SO2 AUTONOMOUS COLLABORATIVE PLATFORMS

A vacancy has arisen for a Squadron Leader (Aircrew – Flying Pilot – Any FJ, ISR, ME or RW) to serve as SO2 ACP at RAF High Wycombe on Full Time Reserve Service (Limited Commitment) Terms and Conditions of Service (TCoS), with an initial proposed start date of 02 September 2024 (or earlier/later, subject to candidate status). Flexible working arrangements may be available to allow working from an Alternative Working Address and will be open to negotiation, depending upon the needs of the Service and the individual.

The Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP) team in Air Capability Strategy is responsible for the long-term analysis and development of autonomous UAS in RAF service.  With a focus on capability for entry into service in 5-10yrs, the role will develop the strategy, operational requirements, and breadth of the nascent RAF capability.  You will be responsible for:

-    Responsible, through direction from SO1 ACP, for delivering Hd Cap Strat’s intent for the development of ACP.

-    For the development and assessment of Operational Analysis (OA) relating to ACP, in order to provide quantitative balance of investment (BoI) advice and recommendations for Hd Cap Strat and Dir Cap & Progs.

-    For commissioning and monitoring suitable R&D activity from relevant academia and commercial sources, as well as prioritisation of R&D projects to be undertaken by DSTL and the RCO.

-    For sourcing and providing relevant operational input to the development of plausible future concepts. 

-    Deputising for SO1 ACP where required and utilise sound military judgement to provide recommendations where appropriate in their absence.

-    Manage the ACP governance structure and administrate the delivery of regular  desk level, 1* and 2* meetings.

Must either have been, or currently be, a Squadron Leader (Aircrew – Flying Pilot Any FJ, ISR, ME or RW) or a Flight Lieutenant (Aircrew – Flying Pilot Any FJ, ISR, ME or RW) 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.

List required competencies here, for example:

• UK Security Check Security Clearance
• Proficient with the use of Microsoft Office to ECDL level
• Evidence of Project Management experience

• UK Developed Vetting Security Clearance
• Completed the Capability & Acquisition Course (CAPAC)
• Defence/Strategic Operations or Planning experience
• Experience of leading or operating within mixed Service and Civil Service teams
• Awareness of MoD financial practices and regulations
• Awareness of MoD security regulations
• Experience in the use of Microsoft Project or other project management software

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:

Name: Sqn Ldr Euan McFalls

Tel: 03001557481

Email: euan.mcfalls100@mod.gov.uk

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

Wg Cdr Andrew Ellson, Andrew.ellson940@mod.gov.uk

The closing date for applications is 13 May 2024 and interviews (unless prom board required) will take place week commencing 27 May 2024.

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 FTRS(LC) TCoS in accordance with AP 3392 Vol 7 Part 1 and AP3392 Vol 7 Part 3 Chapter 2 for an initial period of 2 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.

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 High Wycombe.