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Assistant Chief of Staff Policy (J9)

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UK Ministry of Defence

7d ago

  • Job
    Full-time
    Expert Level
  • Government & Politics
    Legal
  • 12d left

AI generated summary

  • You must have senior policy development experience in defense, leadership skills, exceptional communication abilities, stakeholder management expertise, and strong strategic thinking and analytical skills.
  • You will manage operational policies, provide legal and media advice, mentor staff, support deployed commanders, and oversee budget and personnel in the J9 Division.

Requirements

  • Extensive experience dealing with policy development processes at a high level and ideally with experience of working in a defence environment.
  • Proven leadership skills and the ability to motivate, empower and support a diverse and inclusive team, including subject matter experts, to provide high-quality work under pressure and to tight deadlines across a complex and multi-organisational landscape.
  • Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including the ability to summarise complex issues and influence Board level stakeholders, Senior Officials, International Partners and External Contacts.
  • Proven experience of senior stakeholder management in a political, pressured environment with evidence of being able to build and maintain a strong network of working relationships, in order to respond effectively to Board level priorities and interests. You will also need to provide evidence of how you command the confidence and trust of senior stakeholders across complex environments.
  • Excellent strategic thinking and analytical skills, with an ability to anticipate emerging challenges quickly, explain the practical implications of political and diplomatic developments as well as being able to identify pragmatic solutions, despite incomplete or ambiguous information.

Responsibilities

  • To ensure operational activity is conducted in accordance with policies determined by Ministers. To influence the policy development process, ensuring operational and tactical realities are factored into the development and management of operations. To manage the Permanent Joint Headquarters' non-financial Department of State responsibilities.
  • To support the provision of legal advice to the Chief of Joint Operations and his deployed commanders, ensuring consistency with the advice provided to Ministers and policy colleagues by MOD Central Legal Services. To provide direction, guidance and support to Legal Advisors (LEGAD) deployed in the Chief of Joint Operations’ Joint Operational Areas. To support the provision of legal advice to Standing Joint Force Headquarters (SJFHQ) to the extent compatible with the team’s other responsibilities.
  • To provide presentational and media handling advice to the Chief of Joint Operations and their deployed commanders. To manage the embedding of journalists within deployed UK units in overseas theatres. To ensure content of Chief of Joint Operations led operations is captured, cleared and available for use to support the communication of Armed Forces activity on operations.
  • Lead the J9 Division, undertaking line management, mentoring and countersigning tasks as required by the role. This role has 10 direct reports and 30 countersigning roles of Civil Servants and Military Officers. Manage the delegated budget efficiently within agreed limits.
  • Policy Advisory support to Deployed Commanders, ensuring they are supported with informed, timely Operational Policy Advice. Responsible for the recruitment, selection and deployment of Policy Advisors to operational theatres.
  • Part of the Senior Civil Service leadership team within the Permanent Joint Headquarters. Role model and champion to the Civil Service in the Headquarters and deployed on operations and exemplar to military staff on the role and contribution of the Civil Service to operations and the Permanent Joint Headquarters.
  • To ensure operational activity is conducted in accordance with policies determined by Ministers. To influence the policy development process, ensuring operational and tactical realities are factored into the development and management of operations. To manage the Permanent Joint Headquarters' non-financial Department of State responsibilities.
  • To support the provision of legal advice to the Chief of Joint Operations and his deployed commanders, ensuring consistency with the advice provided to Ministers and policy colleagues by MOD Central Legal Services. To provide direction, guidance and support to Legal Advisors (LEGAD) deployed in the Chief of Joint Operations’ Joint Operational Areas. To support the provision of legal advice to Standing Joint Force Headquarters (SJFHQ) to the extent compatible with the team’s other responsibilities.
  • To provide presentational and media handling advice to the Chief of Joint Operations and their deployed commanders. To manage the embedding of journalists within deployed UK units in overseas theatres. To ensure content of Chief of Joint Operations led operations is captured, cleared and available for use to support the communication of Armed Forces activity on operations.
  • Lead the J9 Division, undertaking line management, mentoring and countersigning tasks as required by the role. This role has 10 direct reports and 30 countersigning roles of Civil Servants and Military Officers. Manage the delegated budget efficiently within agreed limits.
  • Policy Advisory support to Deployed Commanders, ensuring they are supported with informed, timely Operational Policy Advice. Responsible for the recruitment, selection and deployment of Policy Advisors to operational theatres.
  • Part of the Senior Civil Service leadership team within the Permanent Joint Headquarters. Role model and champion to the Civil Service in the Headquarters and deployed on operations and exemplar to military staff on the role and contribution of the Civil Service to operations and the Permanent Joint Headquarters.

FAQs

What is the primary responsibility of the Assistant Chief of Staff Policy (J9)?

The primary responsibility is to head the J9 Division, providing integrated policy, legal, and media advice to the Chief of Joint Operations and deployed commanders, ensuring operational activities align with ministerial policies.

Where is the Northwood Headquarters located?

The Northwood Headquarters is located at Sandy Lane, Middlesex, HA6 3HP.

What experience is required for this role?

Extensive experience in policy development processes at a high level, ideally within a defense environment, along with proven leadership skills is required.

How many direct reports does the Assistant Chief of Staff Policy (J9) oversee?

The role has 10 direct reports and 30 countersigning roles of Civil Servants and Military Officers.

What type of communication skills are needed for this position?

Exceptional oral and written communication skills are necessary, including the ability to summarize complex issues and influence high-level stakeholders.

What is the salary for this position?

The salary for this position is £76,000, with an additional contribution towards a Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme of £22,017.

What are the selection process requirements?

Candidates must complete an online application by 23:55 on Thursday, May 29, 2025, providing a CV and Personal Statement, both limited to 2 pages.

Is there a probation period for new employees in this role?

Yes, external candidates new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

What is the minimum assignment duration for this role?

The minimum assignment duration is 3 years, which is the expected period for delivering key business outcomes.

Are there any nationality requirements for this position?

Yes, this position is open to UK nationals only.

Does the Civil Service offer any diversity and inclusion initiatives?

Yes, the Civil Service promotes diversity and equal opportunities, including a Disability Confident Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

What kind of leadership role does the Assistant Chief of Staff Policy (J9) play within the team?

The role involves leading the J9 Division, mentoring team members, and ensuring that the team provides high-quality work under pressure.

Is there an expectation regarding the length of service in this role?

Yes, there is an expectation for a minimum assignment duration of 3 years, although this is not a contractual obligation.

Will feedback be provided after the interview or assessment?

Yes, feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Are there opportunities for professional development in this role?

Yes, the role includes learning and development tailored to enhance your skills and competencies.

What support is available for managing complex stakeholder relationships?

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate proven experience in senior stakeholder management and building strong working relationships within pressured environments.

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UK Ministry of Defence

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Defence & Aerospace
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Mission & Purpose

We protect the security, independence and interests of the United Kingdom at home and abroad. We work with our allies and partners whenever possible. Our aim is to ensure that the UK’s Armed Forces have the training, equipment and support necessary for their work, and that we keep within budget. Our priorities 2015 to 2020 are to: protect our people project our global influence promote our prosperity maintain a strategic base and integrated global support network, and manage the Department of State