Specialist Instructional Officer (Information & Communication Technology), No.1 Radio School, R[...]

UK Ministry of Defence; Albrighton; On-site; GBP 30,000; Full time

Job description

RAF Cosford, WV7 3EX

Job Summary

Number 1 Radio School (No.1 RS) is the home of training for the Royal Air Force (RAF) Cyberspace Profession and foremost provider of technical education to the Service’s Information & Communications Technology (ICT) specialists, in addition to selected Royal Navy, British Army, civilian and international military personnel.

Structured under the Defence School of Communications & Information Systems (DSCIS) within the Defence College of Technical Training (DCTT), No.1 RS is a historic and venerable military training institution whose origins in the field of communications education can be traced back in excess of 100 years.

As the school embarks-upon a second century of excellence, its ‘whole force’ military/Civil Service workforce blend are pivotal to the development of ICT training delivery to meet the significant demands of information-centric 5th-generation RAF platforms and capabilities. In doing so, their approach and commitment to public service remains fully commensurate with No.1 RS’ legendary motto: Thorough.

No.1 RS trains officers, aviators, soldiers, sailors and civilians in cyberspace capabilities at RAF Cosford and RAF Digby. Each year, the School typically develops 1300 Phase 3 (pre-employment/career) trainees, 300 Phase 2 (initial technical training) officer/aviator trainees and students undergoing a cyberspace engineering foundation degree pathway.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the School at a crucial juncture in its evolution. There are currently vacancies for Specialist Instructional Officers (SIOs), who deliver ICT technical training to a breadth of trainees at No.1 RS.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job Description

No.1 RS trainers are a 'whole-force' mix of Armed Services (predominantly RAF) and Civil Service instructors/lecturers, who deliver world-class technical training to a broad audience of trainees across a varied ICT curriculum.

SIOs deliver ICT technical training to trainees who are either beginning their Service careers or undertaking training for specific roles they are due to be assigned into.

Specific Duties Of a No.1 RS SIO Include:

• The delivery of ICT technical training in accordance with established governance frameworks and line management direction.
• Monitoring student performance and engaging with Trainee Development Co-ordinators as required.
• Reviewing and developing course content and learning material, including the creation or enhancement of Virtual Learning Environment content.
• Participation in Learning Assessment & Support and continuous professional development activity, in support of school and college transformational priorities.

Subjects Taught By No.1 RS SIOs Include:

Subjects requiring SIO security clearance at the ‘Baseline – BPSS’ level:

• CISCO IT Essentials
• CISCO Introduction to Networks
• MS Server
• MS Power Platform
• Databases
• Linux
• Python programming
• Data communications theory
• Engineering principles
• Radio and satellite communication principles
• Scheduled and unscheduled system maintenance
• Installation and manufacture fundamentals for both copper and fibre optic networks
• Test and measurement equipment
• Trade skills/tools.

Subjects requiring SIO security clearance at the ‘Security Check – SC’ level:

• Cyber Security
• Cryptography / Secure Communications
• Airfield Support Teams
• Experience in any of these ICT disciplines is highly desirable. The 3 roles advertised will be to deliver training on either MS Server and Power Platforms or Pre-employment training on deployable IT systems.
• Any additional relevant ICT sector experience held by applicants should be articulated within their CV and Statement of Suitability, for consideration by the selection panel.
• Please note that SIOs are also responsible for supporting the creation, maintenance and updating of course documentation and functional training equipment.

Person specification

As Per The MOD Specialist Instructional Officer (SIO) Professional Group Management Practices Document (attached) The Following Skills And Experience Are Required For Entry Into The Cadre:

The entry requirements to the SIO Group are that candidates should have served a recognised apprenticeship or a relevant alternative period of training and to have obtained a relevant National Qualification. Candidates for training subjects where specific formal qualifications do not exist will be considered provided that they have undergone appropriate training for that trade or subject. Additionally, candidates must have at least 5 years relevant practical experience in that trade or specialism.

Selection for appointment must be through a trade competency test, and formal interview, which will include a short presentation by the candidate on a subject relevant to the post.

Please Note That:

• Successful candidates for No.1 RS SIO positions are required to obtain Disclosure & Barring Service (formerly Criminal Records Bureau) Standard Clearance.
• The Ministry of Defence offers a range of flexibilities to enable a better work-life balance for employees. Alternative Working Patterns, in accordance with policy, will be considered where it can be accommodated by the business, but there may be occasions when a presence onsite during standard working hours may be required. All working patterns and flexibilities are subject to agreement with the Line Manager.
• External recruits who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Qualifications

As per the MOD Specialist Instructional Officer (SIO) Professional Group Management Practices Document (attached) the following skills and experience are required for entry into the cadre:

The entry requirements to the SIO Group are that candidates should have served a recognised apprenticeship or a relevant alternative period of training and to have obtained a relevant National Qualification. Candidates for training subjects where specific formal qualifications do not exist will be considered provided that they have undergone appropriate training for that trade or subject. Additionally, candidates must have at least 5 years relevant practical experience in that trade or specialism.

Behaviours

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

• Communicating and Influencing
• Developing Self and Others
• Changing and Improving
• Managing a Quality Service

Alongside your salary of £29,580, Ministry of Defence contributes £8,569 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%
• 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
• In addition to 8 public holidays per year, MOD civil servants also receive a privilege day for HM The King’s Birthday
• Maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Access to RAF Cosford sport and leisure facilities, subject to completion of the local registration/induction process and payment of an annual fee
• Excellent / easily-accessible road and rail links
• Free on-site car parking
• On-site shop/café facilities

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.