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Job summary

This is an exciting opportunity for an exceptional candidate to support operations and development at the RAF Headquarters at RAF High Wycombe. This MOD Senior Executive Officer (SEO) post offers an opportunity for someone with substantial defence knowledge, strong technical and interpersonal skills, and a proactive approach in ambiguity, to contribute to conduct, planning and assessment of air operations at a time of significant global tension. Additionally, organisational changes in 11Gp will provide the chance for the post to support a review to identify opportunities for analytical support.

The successful candidate will be part of a small team embedded in a military structure at Air Command, reporting to a Grade 7 and managing a single HEO analyst. The team is integral to Air Operations, advising senior leadership and operational planners.

Post is reserved for UK Nationals only. This is a reserved post requiring DV clearance with additional nationality checks, so please check the eligibility requirements.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week but operational activity may require irregular hours and national/international travel.

Job description

The Air & Space Warfare Centre (ASWC) is the primary source of impartial, authoritative and integrated advice to support success on current and future operations in the Air and Space environments, including associated Electronic Warfare, Cyber and Information.

The ASWC’s Operational Research Branch (ORB) is the provider of impartial scientific analysis support on matters relating to current and future operational capabilities. The ORB team of civilian (MOD/Dstl) operational research and test specialists, embedded in the HQ and across multiple ASWC units, provides evidence-based analysis to support decision making by Front Line squadrons, Test and Evaluation Squadrons (TES), and Air and Space Commands.

Embedded within the military headquarters at RAF High Wycombe, you will be responsible to the Senior Scientific Adviser, via the new Grade 7 post of Operations Support Scientific Adviser for:

• Developing and Sustaining 11 Gp Analysis Capability. Support decision-making at all levels of 11 Gp with the provision of scientific advice. This includes a wide range of OA techniques including data capture and analysis, the development and application of bespoke modelling and simulation tools, and the provision of Critical Thinking support.
• Supporting Routine Operations. Support ongoing operations with the provision of Assessment and Analysis.
• Supporting Exercises and Contingent Operations. Support operational delivery with the provision of Assessment and Analysis.
• Developing and Sustaining 11 Gp Assessment Capability. Provide an assured Assessment capability in operations and exercises, in support of both decision-making and Joint-level Assessments.
• Supporting Wider Air Command. Support wider 11 Gp and Air Command priorities in cases where best placed to do so with regards to resources and expertise. Additionally, providing support to other tasks as directed by Commandant ASWC.
• Liaison with the Wider OA Community. Conduct liaison and, where appropriate, provide support to other operationally-focussed OA staff in relevant headquarters across MOD and allies.

Person specification

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate experience of:

• Communicating and Influencing - making evidential cases to military staff is an important aspect of the job.
• Seeing the Big Picture - understand how the role fits with and supports organisational objectives.
• Delivering at Pace - as an operational command, requirements and priorities may quickly change. You must be able to deliver at pace and respond to unpredictable demand.
• Making Effective Decisions - use evidence and knowledge to support accurate, expert decisions and advice. Carefully consider alternative options, implications and risks of decisions.
• Achieving impact with analysis – you must be able to brief analysis output in a variety of styles to a wide set of stakeholders.
• Knowledge and application of OR skills and techniques – use a variety of relevant statistical techniques to inform decision making.
• The successful candidate will be confident at working independently, looking proactively for solutions to challenges and offering advice to decision makers.
  

It is desirable that the successful candidate can demonstrate experience of:

• Managing others as a line manager.
• The MOD and Defence environment, especially in Air concepts and doctrine.
• Using advanced statistical techniques.
• Working with classified information.
• A GORS badge is not required for this post. However, arrangements can be made for continued membership while in post.

Qualifications

Scientific or other numerate degree

Behaviours

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

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

Technical skills

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

• Achieving impact with analysis
• Knowledge and application of OR skills and techniques

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).

• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97%
• Holiday Entitlement - 25-day annual leave allowance per year increasing by 1 day per year (maximum 30 days per year). In addition, 8 statutory Bank Holidays and 1 privilege day per year. MoD recognises the diverse religious origins within its workforce and seeks to accommodate individual leave requirements.
• Special Paid Leave to volunteer up to 6 days per year.
• Flexible Working - Full time staff will work 37 hours a week but have some flexibility of when they complete these hours, subject to operational requirements.
• Learning & Development - MoD aims to provide its civilian staff with 5 days a year of Learning & Development (L&D) tailored to your role, delivered through a combination of high-quality training courses and informal opportunities.
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
• We also offer an excellent range of family-friendly benefits, for example, enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave.

Please Note:

• 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.
• 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.

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 Personal Statement. (500 words maximum)

Please fill out the personal statement section stating how your skills and experience fit the requirements for the role. Applicants can also provide a brief outline of what technical skills you are able to bring to the team and how you feel they will benefit the ASWC.

At sift, Candidates will be assessed against your CV, Personal Statement and the following:

Behaviours

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

Technical skills

• Achieving impact with analysis
• Knowledge and application of OR skills and technique

At interview, Candidates will be assessed against the following:

Behaviours

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

Technical Skills

• Achieving impact with analysis
• Knowledge and application of OR skills and techniques

Further information:

It is anticipated that the sift will be early August 2026, with subsequent in person interviews at RAF High Wycombe later in the month.

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 .

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 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 : Simon Kippin
• Email : Simon.Kippin258@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

20230201 - Air Command's Applicant Guide Opens in new window (pdf, 499kB)GORS_Technical_Framework_2025 Opens in new window (pdf, 545kB)Candidate Information Opens in new window (docx, 32kB)Defence Internal Brief notice Opens in new window (docx, 43kB)