Army - Promotions and Policy Higher Executive Officer

The Ministry of Defence employs over 50,000 Civil Servants. Within that, the Army Top Level Budget (TLB) employs around 12,000 MOD Civil Servants located at over 300 locations. Ours is a diverse workforce, with roles ranging from trainers, human resources, teachers, and psychologists to storekeepers, financiers, project and programme managers, and policy secretariat staff. There are many different functions and professions delivering key outputs for the Army.

The Army Personnel Centre is a military-led but largely civilian organisation responsible for managing the careers of the Army’s personnel, and for assigning them into posts. Staff at all levels can genuinely make a difference to the lives of our Service Personnel, which makes for a satisfying work experience.

The promotions and policy team are responsible for all Appraisals Reports, which involves the tracking, hastening assurance, and finalisation of all appraisals. As the Promotions and Policy Higher Executive Officer (HEO) you are responsible for all planning, coordination, delivery, publication and assurance of the General Staff promotion grading boards. They are also the branch lead for all policy matters and No 2 Board Practice and Precedent, providing advice and guidance to the Assistant Head of the General Staff branch, Head Army Personnel Centre, the Military Secretary and the No 2 Board Members.

Under the direction of the Chief of Staff, the post holder will line manage and develop one Executive Officer to adopt a data driven, digital mindset and identify and deliver efficiencies in processes. This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Main responsibilities will include:

• Co-ordination and delivery of the annual Blue List Grading Board for promotion from Lieutenant Colonel to Colonel
• Co-ordination and delivery of the annual Green List Grading Board for promotion from Colonel to Brigadier
• Management of all aspects of General Staff appraisal reports, including providing timely advice to stakeholders
• Member of No 2 Board Secretariat Appointing Boards, providing support on promotion and policy issues
• Understand and maintain currency in relevant career management policy and processes, acting as the focal point providing advice to the cohort and wider stakeholders as necessary
• Annual review and update of No 2 Board Practice and Precedent
• Provide advice to Assistant Head of the General Staff Branch and the Career Managers on discipline issues
• Line Manage one Executive Officer, encouraging professional and personal development, whilst ensuring compliance with current policy, rules, guidelines and training requirements
• Support and actively participate in organisational change initiatives, embracing a culture of continuous improvement and innovation whilst acting as a role model for subordinates
• Complete mandatory training as directed and maintain currency with digital tools, data exploitation techniques and Career Management policy and processes
• Support other tasks, activities and duties outside of the immediate area of responsibility to meet evolving business and operational needs commensurate with the grade

Person specification:

The successful candidate will have excellent leadership and communication skills, both written and verbal, and an ability to operate in a fast paced environment with changing priorities. They will be able to assimilate and analyse complex information and make timely and effective decisions, whilst building effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders. They will have a working knowledge and understanding of Office 365, and a desire to seek out opportunities for continuous improvement.

Behaviours:

• Changing and Improving
• Communicating and Influencing
• Developing Self and Others
• Leadership

Alongside your salary of £36,530, the Ministry of Defence contributes £10,582 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. The Army prides itself on being a supportive employer and where possible encourages flexible working, helping you to maintain a great work/life balance.

Other Benefits For Army Civil Servants Include:

• 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
• Highly competitive pension scheme
• Personal and professional development of skills
• Alternative working patterns for many roles
• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), a free service that assists you with achieving a productive, healthy environment that is conducive to a healthy lifestyle
• Enhanced parental and adoption leave
• 6 days special leave per year which can be used for volunteering activities

We believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference and you will be supported to help you learn and advance in your career. This includes working towards membership of a professional body and/or undertaking a modern apprenticeship as part of your role.

A modern apprenticeship is a combined package of work and training. Through the schemes available you will gain a professional qualification, practical experience, and the broader skills required to develop in your current role and pave the way for your future career.

We are passionate about Smarter Working and believe that a combination of flexible working practices, digital technology and modern workspaces will give you the opportunity to enjoy a healthy work-life balance, while ensuring you deliver your outcomes effectively and efficiently – we expect you to know where to be to have the most impact, balancing your individual needs with that of your team and the organisation. However, recognising the benefits of face to face working, especially for new joiners, there is an expectation that you would be in the office at least 60% of the time (3 days a week).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.