ISTAR FORCE HEADQUARTERS RIVET JOINT SO2 CAPABILITY

A vacancy has arisen for a Squadron Leader (Aircrew Flying WSO (Any ISR) to serve as ISTAR FHQ RJ SO2 Cap at ISTAR Force HQ, RAF Waddington on Full Time Reserve Service (Limited Commitment) Terms and Conditions of Service (TCoS), with an initial proposed start date of 23 September 2024 (or earlier/later) subject to candidates’ status.

Responsible to the ISTAR Force Commander through ISTAR Deputy Head Capability and ISTAR Rivet Joint (RJ) SO1 for the following tasks: 

• Provision of RJ Subject Matter Expertise input to tasks and questions from Higher HQ; staffing of draft papers and submissions for onwards transmission. 
• Liaise with RJ Requirements Manager to provide endorsement of UK RJ Requirements (both for UK-only elements and to feed into the wider RJ Programme). 
• Lead coordination and prioritisation of DE&S RJ outputs to Force HQ through the AIRSEEKER (AS) Project Board; liaise with the AS Operations Manager to manage ad hoc tasking.
• Lead on capability integration for UK RJ by collating pan-DLOD inputs trough Cap Integration WG; represent FHQ at Cap Needs and Tech Integration WGs.
• Lead on the integration of capability into the RJ from a UK perspective by collating pan-Defence Lines of Development inputs trough the Capability Integration Working Group. 
• Lead on liaison with 56 Squadron and USAF 645th AESS Cooperative Program Personnel over Test and Evaluation of new RJ capabilities (UK and US). 
• Maintain close liaison with the AS Development Team, US BIG SAFARI Program, USAF 55th Wing and other organisations related to the AS Programme. 
• Represent UK interests at UK/US Programme Reviews and visits; support Force HQ Senior Leadership at Steering Committee and Executive Programme Management Meetings.
• Monitor Force HQ Command Action Group task tracker to ensure that tasks allocated to the RJ Pod are actioned in a timely manner; attribute tasks to relevant Pod personnel.

Must have been, or currently be, a Squadron Leader (Aircrew Flying WSO (Any ISR) or a Flight Lieutenant (Aircrew Flying WSO (Any ISR) 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.

• Developed Vetting / STRAP induction
• ISTAR experience
• Foundation ISR Warfare Course (DLE) – training will be given following successful engagement

• Rivet Joint operator experience 
• Capability management experience  
• Project Management awareness 
• Intermediate Officers’ Development (IOD) 4
• Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) Practitioner

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: Wing Commander Sally Berris

Tel: 03001 527210

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

sally.berris381@mod.gov.uk

The closing date for applications is 03 May 2024 and interviews (unless prom board required) will take place week commencing 01 July 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 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 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, 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) 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.