Army - Information Activities Manager

UK Ministry of Defence; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading government organization seeks a Higher Executive Officer to manage the Information Activities desk. This role involves supporting the Army's future through capability design and delivery, requiring strong communication and organizational skills. The position offers opportunities for professional growth within a dynamic team.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Civil Service pension with employer contribution

Qualifications

• Experience in digital, data, and information fields.
• Understanding of Capability Management.

Responsibilities

• Manage and prioritize future user requirements and capability gaps.
• Support the development of IA capabilities.
• Act as focal point for stakeholder management.

Skills

Communication

Organizational Skills

Stakeholder Management

Job description

Andover, SP11 8HJ

Job Summary

Do you want the opportunity to work at the cutting edge of technology and play a key role in supporting the Army’s future, assisting in the design, development and delivery of a modern, digital more data driven Army?

We are looking for a Higher Executive Officer to run the Information Activities (IA) desk, as part of our diverse, highly motivated, and hard-working team, comprising a range of technical specialists and widely experienced staff. Information Activities are defined as activities which achieve cognitive effects by using a broad spectrum of communication methods to address the will, understanding and capability of adversaries while countering their attempts at disinformation, misinformation and malinformation.

We are delighted to advertise this exciting and rewarding role within the Military Capability Plans (MCP) Team, part of the Army’s Futures Directorate based in Army Headquarters. Our team is responsible for the design, development, and future planning of Kinetic Indirect Effects (in the close and deep battlespace), Targeting, Air Defence, ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance), and IA (Information Activities) capabilities, with close links to our sister team looking after Information Manoeuvre. As such, the team play a crucial role in overcoming challenges and exploiting opportunities to deliver operational advantage across the information domain.

The IA is a critical role supporting the Assistant Head Deep Effects and the ISTAR manager in the development, design and delivery of battle-winning IA capabilities delivered by the Team. The post has wider responsibility for assisting in crucial management tasks such as stakeholder management and dependency mapping, liaising and supporting the Information Activities Programme team, delivering IA capability to the Field Army.

The complexity and sophistication of IA capabilities makes this an exciting and rewarding role in a dynamic area, and we will equip you to succeed, with a range of training, development, and career opportunities.

If you thrive on multi-tasking, enjoy balancing a flexible and multi-faceted workload and have shown experience of successfully delivering projects within the digital, data and information field then we would love to hear from you.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job Description

This role plays a crucial part in supporting the end-to-end process of capability design, development and delivery, a function vital to ensuring the British Army’s future success on operations and deployments.

The main responsibilities of this role is to act as the focal point for the development of IA capabilities, with a remit to define, produce, manage and prioritise future user requirements, capability gaps and challenges. This includes horizon scanning and investigating future technologies and opportunities, commissioning and managing specific Innovation, Experimentation and Research (IRE) proposals, cohering emerging new requirements from the Field Army and other stakeholders and output from wider IRE and strategic direction.

As the Information Activities (IA) Manager within Deep Effects, you will work closely with the IA Programme team and the primary user group – 77 Brigade - to support and understand what is being delivered next and to highlight gaps that require closing or potential enhancements. Evidence based options can then be generated that will lead to funding submissions or mandates. Due to the digital and specific nature of IA, continuity in post to develop the understanding, establish the relationships and become a Subject Matter Expert is a key driver, reinforcing the need for a motivated civil servant.

We expect our Higher Executive Officers to build a wide understanding of IA, but also wider Information Manoeuvre capabilities (specifically in the Intelligence Surveillance Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) and Cyber Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA) work streams that have similarity and related principles.

This is an exciting and influential Civil Service role, working alongside military and scientific colleagues on numerous ground-breaking capabilities which play an increasingly important and significant role in supporting operations and deployments.

Critical Tasks Will Include The Provision Of:

• Generate evidence based future IA capability choices (this includes horizon scanning, commissioning, and managing IRE proposals, support to the Annual Capability. Audit and Balance of Investment (BoI) processes) in line with Force Output Concepts and Level 1 CONEMP (Concept of Employment) development.
• Cohere, define, produce and manage future demand signals and identified capability gaps between D Futures, D Programmes and the Field Army.
• Cohere Subject Matter Expert (SME) input, draft Capability Management Plan and Capability Roadmap, Balance of Investment (BoI) submissions, Mandates and Strategic Business Cases (incl for Innovation Research and Experimentation (IRE), concept demonstrations, etc) to support change IA programmes / projects.
• Act as Secretary for Working Groups, provide effective and timely management, distribution and coordination of all tasks and correspondence on behalf of Information Manoeuvre.
• Focal point and representative for dependency management and engagement with Ministry of Defence.
• Assist ISTAR manager in the production and maintenance of any other key tasks, and act as deputy when required.
  
  

This role plays a crucial part in supporting the end-to-end process of capability design, development and delivery, a function vital to ensuring the British Army’s future success on operations and deployments.

The main responsibilities of this role is to act as the focal point for the development of IA capabilities, with a remit to define, produce, manage and prioritise future user requirements, capability gaps and challenges. This includes horizon scanning and investigating future technologies and opportunities, commissioning and managing specific Innovation, Experimentation and Research (IRE) proposals, cohering emerging new requirements from the Field Army and other stakeholders and output from wider IRE and strategic direction.

As the Information Activities (IA) Manager within Deep Effects, you will work closely with the IA Programme team and the primary user group – 77 Brigade - to support and understand what is being delivered next and to highlight gaps that require closing or potential enhancements. Evidence based options can then be generated that will lead to funding submissions or mandates. Due to the digital and specific nature of IA, continuity in post to develop the understanding, establish the relationships and become a Subject Matter Expert is a key driver, reinforcing the need for a motivated civil servant.

We expect our Higher Executive Officers to build a wide understanding of IA, but also wider Information Manoeuvre capabilities (specifically in the Intelligence Surveillance Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) and Cyber Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA) work streams that have similarity and related principles.

This is an exciting and influential Civil Service role, working alongside military and scientific colleagues on numerous ground-breaking capabilities which play an increasingly important and significant role in supporting operations and deployments.

Critical Tasks Will Include The Provision Of:

• Generate evidence based future IA capability choices (this includes horizon scanning, commissioning, and managing IRE proposals, support to the Annual Capability. Audit and Balance of Investment (BoI) processes) in line with Force Output Concepts and Level 1 CONEMP (Concept of Employment) development.
• Cohere, define, produce and manage future demand signals and identified capability gaps between D Futures, D Programmes and the Field Army.
• Cohere Subject Matter Expert (SME) input, draft Capability Management Plan and Capability Roadmap, Balance of Investment (BoI) submissions, Mandates and Strategic Business Cases (incl for Innovation Research and Experimentation (IRE), concept demonstrations, etc) to support change IA programmes / projects.
• Act as Secretary for Working Groups, provide effective and timely management, distribution and coordination of all tasks and correspondence on behalf of Information Manoeuvre.
• Focal point and representative for dependency management and engagement with Ministry of Defence.
• Assist ISTAR manager in the production and maintenance of any other key tasks, and act as deputy when required.
  
  

Person specification

Essential:

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proven organisational skills
• Stakeholder management experience.
• A broad understanding of Capability Management.
• Previous experience of Projects and Programmes, and working within digital, data and/or information related fields.
  
  

Desirable

• Previous experience in Information Activities, media operations or Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT).
  
  

Behaviours

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

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

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

• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions
• Seeing the Big Picture
• 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%
  
  

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.

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 Assessed Against The Following:

• Statement of suitability of no more than 500 words, outlining how you can demonstrate the essential criteria within the advert, along with any relevant skills and experience you have.
  
  

At application you will be assessed against the following behaviours:

• Communicating Influencing
• Making Effective Decision
• Seeing the Big Picture
  
  

Applications will be sifted using the Behaviours that have been chosen for this campaign, but in the event of a high number of applications, the sift will be conducted on the lead behaviour 'Communicating and Influencing'

At Interview You Will Be Assessed Against The Following:

• Communicating Influencing
• Making Effective Decision
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Leadership
  
  

Application sifting will be scheduled to take place within 7 days of the application closing date.

Interview dates are to be confirmed. These will be held in person. We endeavour to stick 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 : Sharon Gibbings
• 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].