Policy Secretariat Officer – Royal Air Force Full Time

Full Job Description

Join a high-performing policy team at the heart of Air and Space Command Headquarters, where your communication skills and ability to deliver clear, impactful advice will directly support Parliamentary and Ministerial operations. This fast-paced and high-profile role offers a unique opportunity to work closely with senior leadership, contribute to national defence policy, and develop expertise within a dynamic government environment.

This is a well-known position that will require frequent dealings with ministerial departments, RAF senior leadership teams, and media peers. It is a fascinating job for those who can keep up with a busy schedule. Moreover, the job presents a unique opportunity to gain experience in MOD policy. The position is based in a committed team, where you will need to interact with diverse partners in order to deliver the desired result. If you’d like to see other roles we’re currently hiring for, you can find more details on our website.

Responsibilities

• Provide cover outside normal working hours on a rota system at weekends and during Bank Holidays in cases of emergency, and be eligible to receive extra payments for doing so.
• Collaborate with the team from Media and Communications in addressing emerging national and regional stories, particularly in preparing timely briefings.
• Create a conducive atmosphere in the Air Policy Secretariat with your colleagues.
• Responsible for the management and monitoring of Air Command International Arrangements and Memorandums of Understanding.
• Manage and develop EO team members in the delivery of high-calibre work.
• Help and advise Ministers in their Parliamentary duties through the provision of accurate information about RAF policy, Parliamentary business and media-related issues.
• Handle all Parliamentary business of the RAF, such as Ministerial correspondence, Parliamentary questions, Treat officials and Freedom of Information, effectively.

Person Specification

• Interest in politics, how Parliament works, and more broadly, defence matters.
• A leader who encourages development and diversity among his/her employees.
• Excellent research skills that include attention to detail, combined with confidence in the analysis and presentation of information.
• Sound judgement and decision-making, as well as knowledge about which situations should be escalated due to political consequences.
• Team player who can assist and work with other colleagues towards common objectives.
• Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with stakeholders and coordinate team activities.
• Good written communication skills, capable of translating complex military jargon into easily understandable language in all sorts of writing, from ministerial briefs to Freedom of Information Act responses.
• Good organisational skills, capable of managing various secretariat duties within a portfolio.
• Experience in assisting Ministers and dealing with parliamentary casework is beneficial but not mandatory, as comprehensive training will be provided.

Benefits

• A cafe and shop are located on the premises for your convenience.
• Access to discounted fitness centres such as gyms and military fitness classes during lunch breaks and evening hours.
• Extended maternity, paternity, and adoption leave benefits for you and your family.
• An excellent Civil Service Pension scheme with an average contribution of 28.97% from the employer.
• Not only do you get 8 national holidays, but you also get another day off for the birthday celebration of His Majesty, the King.
• 25 days of paid leave per annum, increasing to 30 days after 5 years of employment.
• An environment that fosters inclusion and diversity.
• Personal development through training and development programs.
• Work-life balance with flexible work arrangements.
• Apart from your basic pay of £37,720, the Ministry of Defence pays £10,927 towards your pension scheme.