DNO-Defence Nuclear Organisation – Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Policy Adviser

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. To ensure that we have a credible and capable nuclear deterrent for as long as the security situation requires, we are building four new nuclear armed submarines – known as the Dreadnought Class – and replacing our nuclear warheads. These renewal programmes will utilise world-leading technology and are a showcase in science and engineering, highlighting the prowess of British industry. 

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. 

The National Security Strategy and Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015 established the Counter-Proliferation and Arms Control Centre (CPACC) to consolidate counter proliferation policy expertise from across the MOD, FCDO, and DENZ. As part of this joint unit, the DNO-CPACC team supports the delivery of HMG’s nuclear counter proliferation and disarmament policy. This post leads on Defence’s contribution to strengthening the Global Nuclear Order including; our support to the UN Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and other international and multilateral architecture (e.g. the P5 process, the proposed Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty, and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty) and efforts to minimise the risk of unintended nuclear conflict through Strategic Risk Reduction. 

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

As a Nuclear Weapon State that takes its responsibilities seriously, the UK is committed to the long-term goal of a world without nuclear weapons and we recognise our obligations under all three of the pillars of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). We will continue to build trust and confidence between Nuclear and Non-Nuclear Weapon States, and to take tangible steps towards a safer and more stable world, where countries with nuclear weapons feel able to relinquish them. 

The Nuclear Policy team develops and delivers the policy that provides the UK’s strategic deterrent and supports global security and stability. It does this by delivering across four policy objectives: protecting the UK; projecting our global influence; adapting to emerging challenges; and connecting with international partners and the UK population.

The MOD Nuclear element of the Counter Proliferation and Arms Control Centre (CPACC) works to protect the UK through reducing the proliferation of nuclear weapons, reducing nuclear risk, supporting global disarmament efforts, and ensuring that the Global Nuclear Order continues to support the UK’s possession of nuclear deterrent for as long as it is needed.

We are recruiting for a Senior Executive Officer (MOD C1) within CPACC. The ideal candidate will be energetic, enthusiastic and engaging, with the confidence and ability to engage with colleagues across the Ministry of Defence and wider Government, internationally and with non-governmental organisations. They will have the opportunity to lead international negotiations and travel internationally in support of this portfolio. 

This post would ideally suit someone seeking to develop both policy and international negotiation skills, as well as wanting experience of working with multiple Government Departments. 

The DNO Policy Team is strongly committed to growing a diverse and inclusive team and so applications from all segments of society – including women, people with Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, have a socially or economically disadvantaged background, or consider themselves to have a disability – are encouraged and supported. Please do get in touch with the recruiting line manager if you have any concerns.

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.

Essential Skills:

– Are able to confidently and credibly liaise with a wide range of often senior stakeholders to plan and deliver work. 

– Have excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

– Have an ability to work independently and in a cross-Government team, while identifying and mitigating Departmental risks. 

– Are confident presenting formally and informally to a variety of audiences. 

– Are able to work collaboratively to deliver activity through others they do not manage. 

Desirable Skills:

–  International policy experience

–  Multilateral negotiation experience or experience on multilateral policy issues

–  Have excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills. 

There is the potential that additional SEO (C1) nuclear posts will become available over the next few months. Candidates that are judged suitable for a SEO role but unsuccessful on this occasion will be held on a reserve list and may be offered alternative positions should they arise.

There may be opportunity for line management in the role.

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

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

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

• Working Together
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing

• 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 average employer contribution of 27%

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. 

Job contact :

• Name : DNO External Recruiting
• Email : DNO-ExternalRecruiting@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : DBSCivPers-ResourcingTeam3@mod.gov.uk