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DNO Executive Assistant Opportunities
at Ministry of Defence London in London (Published at 16-11-2023)
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About the job
Benefits
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Location
About the job
Job summary
Do you want to be at the heart of real Defence issues and play a key role in the United Kingdom’s (UK) national security?
Established in April 2016, the Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) delivers nuclear capability to deter threats and protect our nation.
The DNO oversees all defence nuclear business (excluding operations) and is responsible for providing nuclear deterrence; sponsoring the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (all the organisations, programmes and people that sustain the UK’s nuclear deterrent); and advising on UK nuclear policy, planning and international co-operation on nuclear matters.
The UK’s independent nuclear deterrent has existed for over 60 years to deter the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life, and that of our NATO Allies.
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 know that diverse teams bring a wide range of perspectives, experiences and ideas, which lead to better decision-making, creativity and innovation. 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.
We are conducting a bulk recruitment campaign to recruit Executive Officers to support the delivery of one of the most complex Defence procurement programmes. We are looking for proactive, organised and efficient team players able to support senior managers and their teams.
DNO staff are based in MOD Main Building (London), MOD Abbey Wood (Bristol) and Aldermaston (Reading). Candidates will have the opportunity to state their location preference however occasional travel to the other sites is required.
This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.
Job description
Each post encompasses a wide range of secretarial, office management and business support elements, requiring discretion, efficiency and a calm manner. These roles may undertake the following activities:
- Diary management, critically ensuring diary prioritisation and deconfliction.
- Managing key relationships across MOD, wider government and with industry partners.
- Ensuring business continuity across both the team and wider organisation.
- Supporting meetings.
- Being the first point of contact for the office.
- Developing an understanding of the areas of work to ensure the best use of time for senior management.
- Understanding the priorities for senior management and reflecting that in diary commitments.
- Prioritising senior managers time and ensuring that the wider team are aware of developments and key meetings.
- Day to day business management.
- Looking after inward and outward visits.
- Email prioritisation and triage.
- Hosting VIP visitors.
- Managing travel.
Hybrid and flexible working can be considered for this post but will need regular workplace attendance due to security constraints. Candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before submitting an application.
Person specification
We are looking for enthusiastic and talented individuals to join our committed and friendly team. These roles will provide the right candidates with a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference at the heart of one of the most sensitive and high-profile programme areas within the MOD. The successful post holders will need to build their understanding of the MOD and the Defence Nuclear landscape at pace and the following experience is desirable in support of an application:
- Organisation and communication skills are essential to succeeding alongside management of relationships.
- Experience working within an administrator background or/and previous experience working as an Executive Assistant or Personal Assistant.
- Experience working with complex diaries and booking travelling arrangements via Government software.
- Comfortable and confident in working at pace to manage conflicting short term and long-term priorities.
- Building positive relationships with partners in other teams and departments and using those relationships to influence others through excellent interpersonal and communication skills, tailored to the recipient.
- Previous experience in an assistant or admin role.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Applications
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Working Together
- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing
- Managing a Quality Service
- Delivering at Pace
Benefits
We truly believe that the MOD is a great place to work, and we offer a unique employee experience. We want to ensure that every single employee feels appreciated & fairly rewarded and offer the following additional benefits:
- Learning and development tailored to your role and broader skill development, enabling you to build a long-term career in your chosen area. Where appropriate there will be offers of training under our apprenticeship schemes.
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- 25 days annual leave, raising to 30 days following 5 years’ service (+ 8 days bank and public holidays), with family friendly benefits including improved maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
- Cycle Loan (Advance on Salary)
- Thank You Scheme
- Defence Sports & Recreational Association (DSRA)
- Defence Discount Service
- Some of our sites have on-site gyms, restaurants, cafes, nurseries and more.
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 Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
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, full details of education and qualifications and previous experiences and skills. Please also include any relevant responsibilities and achievements.
Candidates have 750 words for a personal statement where they should focus on how their skills and experience meet the requirements of this role. There are a number of Executive Assistant opportunities, 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 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.
Nationality Requirements – Further Information for Candidates
- This post is classed as ‘Reserved’ as per Civil Service Nationality Rules Section 3. In accordance with these rules, ‘only UK nationals may be employed in reserved posts in the Civil Service’1 (Paragraph. 3.1).
UK National Definition
2. The definition of a ‘UK National’ can be found at Paragraphs. 1.4-1.8 of the Civil Service Nationality Rules.
Dual Nationals
3. As per Paragraph. 1.41 of the Civil Service Nationality Rules:
a) ‘Candidates with dual nationality are in principle eligible for employment in the Civil Service provided that they meet the requirements in relation to one of their nationalities [i.e. UK National]. They may not be eligible, however, for employment in certain reserved posts where additional nationality requirements are imposed.’
Additional Restrictions for Reserved Posts
4. As per Paragraphs. 3.10-3.11 of the Civil Service Nationality Rules:
a) Departments and agencies are entitled to impose additional requirements in reserved posts if this is considered necessary. This could include, for example, requirements as to the residency of the applicant or the nationality of one or both parents of the applicant.’
5. If you are a Dual National who possesses UK Nationality and wish to check your eligibility for the post, please contact our recruiting team at the details below. Please be advised that we will not be able to provide a justification for our decision for security reasons.
DNO External Recruitment DNO-ExternalRecruiting@mod.gov.uk
[1] Irish nationals and Commonwealth citizens are also eligible for employment in reserved posts if they were in the Civil Service at 31 May 1996 or before, or were appointed from a recruitment scheme with a closing date for receipt of applications before 1 June 1996. (Paragraph. 3.1) Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
There are a number of posts which require different security levels to be achieved, including Security Clearance and Developed Vetting clearance, above the normal clearance level expected for the MoD.
No application can be accepted after the closing date. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
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.
The role currently being advertised has not been assessed as business critical and 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 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
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.Security
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