specification

This is an operational policy role and as such is highly demanding. Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate resilience and flexibility at a high level to support emerging operational requirements.

Essential Criteria

• Experience of working on foreign, defence, or security policy issues
• An excellent communicator, able to get to the nub of an issue and be succinct, both written and orally
• High degree of resilience/experience of working in a high-pressure environment whilst remaining calm, flexible and with the ability to reassess situations quickly
• Experience of building relationships, demonstrating sensitivity, tact and an appreciation of other perspectives and views to find compromise
• You must already hold Developed Vetting or be willing to obtain this before starting in post
  
  

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of operational policy, either at the strategic or operational level
• Experience of special operations, either at the strategic or operational level
• Experience of working on Europe and Central Asia
  
  

Behaviours

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

• Communicating and Influencing
• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace
• Seeing the Big Picture
  
  

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

• Communicating and Influencing
• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions
  
  

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.

The Army prides itself on being a supportive employer and where possible encourages flexible working, helping you to maintain a great work/life balance.

Other Benefits For Army Civil Servants Include

• 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
• Highly competitive pension scheme
• Personal and professional development of skills
• Alternative working patterns for many roles
• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), a free service that assists you with achieving a productive, healthy environment that is conducive to a healthy lifestyle
• Enhanced parental and adoption leave
• 6 days special leave per year which can be used for volunteering activities
• Learning and Development
• Free parking
• On-site gym
  
  

We believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference and you will be supported to help you learn and advance in your career. This includes working towards membership of a professional body and/or undertaking a modern apprenticeship as part of your role.

A modern apprenticeship is a combined package of work and training. Through the schemes available you will gain a professional qualification, practical experience, and the broader skills required to develop in your current role and pave the way for your future career.

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.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

At application you will be asked to complete a CV template and provide a personal statement of no more than 500 words evidencing your skills, experience and suitability for the role against the person specification and job description. You will also be assessed against the following behaviours -

• Communicating and Influencing
• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions
  
  

Applications will be sifted using all elements listed above, but in the event of a high number of applications, an initial sift will be conducted on the lead behaviour Communicating and Influencing.

At interview you will be assessed against the following behaviours -

• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace
• Making Effective Decisions
• Seeing the Bigger Picture
  
  

Application sifting will be scheduled to take place within 7 days of the application closing date. Interview dates are to be confirmed but these will be held in person. We endeavour to keep to these time frames, but these are subject to change around business needs.

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: [e-mail] .

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.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job Contact

• Name : Marek Taylor
• Email : [e-mail]
  
  

Recruitment team

• Email : [e-mail]
  
  

Further information

Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application. If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: [e-mail].