2 Roles - Export Control Policy and Air and Missile Threats Policy

Job summary

Sitting at the heart of MOD, Defence Security Policy leads on ensuring our world class armed forces are used prudently, lawfully and effectively to defend our country and support our national security. Homeland Defence and State Threats Directorate contends with some of the higher priority security threats facing the UK. The Economic Security and Statecraft Directorate works on the economic levers that affect our national security. There are two policy roles available in this area: Job 1 in the Directorate of Economic Security and Statecraft (DESS) and Job 2 in the Global Issues Air and Missile Threats Team.

JOB 1. DESS leads on defence economic security matters and economic levers, including export controls. The MOD's role in His Majesty's Government's (HMG’s) export licensing and associated defence security assurances processes is delivered through the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU). The Defence Team in ECJU (ECJU MOD) works closely with colleagues from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Department for Business and Trade, as well as Industry and Non-Government Organisations. ECJU MOD is responsible for protecting the export of defence material, technology and information by UK Industry to overseas customers including foreign governments with the strategic aim of protecting UK national security and that of its allies; this is achieved through the F680 and Export Licensing processes. There is considerable interest in Export Licensing both from Parliament and Non-Government Organisations.

JOB 2.The Global Issues, Air and Missile Threats team are the HMG policy leads for countering Air and Missile threats and owners of the UK Integrated Air and Missile Defence Policy. Air and Missile threats span from adversary offensive uncrewed aerial systems (UAS or “drones”) to Ballistic Missiles and other advanced threats such as hypersonic glide and cruise weapons. This is a threat that is advancing, proliferating and converging worldwide, and risks the UK’s freedom of action and homeland security. Under the banner of ‘Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD)’ these issues have become one of Defence’s and NATO’s highest priorities as described in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review.

The team works closely with colleagues within the deterrence policy community in Defence and HMG, as well as the Science & Technology community, NATO and other bilateral partners. Examples of the team’s responsibilities include: delivery of the SDR’s IAMD intent; HMG bilateral relationships for missile defence with the US and other allies; and delivery of the UK’s IAMD objectives at NATO.

Job description

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week

Job 1: Team Leader, MOD Team Export Control Joint Unit

The Team Leader works closely with Defence Security, Weapons Capability Experts and Intelligence Officers to assess F680 and Export Licensing applications and engage with OGDs and Industry on applications which do not meet MOD standards. We are looking for someone who is dynamic, a self-starter, confident in dealing with commercial organisations and industry experts, and with the ability to engage with colleagues across Defence and OGDs to promote the vital role that the ECJU MOD Team plays in supporting economic growth. A high degree of flexibility is required to work across the various disciplines of the team to manage its core business.

Responsibilities of the post will include:

• Lead on the teams Parliamentary Secretariat function, including drafting Parliamentary Questions, Ministerial Correspondence’s and Freedom of Information requests in support of Head of MOD Team. Draft required ministerial submissions relating to export licensing and F680 cases that require Ministerial oversight.
• Lead and contribute to the development of export control and security process policy requirements.
• Proactively manage the performance and development of staff within the team, particularly our Desk Officers.
• Presenting the work of the ECJU MOD, to Industry, OGDs and overseas governments. This will involve drafting and updating presentations and briefings tailored to the stakeholders’ individual requirements.
• Leading on the ECJU MOD input to a selection of HMG led export campaigns and. supporting collaborative programmes such as AUKUS, where ECJU MOD and its advisory teams are required to provide significant input.
• Work with UK industry on their export campaigns. Enable them to submit timely, accurate F680 and export licence applications that support their prosperity aims while protecting our sovereign capabilities and UK national security. Communicate decisions to industry where necessary in complex cases.

Job 2: HEO Air and Missile Threats Policy;

The Air and Missile Threats HEO policy officer will be responsible for delivering against the Air and Missile Threats team’s NATO, Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems (Drones), Europe bilateral, and homeland defence portfolios. Specifically, this will include directing the UK’s Delegation in NATO to secure UK priorities and interests; maintaining the bilateral relationship with key European allies; working with MOD and cross-HMG homeland defence leads to capture planning and resilience requirements against air and missile threats to the UK homeland; and acting as the policy lead for Counter-drones.

Responsibilities of the post will not include line management but will include:

• Working to deliver the UK’s IAMD policy priorities in NATO.
• Acting as Policy Customer for Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems, working with the MOD’s Joint UAS Office and other departmental leads.
• Policy lead for Resilience and Passive Defence, providing advice to homeland defence leads in MOD to capture air and missile threat requirements, and ensure the UK’s ability to deliver its homeland IAMD mission is supported by wider homeland defence planning.
• European bilateral relationship lead. This includes organising international meetings and staff talks.
• Lead on the team’s parliamentary secretariat function, including Parliamentary Questions, Ministerial Correspondence and Freedom of Information requests in support of Integrated Air and Missile Defence
• Drafting required ministerial submissions and briefing packs on the above policy areas.

Person specification

Essential Skills

The people we look for will have skills in the following areas:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a broad range of stakeholders
• Ability to work effectively on and think through solutions to complex and evolving issues.
• The ability to draft clear and concise written products, such as briefs, submissions and presentations.

Desirable Skills

• Understanding of Defence and Security issues.
• Experience in working with Defence Industry.
• Experience of collaborative working across Government departments and agencies.
• Policy and strategy development skills.

Other Requirements

These posts will require the holder to hold Developed Vetting (DV). Successful candidates who do not currently hold DV will be required to undergo the Developed Vetting process to gain DV.

These post supports flexible working arrangements. However, due to the sensitivity of the portfolio, the post holder will have to commit to working at MOD Main Building for at least three days a week, but flexibility regarding which days are spent in the office will be required, as well as the ability to attend the office more frequently subject to the demands of that portfolio.

These roles will require occasional international travel.

Behaviours

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

• Communicating and Influencing
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Working Together
• Making Effective Decisions

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £37,720, Ministry of Defence contributes £10,927 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97%
• 25 days paid annual leave rising to 30 days on completion of 5 years’ service
• In addition to 8 public holidays per year you will also receive leave for HM The King’s birthday
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Special Paid Leave to volunteer up to 5 days a year
• Eligibility for employee discount services
• Free gym access
• Café and shop on site
• London locations may attract an allowance of £3,300 per annum.
• Interest free Season Ticket loan and the Cycle to Work Scheme.
• An environment with flexible working options

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.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

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

Applicants will need to:

• Complete an online CV template to include job history, education and qualifications, and previous experience and skills.
• Provide a personal suitability statement of 500 words on how they meet the essential / desirable criteria, why they are interested in the position, and what skills and strengths they would bring to the team.

At sift, you will be assessed against your CV, suitability statement and the following Behaviours:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Working Together
• Making Effective Decisions

Applications will be sifted on all Success Profile elements, but in the event of a high number of applications, the sift will be conducted on your CV, personal statement & Communicating and Influencing only.

At interview, you will be assessed against the following Behaviours:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Working Together
• Making Effective Decisions

Please note, expenses incurred to attend an in-person interview will not be reimbursed.

We anticipate interviews will take place in April.

Candidates are welcome to express a preference for Job 1 or Job 2 but if successful your preference cannot be guaranteed.

Please note, feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview.

If, following interviews, we find we have more suitable candidates than posts being advertised, we may hold those suitable on a reserve list for 12 months, and future vacancies requiring the same skills and experience could be offered to candidates on the reserve list without a new competition.

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-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk .

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.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

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.

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.

Diversity and Inclusion

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

Apply and further information

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 : Job 1 (Exports): Martyn Kerswell martyn.kerswell593@mod.gov.uk. Job 2 (Air and Missile Threats): Scarlet Unsworth scarlet.unsworth100@mod.gov.uk
• Email : aaron.fuller880@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk

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: info@csc.gov.uk.

Attachments

Candidate Information updated (1) Opens in new window (docx, 31kB)EXTERNAL PACK (1) Opens in new window (pdf, 1562kB)