A vacancy has arisen for an OF4 Wing Commander to serve as SO1 RFC (RAF) within the Reserve Forces and Cadets Directorate, Military Strategic Headquarters (MSHQ).
This post is open to service on either Part Time Volunteer Reserve (PTVR) Terms and Conditions of Service (TCoS) or on the alternative TCOS of Volunteer Ex Regular Reserve (VeRR). Applicants are requested to make their TCOS preference clear in their application covering letter, for review during the selection process. The initial proposed start date of not earlier than 04 January 2027.
The position is offered on a flexible working basis averaging 3-4 RSDs per month up to a maximum of 60 RSDs a year. The role assumes hybrid working for the majority of the time worked. The terms and conditions of service (PTVR/VeRR) will be determined by ACDS R&C and Hd Reserves in discussion with the successful applicant and HQ AIR.
Unit Function
The Reserve Forces and Cadets (RF&C) Directorate is part of the Military Strategic Headquarters (MSHQ) and is headed by the Assistant Chief of Defence Staff RF&C. RF&C is the Centre’s lead on taking forward the Strategic Defence Review’s ambitious intent to ensure that Defence makes better use of the scale, skills and agility our Reserve forces offer.
Responsibilities
This role primarily supports the Policy team with a focus on ensuring Service Reserves input through effective liaison with HQ Air well as providing additional desk level support to the International desk, with a specific focus on the NATO Committee of Reserves (NCR) and the upcoming assumption of the Presidency by the UK in 2028. It also provides the desk lead, on behalf of ACDS R&C, to the Council of Military Education Committees (COMEC) and the Defence Academy.
The core responsibilities are as follows:
- Support Hd Reserves and AHd Policy in the development of Reserves policy and other Reserves lines of operation as may arise.
- Support SO1 International Policy through the provision of additional UK staff officer engagement and representation across the NCR calendar.
- Provide the MOD desk lead for University Service Units and representation on the Council of Military Education Committees (COMEC), as delegate for AHd Reserves.
- Prepare for and attend TLB working groups (WGs) / steering groups (SGs), as appropriate, as delegate for AHd Reserves.
- Preparation for other ad hoc meetings and events as necessary.
- Maintain wider situational awareness in terms of both policy and ‘ground-truth’ to ensure that Service advice is in context.
- Member of SGs, WGs etc and support wider Reserves policy development, reviews and studies as required.
- Liaise with Single Service Reserve Hubs as part of Multi-Disciplinary Teams, with a priority liaison responsibility back into HQ AIr.
- Any other tasks as specified by AHd Reserves.
Mshq RFC Reserves So1 Raf employer: Serve
Joining the team at Northwood HQ as an SO2 IWC Ops Delivery offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the mission of the IWC while enjoying a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional growth. Employees benefit from structured development pathways, flexible working arrangements, and the chance to engage in high-level strategic operations that directly impact the Joint Force. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on employee well-being, Northwood HQ stands out as an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in defence operations.
