ISTAR TRANSFORMATION SO2 COMMS AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

A vacancy has arisen for a Squadron Leader (Any Profession) to serve as ISTAR Development Programme (IDP) SO2 Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Manager at the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) Force Headquarters (FHQ), RAF Waddington on Full Time Reserve Service (Limited Commitment) Terms and Conditions of Service (TCoS), with an initial anticipated start date of 26 August 2024 (or earlier/later subject to candidate status).

The 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR15) capability uplifts increased a combination of the out of service date, crew numbers or fleet size of all the ISTAR platforms. In addition, the P-8 Poseidon fleet will reach Full Operating Capability during 2024 and the E-7 Wedgetail will replace the Sentry from 2025, both at RAF Lossiemouth, and the first of the Protector fleet has been delivered to 31 Squadron at RAF Waddington. To meet the growth challenges resulting from these funded changes, the ISTAR Force is undergoing extensive development to ensure it continues to meet these challenges, deliver the capability growth, and continue to deliver its operational output. To support the Force in delivering this change, a single pan-DLOD programme, the ISTAR Development Programme (IDP), has been established and funded under a mandate issued by the Chief of the Air Staff. In addition, the ISTAR FHQ is fully engaged with wider Defence and Air initiatives such as C2 Change, Optimise and Agile Combat Employment (ACE). As the IDP continues to deliver mature projects and transfer them to Business as Usual, the IDP will also manage the development and delivery of ISTAR Optimise as part of the pivot to enabling ACE.   

This role is a key appointment of the IDP which offers challenge combined with a high profile and an exciting opportunity to shape the future of the ISTAR Force across both engagement and direct project management opportunities.

Responsibilities. Working for the IDP Programme Manager, through the IDP PMO Manager, the SO2 Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Manager’s role is responsible for leading the development and implementation of the IDP’s Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Strategy across a broad range of stakeholders covering, Strategic Command, Air Command, DE&S, DIO and industry covering all grades and ranks. The post will also have a key project management role in the delivery of ISTAR Optimise.

Key SO2 Communications and Stakeholder Engagement responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Development and continued management of IDP’s Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Strategy, stakeholder profiles and stakeholder map, and acting as the single point of contact for stakeholders.
• Development and maintenance of a Communications Plan that shows the schedule, including key milestones, and mechanisms for engagement with internal and external stakeholders.
• Measurement of the effectiveness of, and implementation of continuous improvement to, the IDP’s communications and stakeholder engagement activities, to include collation of stakeholder feedback.
• Identification of risks, issues and opportunities for communication and stakeholder engagement, to include the development and implementation of appropriate strategies.
• Provide communication and stakeholder engagement-related updates to the IDP, the Force HQ and wider Air.
• Deputise for the IDP PMO Manager when required.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the IDP PMO, drawing on lessons from allied programmes and from across Defence.
• Provide project management to various initiatives and workstrands as required, and in particular, under ISTAR Optimise.

Must either have been, or currently be, a Squadron Leader, Any Profession, or a Flight Lieutenant, Any Profession, who is eligible for promotion in accordance with AP 3393 Vol 1 and AP 7000. All Promotions will be ratified by means of a Promotion Board. If an applicant has been out of full-time military service and is applying for a post on promotion, they will also need to send their civilian appraisals or equivalent to evidence recent skills, knowledge and experience to be considered by the Promotion Board. 

• Experience of business development within industry, stakeholder mapping and developing stakeholder engagement strategies as well as experience of using different communications methods from posters to social media and briefings.
• The candidate will ideally be able to understand what motivates others across all rank and grade levels in both the MOD and industry.
• Someone who is interested in following tasks from start to finish, who enjoys taking responsibility and will be motivated by achieving set goals or targets.
• A team player but self-starter with the ability to assess how to influence and inform a very wide stakeholder group across multiple ranks of the RAF, civil service and industry.
• Someone with gravitas and focus but an open mind that embraces change and wants to develop the ISTAR Force of the future.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, plus strong IT skills will be the norm for this role.Someone who commands respect and trust, can be decisive and able to work well under pressure, capable of resolving conflicts, and be good at problem solving.
• Experience within industry or the Armed Forces, of working in complex and uncertain environments whilst understanding the bigger picture and delivering results under time pressure.
• Knowledge of the process associated with large complex programmes or projects process will be advantageous as would programme/project management qualifications (eg MSP, PRINCE2, M_o_R).

A Selection Board will carry out a rigorous selection process for this post, based principally on an applicant’s last 4 appraisal reports as required.  Enquiries concerning this vacancy should be made to:

Wg Cdr Dan Betts

daniel.betts963@mod.gov.uk

0300 1527549

Applications.  Candidate applications, with a maximum 2-page CV (to include copies of last 4 appraisal reports) should be emailed to:

Wg Cdr Dan Betts

daniel.betts963@mod.gov.uk

The closing date for applications is 26 April 2024 and interviews (unless prom board required) will take place shortly afterwards.

Unless already commissioned in the Reserve Air Forces the successful applicant will be required to be commissioned in the Royal Air Force Reserves with a liability for call-out for permanent service.

The appointment is on Full Time Reserve Service (Limited Commitment) TCoS in accordance with AP 3392 Vol 7 Part 1 and AP3392 Vol 7 Part 3 Chapter 2 for a period until 31 Mar 2026. Any further extension of service will be subject to approved funding.

Confirmation of appointment will depend on successful completion of a RAF Medical Board.  Personnel who do not meet the Age/Permanent Joint Medical Employment Standard (PJMES) may apply for the appointment but will only be considered subject to an executive waiver process on a case-by-case basis.

Candidates who have been out of regular or reserve service for more than 5 years may be considered for this appointment.  Prior approval must be sought from the relevant Professions Advisor to confirm current and past experience prior to being invited to interview.

Applicants of an equivalent rank from sister Services may apply but will only be accepted into the Royal Air Force Reserves if an appropriate Professions advisor can be identified to sponsor the applicant.  The relevant Profession’s advisor approval must be agreed before the interview.

Regular Service Applicants.  Personnel currently serving in the Regular Royal Air Force should be mindful of the current Early Termination Minimum Waiting Time (MWT) for their respective Rank, Profession and ensure this MWT is compatible with the post sponsor’s proposed start date, prior to applying.

Admin Discharge.  Ex-service candidates who have been administratively discharged through the KR1027 process will have their applications rejected as they are not eligible to join the RAF Reserves in accordance with AP 3391.

Pension Issues.  Personnel who qualify for a service pension should take financial advice from Defence Business Services (DBS) Pensions Department on the effect that undertaking reserve service has on their pension (details can be found on the JPA splash screen). Additional guidance can also be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pensions-and-compensation-for-veterans and MMP116 - Re-employment. Of particular note is reference to the ‘Effect of Re-employment’ on Commutation and, for those leaving on a ‘preserved’ pension, the Resettlement Grant.

Transition between TCoS.  Personnel taking this appointment from other TCoS should consider the impact on any accrued entitlements, such as leave, resettlement etc and should seek specialist guidance where required as certain entitlements are TCoS specific and may not be retained or transferred on transition between TCoS. 

Flexible Working Arrangements.  In accordance with the Flexible Working (FW) Policy, Reserve personnel can request FW arrangements with their line manager.  Any immediate FW requirements should be agreed with the line management at the interview stage.

Individual Reinforcement Training (IRT) (Module 1) and RAF Fitness Test (RAFFT).  Reserve personnel are required to maintain currency in IRT and the RAFFT iaw the relevant TCoS.  The successful applicant will be expected to undertake IRT and the RAFFT within 6 months of commencing employment (if required).

Annual Salary and Leave.  Pay will be in accordance with the pay scales published for the reserve air forces.  Leave entitlement is detailed in JSP 760.

Accommodation. Personnel serving on FTRS(LC/HC)/ADC TCoS are eligible to occupy Single Living Accommodation (SLA) if available, at entitled rates, if serving within the Air Command TLB. However, due to a severe shortage, it is unlikely that accommodation will be available at RAF Waddington.