Course Design & Delivery Lead

Job summary

Founded in 1927 and based in the heart of London, the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) is the senior college within the UK Defence Academy. Every year, RCDS educates more than 100 senior military officers, diplomats, civilian officials, parliamentarians and industry leaders from nearly 50 countries in the art and science of strategy-making and leadership. We are now looking for a new member of the Directing Staff to join our Global Strategy Programme design and delivery team.

The Global Strategy Programme (GSP) is an 11-month course, which concentrates on the wide range of factors that relate to national, regional and global stability, security and prosperity at the grand strategic level. The purpose of the course is to equip graduates with greater understanding of the international strategic context, to be skilled in strategic analysis and strategy formulation, and to be able to work intuitively across national, cultural and ideological boundaries so as to lead or contribute to developing strategy at the highest level.

Reporting to the Head of the GSP, the Directing Staff comprises 9 positions working across the College’s output areas. We are responsible for designing a stimulating programme, and we work closely across Whitehall, the UK, and internationally, to facilitate the delivery of world-renowned strategy education.

If you are a team player, intellectually curious, highly organised and collaborative, and enjoy working in a fast-paced, cosmopolitan environment, this course design and delivery role could be for you.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

As one of six SEO Directing Staff (DS), each Course Design & Delivery Lead has a variable and interchangeable portfolio which covers the detailed design, delivery and programming of elements of the GSP across an academic year, under the guidance of SCS or military Senior Directing Staff.

The portfolio includes responsibility for planning major course components including seminars, lectures, strategy case studies, strategic leadership talks, study visits both in the UK and overseas, and strategy exercises (week-long dynamic role-play political simulation events).

You will undertake independent research, analysis and engagement across Whitehall and academia to identify new intellectual approaches, build new partnerships and drive innovation in the design of course components. You will lead on the detailed drafting of lecture specifications and the identification and arrangement of suitable external expert speakers from the world’s best universities, think tanks, journalism, NGOs, international organisations, governments and the private sector. You will oversee those course elements you design and be responsible for the administration and logistics for the day-to-day running of the course. You will also assess feedback from Members (students) and staff to inform future planning. Please note,this is not a teaching role.

Working closely with external organisations such as NGOs, private sector companies, military units, local government, embassies and high commissions, you will also have a leading role in the planning, project management, governance, practical organisation and delivery of educational study tours such as:

• EU and NATO (Brussels);

• UN and IGOs (Geneva);

• UK industry and technology centres;

• A UK Study Tour;

• A three-week Overseas Study Tour (OST) to 2 or 3 different countries in specific regions (e.g. Middle East, West Africa, Europe, or East Asia).

In executing an OST, you will undertake three weeks of detached duty each May/June, working very long days, which could be in a challenging or austere environment. The OSTs are one of the most rewarding aspects of the GSP.

Main Responsibilities:

• Under the guidance of the Head of the GSP, to lead on the delivery of a designated course module of the GSP. Draft the relevant documentation for Course Committee approval, plan the structure of the modules and produce the module programme, being cognisant of emerging trends and issues that need to be covered. You will also liaise with the Course Committee and the Director of Academic Studies to agree seminar topics and questions.

• To research, identify and engage high-calibre subject matter expert speakers to meet the objectives for the term/module lectures, panels and case studies. Ensure seamless delivery of these serials. Pro-actively build and maintain a network of contacts, and work both collaboratively and inclusively.

• Agree questions with the Deputy Head of the GSP for the weekly Course Member surveys and, on completion of the surveys, review and assess feedback to inform the continuous improvement process of the entire course.

• Plan, deliver and accompany UK external activities. Programme all serials, and book and oversee budget for travel and accommodation, liaising with the Tour Leader and the regional hosts to ensure seamless delivery of the tour programme within the allocated budget.

• Plan, deliver and accompany one of the three-week Overseas Study Tours. Work closely with embassies and high commissions to develop the visit objectives, intellectual content and programme, project manage and accompany the tour to meet learning objectives, acting as the focal point with all external organisations. Identify potential costs and ensure the tour remains within the agreed budget.

• Other responsibilities as required. These could include developing and ensuring the successful delivery of Strategy Case Studies, Strategy Exercises or additional classroom or visit-based learning for the current GSP and future iterations.

Person specification

The post holder will require the following attributes and abilities:

• A minimum of 3 years’ professional experience in a relevant field.

• Excellent interpersonal skills in order to liaise credibly with course members, lecturers (academics and high-profile speakers), defence attachés, diplomats and external organisations, both within the College and when representing the RCDS during external visits.

• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary team, maintaining positive working relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders.

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to negotiate and influence senior stakeholders to help shape GSP outputs and outcomes.

• Knowledge of (and a keen interest in) the wider government, military and geopolitical landscape.

• Strong administrative, organisational and planning skills, with a demonstrated ability to deliver outcomes on time, to the required standard, and in a fast-paced environment.

• A proven ability to write effectively, and present complex information clearly, to non-technical audiences.

• Good cultural awareness and sensitivity.

• A commitment to undertake continuous professional development relevant to the role, and to contribute to the learning and development of the team as a whole.

• The ability to travel nationally and internationally for up to three weeks at a time.

• Due to the nature of the course, the post is an in-person role based in central London, at the Royal College of Defence Studies. The Royal College of Defence Studies is housed in a historically significant, listed building. Due to its protected status, limited structural modifications can be made to the premises. This means that, although a small lift is available, the building is not fully accessible for individuals who may have certain access requirements. Please do contact us to discuss individual cases.

Behaviours

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

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

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

• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing
• Seeing the Big Picture

Benefits

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 (opens in a new window).

• 25 days’ paid annual leave, rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service. If you have previously completed service in the Public Sector within the past 5 years, you may be eligible to request 30 days’ leave immediately. If this is the case, evidence will be required.
• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options (subject to the requirements of the academic calendar)
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
• On-site restaurant
• (Optional) Mess membership

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.

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, Ability and Experience.

Candidates will be required to provide CV details to include job history; qualification details and previous skills and experience.

Candidates will be required to provide a statement of suitability (500 Word count).

At sift, candidates will be assessed against their CV, Statement of suitability and the following:

• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating & Influencing
• Seeing the Big Picture

At interview, candidates will be assessed against the following:

• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions
• Changing & Improving

Further information:

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.

As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came into 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.

Cyber & Specialist Operations Command (CSOC) generates and operates specialist capabilities, ready to fight across all domains to make the UK secure at home and strong abroad.

Always on, we are across every UK operation, delivering the capabilities you don’t usually see - or those you can’t.

From cyber warriors and medics to intelligence analysts, special forces, educators, and Defence attachés, our collective expertise delivers the warfighting edge Defence needs to deter threats and secure the nation today and prepare for tomorrow.

CSOC unites Defence’s cyber and specialist capabilities under a single, military command alongside the Royal Navy, British Army, and the Royal Air Force - acting as the UK’s fourth Military Command. For more information, please see here.’

Cyber and Specialist Operations Command (CSOC) is going through a significant transformation programme which aims to design the way in which the new Military Command conducts its business and delivers for Defence and the nation. As a consequence of this, posts within CSOC are/or may become subject to review and potential changes as we continuously improve across the period of the transformation programme. These changes may be minor or could be more substantive and will generate new opportunities. Throughout, the Command’s transformation programme is committed to following the MOD’s framework on managing and supporting people through the change process and places an emphasis on early and open consultation and engagement with the Command’s personnel and Trade Unions.

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

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (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

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

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 : abigail.jackson-houlston100@mod.gov.uk
• Email : abigail.jackson-houlston100@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

CSOC Candidate Pack 2025 Opens in new window (pdf, 1777kB)Candidate Information 2025 Opens in new window (docx, 31kB)Defence Internal Brief Notice Opens in new window (docx, 39kB)MOD Candidate Pack Opens in new window (pdf, 1563kB)