SO3 Comms & Marketing Lead

Subject to formal establishment amendment, a vacancy may arise for a FS - Flt Lt  (Any Trade/Branch) to serve as SO3 Comms & Marketing Lead as part of the D&I Team at HQ Air Cmd on Full Time Reserve Service (Limited Commitment) Terms and Conditions of Service (TCoS), with an initial proposed start date of 04 January 2022 (or earlier).

This role will lead and support the Strategic Communications Action and Effects Framework for Air Diversity and Inclusion (D&I), including reporting on the Measures of Effectiveness. The focus will be on managing the D&I Media and Comms (M&C) programme for policy, delivery and the D&I Networks, including running the D&I M&C Action Group. Key to the role’s output, the person will have the skills to lead the  co-ordination of product development in liaison with M&C & Graphics and scoping where support of external media agencies is required. As part of this role, the person will maintain close working relationships with associated sponsors on a Whole Force basis within Air, the wider MOD, and with other relevant Government Departments. There will be responsibilities to provide oversight of  the D&I Cultural Action Groups and to deputise for the D&I SO2s as required.

A position within the HQ Air D&I Team is an unique opportunity to shape and influence RAF and MOD D&I. Applicants require excellent communication skills, able to thrive as part of a team but also able to work autonomously in fast paced, fluid conditions to meet challenging timelines. A willingness to recognise and utilise the talents of others, regardless of their rank or grade, is vital in this collaborative environment.

Roles and responsibilities include:

• Manage the Media and Comms (M&C) programme for Policy, Delivery and the D&I Networks, including running the D&I M&C Action Group
• Leading co-ordination of product development in liaison with M&C & Graphics
• Maintain a close working relationship with associated policy sponsors on a Whole Force basis within MOD, and with other relevant Government Departments
• Provide input to the Measures of Effectiveness related to the Strategic Communications Actions and Effects Framework
• Provide RAF Mediation Co-ord Support in support of the SO2.
• Oversight of the output of Cultural Action Groups 3&4
• Support and development of Cultural Action Groups 3&4 staff.
• Deputising for SO2 Engagement as required.

• Must be a FS – Flt Lt (Any Trade/Branch).
• Must have a strong personal commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
• Must have current experience working in a Defence-related M&C environment
• Must demonstrate excellent communication skills, digital literacy, written, oral and presentation skills
• Must possess strong interpersonal skills with an ability to influence stakeholders and senior management
• Must be a team player with a palpable collaborative working style

• Experience volunteering as part of an RAF Network
• Practical experience within a welfare role
• Experience working in Media and Comms with a D&I focus
• Project lead experience, working with multiple agencies/teams

Desirable competencies

• CMS|Diversity and Inclusion Adviser D&I (A)|Joint|
• Media and Comms|GCN1Communications Layout and Design|Joint|,
• Media and Comms|GCN2 - Channels and Technologies|Joint
• Media and Comms|GCN3 - Business and Communications Environment|Joint
• Media and Comms|GCN4 - Relationship and Account Management|Joint|
• Media and Comms|GCN5 - Strategic Marketing and Communications|Joint|
• Media and Comms|GCN6 - Evaluation Research and Evidence|Joint|

A Selection Board will carry out a rigorous selection process for this post, based principally on an applicant’s last 3 (for airmen) 4 (for officers) appraisal reports as required. Enquiries concerning this vacancy should be made to:

Name: Andrea Macfarlane            Email: andrea.macfarlane301@mod.gov.uk

Applications.  Candidate applications, with a maximum 2-page CV (to include copies of last 3 / 4 appraisal reports) should be sent to: Andrea.Macfarlane301@mod.gov.uk

The closing date for applications is 19 September 2021 and interviews will take place shortly afterwards.

Unless already enlisted/commissioned in the Reserve Air Forces the successful applicant will be required to be enlisted/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 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 Branch & Trade 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 RAFR service if an appropriate branch/trade sponsor can be identified to sponsor the applicant.  Branch/trade sponsor 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. 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 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 High Wycombe