Job summary
We are seeking a policy officer within the Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia (REECA) team. REECA is part of the Euro-Atlantic Security (EAS) Directorate in MOD�s Security Policy and Operations area. REECA is responsible for defence policy, strategy and engagement with Russia, Central Asia, Ukraine, the South Caucasus, Moldova, Belarus and the Black Sea, and delivery of MOD�s Russia Campaign Plan. The team also comprises of the Parliamentary and Communications team.
REECA works closely with EAS Military colleagues to shape and deliver our policy and strategic plans, and EAS policy teams as our window onto wider global Defence partners across Europe, Canada and NATO, to collaborate on our defence diplomacy and policy development, including on areas such as the Arctic and NATO�s eastern border.
About Security Policy and Operations (SPO).
SPO officials work directly with Ministers to define the objectives and context for military operations by the UK�s Armed Forces. SPO delivers advice and direction as a combined Department of State and Military Headquarters. It shapes Defence relations with other nations and international security organisations. It leads the MOD�s counter-terrorism policy and Defence�s contribution to UK security policy, working with Government colleagues to implement it. In all these areas, we ensure the MOD is accountable to Parliament and the public.
The role is challenging but fascinating, with regular ministerial interest and briefing.�
This position is advertised at 37 hours per week. Some domestic and overseas travel may be necessary. Owing to the nature of the work, regular attendance in MOD Main Building in London will be required, with some home working possible with prior agreement.
Job description
The role sits within the South Caucasus, Ukraine and Black Sea team (SCUBS) within REECA. The team provides a critical policy function within Defence�s contribution to cross government support to Ukraine, as well as supporting the Defence relationship with Moldova, Belarus, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and its Black Sea strategy. It sits at the intersection of the reactive crisis and capability ambition and initiatives, and the developing longer-term support to Ukraine and her neighbours. The team work closely with colleagues in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the National Security Secretariat (NSS) in the Cabinet Office.
The role will contribute to strategy and engagement with countries in Russia�s �Near Abroad�. It will also contribute to the delivery of the Russia Campaign Plan priorities on Ukraine and the Near Abroad, working closely with the wider REECA team. The post reports ultimately to the Assistant Head Ukraine and Near Abroad Region Strategy and works with the wider Russia and Ukraine policy teams in the Euro-Atlantic Security group, which is a mixed civilian/military team.
The post holder will help deliver all aspects of strategy and policy advice including: written and oral advice to Ministers and senior officials; consultation with wider HMG departments and agencies; working closely with UK Defence Sections in the relevant countries and with those countries� military representatives in the UK; and cooperating with military HQ and stakeholders in MOD, including the other Strategy, Policy and Operations Campaign Teams.
Detailed responsibilities include:�
1. Helping to develop and give policy advice on long term and reactive operational issues to Ministers and senior decision-makers in MOD and wider HMG
2. Building and maintaining strong networks with stakeholders, including Private Offices, Defence Sections, Foreign DAs and Embassies, Defence Intelligence, Special Operations, Military and PJHQ, and FCDO
3. Ensuring coherence with wider Ukraine and Russia policy and providing insight, knowledge and challenge as required
4. Supporting the development and delivery of the Russia Campaign Plan Line of Operation on Russia�s Near Abroad and related strategy;
5. Supporting UK Defence Sections overseas and liaising with overseas DA and Embassy staff in the UK
6. Helping to manage visits and bi-lateral contacts up to ministerial level and providing coherence, policy insight and strategic input to the MoD�s engagement.
7. Providing support for the Ukraine and Near Abroad Strategy Team
Person specification
Essential criteria:
8. leadership and strong communication and collaboration skills.
9. Previous experience in the provision of advice to seniors.
10. A proven track record of meeting tight and challenging deadlines.
11. Excellent collaboration and prioritisation skills, and experience working with colleagues across Government.
Desirable criteria:
12. Prior experience working on crisis response, Defence policy or operations or on international security.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
13. Seeing the Big Picture
14. Making Effective Decisions
15. Delivering at Pace
16. Communicating and Influencing
Benefits
Alongside your salary of �35,290, Ministry of Defence contributes �10,223 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
17. Learning and development tailored to your role
18. An environment with flexible working options
19. A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
20. A with an employer contribution of
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 .
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