SO2 JPA FUTURE OPS

A vacancy has arisen for a Sqn Ldr Pers (Spt) (People Ops) to serve as SO2 JPA Future Ops at Imjin Barracks, Gloucester on Full Time Reserve Service (Limited Commitment) Terms and Conditions of Service (TCoS), with an initial proposed start date of 31 October 2022, or earlier subject to candidates’ status.

The SO2 JPA Future Ops has overall responsibility for the operation and function of the RAF JPA Focal Point ensuring that RAF HR policy is implemented through JPA by providing strategic influence, data assurance, policy and procedural advice and payroll and error investigation services.  In addition, overseeing the functionality of HR audit and assurance, as carried out by the National Business Intelligence Service (NBIS), as well as the delivery of HR management Information (MI) to stations, units and higher authority.

The specific responsibilities of the role are as follows:

• Act as the Focal Point for the RAF business in providing strategic direction and advice on future JPA/OBIEE/OASIS related matters.

• Influence and champion RAF-initiated JPA change, through DBS and in conjunction with MOD, and RN and Army Focal Points, in order to provide the RAF business with the best possible HR IT service.

• Represent DACOS Pers Strat and ACOS Pers Pol at single-Service, tri-Service and MOD, DBS and JPA meetings.

• Oversee the operation of the RAF JPA Focal Point, including Current Ops and NBIS.

• Act as the RAF JPA Data Protection Advisor and ensure all uses of RAF personal data held on JPA are properly authorised in accordance with DPA18.

• Review current JPA training requirements, and as appropriate propose and oversee improvements.

• Provide RAF JPA-related input to inform and clarify RAF and tri-Service personnel policy and procedures.

• Management and implementation of improvements to the quality and integrity of RAF data held on JPA.

• Act as the point of contact for JPA interface issues, including RITS and DMICP, and manage the setup of additional interfaces to improve HR IT access for RAF personnel.

• In liaison with DBS and the RN/Army, consider and assess options for digital optimisation of JPA processes, including RPA and AI, and delivery of JPA Bring Your Own Device for RAF personnel

The successful candidate would be able to lead a team of 29 personnel, all of whom are working primarily under Alternative Working Arrangements (AWA), with the majority working from home.  They would be able to engage at Steering Group and 1* level, and represent the RAF at Centre and tri-Service meetings.  They would be people-focused, a self-starter working at a distance with limited supervision, and possess good written and verbal communication skills (eg, writing change requests, briefings for COS Pers at pace).

Must either have been, or currently be, a Sqn Ldr Pers (Spt) or a Flt Lt Pers (Spt) 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 unit HR or HRC operations.
• Knowledge and experience of JPA as a Professional User.
• Knowledge and experience of Data Protection.

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 Steve Hawkins

Tel:                  0300 158 7269

Email:              steve.hawkins612@mod.gov.uk

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

Gp Capt Tony Vine

DACOS Pers Strat

Hurricane Block

HQ Air Command

RAF High Wycombe

Naphill

BUCKS

HP14 4UE

Anthony.vine906@mod.gov.uk

The closing date for applications is 08 September 2022.

Interviews will take place soon after, unless a promotion board is required.

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 Full Time Reserve Service (Limited Commitment) 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 5 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, 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 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, RAF Reserve 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 FTRS(LC) TCoS are eligible to occupy Single Living Accommodation (SLA) if available, at entitled rates, if serving within the Air Command TLB.