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Job summary

The Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) is responsible for the provision of the nuclear deterrent, encompassing our submarines and nuclear warheads, while also advising on UK nuclear planning and fostering international co-operation on nuclear matters. With a multidisciplinary team of over 700 professionals, the DNO brings together expertise in science, engineering, finance, policy, programme delivery, and more. We work in partnership with the Royal Navy, the Submarine Delivery Agency and the Atomic Weapons Establishment as the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE).

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 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.

As the External Strategic Communications Officer, you will deliver a high-profile communications campaign focused on the UK's independent nuclear deterrent. Working at the heart of the DNE, you will develop and implement a strategic communications programme that highlights the enterprise's contribution to national security, prosperity and economic growth.

We're looking for a proactive, creative and confident communications professional who thrives in a complex stakeholder environment. You will build strong relationships across government and industry, engaging with colleagues from the Ministry of Defence, wider government and partner organisations.

You will lead the end-to-end delivery of campaign activity, collaborating with organisations across the DNE, including the DNO, AWE and the Royal Navy, as well as industry partners such as BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and Babcock. Together, you will deliver compelling communications through a range of channels, including digital and social media, national and regional media, and feature articles.

The campaign will increase public awareness of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise and the vital role it plays in protecting the nation while supporting jobs, skills and economic development across the UK. You will also contribute to innovative storytelling opportunities, including the development of a potential television documentary.

Alongside this flagship campaign, you will support the delivery of wider external communications for the Defence Nuclear Organisation, helping to enhance its reputation and achieve its strategic objectives.

This is a unique opportunity to deliver communications of national significance and make a tangible impact on a something of critical importance.

This post is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

As the Senior External Strategic Communications Officer, you will play a leading role in delivering high-profile communications that increase understanding of the UK's independent nuclear deterrent and the wider Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE). Working at the centre of a programme of national importance, you will design and deliver strategic communications campaigns that engage the public, helping to demonstrate the DNE's contribution to national security and economic growth.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious communications professional to broaden their experience in a complex, high-profile environment, working alongside senior leaders across government, defence and industry. The role offers significant scope to develop strategic communications expertise, lead major campaigns and build the stakeholder management skills needed for future progression into senior communications leadership positions.

You will:

• Lead the planning, delivery and evaluation of strategic communications campaigns designed to raise awareness and understanding of the UK's independent nuclear deterrent.
• Identify opportunities for proactive communications and stakeholder engagement, developing creative, audience-led approaches to support campaign objectives.
• Develop OASIS plans for major programme milestones and campaign activity, coordinating content and communications across the DNE.
• Create high-quality communications products, including key messages, narratives, press releases, social media content, briefing materials and Q&A.
• Advise on and deliver integrated communications strategies across digital, social, media and stakeholder channels.
• Build strong relationships with partner organisations across the DNE, ensuring communications are aligned and deliver maximum impact.
• Provide strategic communications advice to senior leaders, influencing decision-making and helping shape external engagement activity.
• Monitor campaign performance, audience insight and media activity, using data and evaluation to continuously improve communications outcomes.
• Maintain a communications forward look, providing senior leaders with visibility of upcoming activity and opportunities.
• Support executive communications and reputation management activity, including social media engagement.
• Contribute to wider communications and engagement priorities across the DNE, working collaboratively with internal communications, external affairs and creative specialists.

In return, you'll gain unparalleled experience leading communications on issues of national significance, working with senior stakeholders across government and industry, and developing the expertise, networks and leadership skills to progress your communications career.

Hybrid and flexible working can be considered for this post. Successful candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before starting the role.

Person specification

We're looking for a talented communications professional who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and is excited by the opportunity to work on communications that have national significance. You will be a confident relationship builder, strategic thinker and skilled communicator, with the ability to translate complex subjects into compelling stories for a wide range of audiences. This role offers the opportunity to lead high-profile campaigns, engage with senior stakeholders across government, defence and industry, and further develop your strategic communications expertise within a unique and influential environment.

You will be able to demonstrate:

• Experience leading the development, delivery and evaluation of strategic communications campaigns, from initial planning through to measuring impact and outcomes.
• A track record of working across organisational boundaries to deliver integrated, high-impact communications and engagement activity.
• Experience of analysing audience insight, campaign performance and communications data, and presenting clear recommendations to senior stakeholders.
• Knowledge of digital communications and content creation, with experience supporting or delivering engaging multimedia content, including videos, graphics, animations and infographics.
• Excellent writing, editing and presentation skills, with the ability to simplify complex information and create compelling content for diverse audiences.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with experience building effective relationships across multiple organisations and seniority levels.
• A proactive, collaborative and solutions-focused approach, with the confidence to take ownership of projects and identify opportunities to maximise impact.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work to tight deadlines.

Behaviours

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

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

Technical skills

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

• Government Communications Service: Competency Framework - Competency 2: Ideas [https://www.communications.gov.uk/publications/competency-framework/]

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).

• 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 annual leave rising to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
• On-site Gym
• Cycle Loan (Advance on Salary)
• Thank You Scheme
• Defence Sports & Recreational Association (DSRA)
• Defence Discount Service
• On-site Nursery

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, Experience and Technical skills.

This post is classed as ‘Reserved’ as per the Civil Service Nationality Rules. For further information please see the attached document.

Candidates can apply online via the Civil Service Jobs website by completing the application form before the deadline shown. Apply using the Civil Service Jobs apply button, filling in all required details in all sections. Using the Success Profiles link for information on format and style, ensure you provide evidence for all Behaviours and Experience sections requested in the appropriate competency style.

*Please note that not following the appropriate format will mean that you may be unable to reach the required grades for sift or interview*

*Candidates will be required to complete an online CV template to include job history/previous skills and experience. Please also include any relevant responsibilities and achievements.

*Candidates will be required to provide a Personal Statement of Suitability which should be a maximum of 750 words that sets out your motivation for applying and shows how your skills and experience meet the essential/desirable requirements for the role.

At Sift Stage

You will be assessed against your CV, Personal Statement and the behaviours Communicating and Influencing, Seeing the Big Picture and Delivering at Pace together with the Technical skill Government Communications Service competency 2: Ideas. [Competency Framework - technical specifications - GCS]

If a large number of applications are received, the initial sift will be based on the CV, Personal Statement and the behaviour Communicating and Influencing only. However, evidence should be provided against all behaviours requested.

The requirements for the role have been benchmarked and these will be used to sift all candidates, with those meeting the minimum requirements invited to interview.

At Interview Stage

You will be assessed against the behaviours Communicating and Influencing, Seeing the Big Picture and Delivering at Pace together with the Technical skill Government Communications Service competency 2: Ideas and your experience. [Competency Framework - technical specifications - GCS]

Interviews will be conducted face to face at MOD Main Building, Whitehall 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.

The Defence Nuclear Organisation plays a vital role in supporting the delivery of the UK’s independent strategic nuclear deterrent. To help enhance security, staff working for the DNO are encouraged to always exercise a high level of discretion in sharing information or talking about their work. As part of the application process, we ask that you do not tell anyone other than your partner or close family member about your application to join the DNO. You should not mention your application on social media or discuss it with anyone else at this stage.

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.

There may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all DCS candidates that meet the minimum criteria for the job. For example, in certain recruitment situations such as a high volume of applications, seasonal demand, or peak periods, the employer may wish to limit the overall number of interviews offered to both DCS and non-DCS applicants.

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.

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 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

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 : DNO Recruitment Team
• Email : DNO-ExternalRecruiting@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

Civil-Service-Nationality-rules Opens in new window (pdf, 218kB)20230120-Nationality_Requirements-Candidates-O Opens in new window (pdf, 67kB)Terms and Conditions of Service Opens in new window (docx, 24kB)Candidate Information Opens in new window (docx, 31kB)