Defence Nuclear Organisation Nuclear Material Accountancy & Control (NMAC) Policy Advisor

Ministry Of Defence; Bristol; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A government organization in the UK is seeking a policy development expert for their Defence Nuclear Organisation. The role involves reviewing and updating nuclear security policy, ensuring alignment with civil nuclear practice, and maintaining stakeholder relationships. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in policy work, excellent communication, and the ability to perform under pressure. Join a team dedicated to national security and diversity.

Benefits

Civil Service pension scheme contribution

Flexible working options

Learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong background and experience in policy development.
• Ability to develop relationships with stakeholders.
• Experience in nuclear security or protective security.

Responsibilities

• Review existing Nuclear Material Accountancy (NMAC) policy.
• Propose updates and revisions to the NMAC policy.
• Develop policy achieving equivalent outcomes to those in the civil sector.

Skills

Technical subject matter expertise

Excellent communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Time management under pressure

Education

Background in policy development

Job description

About the role

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. Defence nuclear security is a cross‑Enterprise effort, with every team and individual across the Enterprise playing a critical role. The DNO Security and Intelligence Division supports these efforts, ensuring that the Defence Nuclear Enterprise remains secure and assured now and in the future. The Nuclear Security Policy Team, within the Security and Intelligence Division of DNO, is responsible for updating and maintaining clear, consistent, and recognised policy frameworks for nuclear security policy and Nuclear Material Accountancy and Control (NMAC). This role will be pivotal in leading a review of NMAC policy, supporting assurance activity with advice on policy application and working with stakeholders across MOD and with our suppliers.

Key tasks

• Reviewing existing NMAC policy, standards and guidance.
• Agree the scope and priority of the NMAC artefacts (policy, guidance, standards etc) required for development.
• Propose and consult on updates and revisions to existing policy and other artefacts.
• Develop policy that achieves outcomes that are equivalent to or better than that achieved in the civil sector including meeting the UKs obligations under the Non‑Proliferation Treaty.
• Working alongside the other teams in Defence to develop the NMAC capability that addresses optimisation and improvement recommendations.
• Ensure and NMAC policy aligns to best civil nuclear practice.
• Act as a security professional and role model, championing and sharing best practice throughout the DNO community, embedding security culture within DNO, and modelling Civil Service values to foster and develop the security profession across government.
• Support the work of the wider Security & Intelligence Division as required.

Flexible and condensed working patterns can be considered for this post but due to security constraints the role is not suitable for hybrid working. Regular office attendance will be required. Candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before submitting an application.

Qualifications

Essential

• A strong background and experience of working in a policy development role.
• The proven ability to gain technical subject matter expertise and use that knowledge to develop policy.
• The ability to develop good working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders at all grades and ranks.
• A background in or knowledge of nuclear security or protective security in a CNI sector.
• Performing effectively to deadlines, maintaining focus in challenging situations and adapting to find solutions that meet needs of stakeholders, drawing on multiple personnel and teams to complete tasks.
• Excellent communication skills, with experience in adapting products and approach to successfully engage a range of audiences.

Desirable

• Experience in leading policy development and or other complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Previous experience of working in a policy role related to the Defence Nuclear Enterprise.
• A working understanding of international and or UK nuclear safeguards.
• Previous experience of NMAC (or the civil nuclear equivalent).
• An understanding of The Nuclear Safeguards (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.
• An understanding of the ONR Nuclear Material Accountancy, Control, and Safeguards Assessment Principles (ONMACS).
• A background in or knowledge of nuclear security or protective security.
• An understanding of the Non‑Proliferation Treaty.
• An understanding of IAEA guidance and recommendation related to Nuclear Safeguards.
• Previous experience of Defence or national security matters.
• Experience of working with or in the Defence Nuclear Enterprise or with the civil nuclear sector.

Behaviours

We will assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Working Together
• Communicating and Influencing
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Leadership
• Personal Statement (maximum 750 words).

Your CV should consist of your career history and skills/experience, including any key achievements in each role. Your CV will be scored against the experience required for the role as noted within the essential criteria.

The Personal Statement should be aligned to and demonstrate how you meet the skills and experience set out in the essential criteria, detailed in the job description.

Application process

At Sift, you will be assessed on your CV and Personal Statement. At Interview you will be assessed on the Behaviours – Working Together, Communicating and Influencing, Seeing the Big Picture, Leadership and your experience. You will also be asked to deliver a short presentation on a policy that you have developed. Further details will be provided at the time. The interviews will be conducted face to face MOD 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. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Benefits and salary

Alongside your salary of £46,040, Ministry of Defence contributes £13,337 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%. 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/.

Legal and diversity statements

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‑[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. The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment. The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero‑tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre‑employment checks will be carried out. 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 a new window).