AOS SO2 Media & Comms

A vacancy has arisen for a Squadron Leader (Any) to serve as the Air Officer Scotland (AOS) SO2 Media & Communications at 25 Learmonth Terrace, Edinburgh, on Volunteer ex-Regular Reserve Terms and Conditions of Service (TCoS), with a start date no earlier than 26 May 2022.

Organisational Overview.  The Office of AOS supports the Air Force Board to enhance the public image and positive awareness of the RAF across Scotland in line with the Defence Mission, the RAF Command Plan and the RAF Engagement Strategy by: 

• Establishing and maintaining close liaison and working relationships with Leaders and Officials of the Scottish Government, Local Authorities and Community Councils.
• Enhancing the public image of the RAF by overseeing all major public relations and ceremonial events involving the RAF and/or RAF Air Cadet formations in the region.
• Attending events when invited by the Royal Household, the Government or Scottish Government and participating in State and National occasions.
• Establishing and maintaining close liaison with regional senior RN and Army representatives.
• Establishing and maintaining close liaison with the 33 Lord Lieutenants in the region.
• Maintaining a close relationship with regional employers, especially the aerospace industry.
• Supporting the RAuxAF/RAF Reserves and RAF Air Cadets by representing them at the regional level and RAF Recruitment and Selection through engagement with cadets, schools, colleges and universities.
• Representing the RAF with RFCAs to facilitate broader employer engagement in support of RAF Reserves; and also at the Army’s 51 Bde-led Firmbase meetings to provide support and coherence in wider AF Covenant and RAF Charities’ activities across Scotland. 

Post Overview.  The SO2 Media & Communications is responsible to AOS through his PSO for the following: 

• Leading the planning and execution of all required media and communications output in support of AOS’ planned engagement activity.
• Continue the development of the key work-strand of ensuring an optimal presence on digital media channels and forums for the RAF in Scotland.
• In conjunction with the RAF Lossiemouth MCO and elements of the RAF Diaspora in Scotland, developing a media and communications plan for the RAF in Scotland, ensuring all engagement activities are fully exploited.
• Ensuring the implementation of the regional media and communications elements of the RAF Engagement Strategy.
• Conducting liaison with the DDC, single-Service media teams, the RAF Lossiemouth MCO, and key regional actors (e.g. Scottish Parliament, civic organisations) in order to promote awareness of RAF activity in Scotland.
• Actively seek to facilitate media interest in RAF activity in Scotland.
• Completing mandated DDC approval requests and associated returns for engagement activity carried out by the Office of AOS.

• Must either have been, or currently be, a Squadron Leader.

• Experience of working in a single or tri-Service media & communications environment.
• A strong understanding of the workings and capabilities of digital media channels.
• Experience of working with civilian government and non-government agencies.

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.  

All potential applicants are encouraged to contact AOS’ Office to assist with a detailed understanding of the role and enquiries concerning this vacancy should be made to: 

Name: Sqn Ldr Sohail Khan PSO to AOS
Mil: 07710 447900
Tel: 0131 286 4282 

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

Sqn Ldr S B Khan, PSO to AOS, 25 Learmonth Terrace, Edinburgh, EH4 1NZ 

Email: sohail.khan605@mod.gov.uk

The closing date for applications is 4 March 2022. Interviews will take place on a date to be confirmed.

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 Volunteer ex-Regular Reserve TCoS in accordance with AP 3392 Vol 7 Part 1 Chapter 16 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. 

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 through the QR1027 process 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’. 

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, 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 on VeRR TCoS are not entitled to service accommodation