SO2 Trg and Ed Manager

Subject to formal establishment. a vacancy will arise for a Squadron Leader to serve as SO2 Trg and Ed Manager at the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) of Joint Force Development (JFD) which is located in London (Seaford House). The post is an ADC (180 days) position, with an initial proposed start date of 18 August 2021 or earlier if circumstances permit.

JFD provides the research, analysis, force development, joint training, education, doctrine and deployable joint command and control that underpin Defence.

The RCDS course spans an academic year to provide its Members with an education at post-graduate-level in international affairs, security and strategy. Indeed, despite the historical name of the College, its course contains little related directly to defence. Rather, it studies and concentrates on the wide range of factors that relate to stability, security and prosperity at global, regional and national levels.

The position role will to provide expert subject matter advice on MoD training and education policy and best practice to the RCDS Commandant, Course Director and Management Board. Conduct DSAT Quality Management compliance assessments, seminar observations and first party audits. Provides secretariat support and convenes Course Assessment and Design Meeting, Course Reviews and Senior Customer Group Meetings. Prepares, supports and hosts second party audits and progress reviews with external assessors. Supports the RCDS Mess by arranging audits and spot checks as required

Specific tasks include:

• Engage with Training Requirement Authorities (TRA), establishing a governance battle rhythm and agreeing assessment policy, requirements setting and establish customer external validation procedures. Convene and act as secretary for Customer Executive Boards (Senior Customer Group) Meetings.
• Convene and act as secretary for Course Assessment and Design Meetings and for Course Review Meetings.
• Manage the RCDS learning quality management assurance system and Members Surveys. Design and implement key stage Course Reviews. Contextualise feedback and suggest agile delivery responses to enhance learning effectiveness and continuous improvement
• Conduct first party DSAT audits and support the requirements and preparations for external second party audits. Implement recommendations and observations.
• Conduct reviews of the management of Socratic seminars and provide suitable assurance and suggestions for improvement in delivery (including virtual delivery using electronic platforms and tools).
• Devise and deliver a modular package for the Defence Higher Professional Education Training for newly arrived Senior Directing Staff. To include seminar management, assessment criteria and higher education teaching skills and principles.
• Advise on DSAT requirements and best practice for RCDS Assessment Policy and Assessment Matrix.
• Co-ordinate and support RCDS Mess Audits as required.
• Represent RCDS at Defence Academy Governance Boards and Digital Lead Forums.

Must either have been, or currently be a Squadron Leader or a Flight Lieutenant who is eligible for promotion in accordance with AP3392 Vol 1 and AP7000. All promotions will be ratified by means of a promotion board.

Command and Staff - ICSC(Air)/IOD

The post holder is to have a strong background in Defence Systems Approach to Training and Training Audits

Excellent presentation and communication skills, both verbal and written and able to speak truth to power in issues of DSAT compliance and analysis of feedback.

Strong organisational and interpersonal skills.

To be able to prioritise, work under pressure and to meet strict deadlines

A Selection Board will carry out a rigorous selection process for this post. Enquiries concerning this vacancy should be made to:

Paul Mitcham

COS RCDS

Paul.Mitcham821@mod.gov.uk

0207 915 4864

Applications. Due to the current COVID-19 situation candidate applications, with a maximum 2-page CV (to include copies of last 4 appraisal reports as required) should be sent electronically to Davina.Fisher159@mod.gov.uk

The closing date for applications is 18 May 2021.

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

The appointment is on Additional Duties Commitment (180 days a year max) TaCoS in accordance with AP 3392 Vol 7 Part 1 Chapter 16 and AP3392 Vol 7 Part 3 Chapter 2 for an initial period of 3 years.

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.

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, Branch/Trade and ensure this MWT is compatible with the post sponsor’s proposed start date, prior to applying.

Ex-service candidates who have been administratively discharged will have their applications rejected as they are not eligible to join the RAF Reserves in accordance with AP 3391 (Vol 3, Lft 207, Annex L, Para 1a).

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. Of particular note is reference to the ‘Effect of Re-employment on Commutation’.

Flexible Working Arrangements. In accordance with the Flexible Working (FW) Policy, Reserves personnel are able to 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 within JFD on ADC TaCoS are not eligible for Accommodation in London. The authorised allowances and expenses that may be claimed by reservists are detailed in JSP 752.

Home to Duty Allowance. This role attracts Home to Duty Travel in accordance with JSP 753 07,0306d.