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Head of Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia Team & Head of Defence, Ukraine Joint Unit

  • Job
    Full-time
    Expert Level
  • Government & Politics
    Business, Operations & Strategy
  • London
  • 13d left

AI generated summary

  • You must have exceptional leadership skills, strategic thinking, experience in Russia/Ukraine, strong communication, and a proven track record in complex strategy development.
  • You will lead Defence strategies for Russia and Eastern Europe, manage bilateral relations, oversee Ukraine support, coordinate with allies, and develop policy in crisis and long-term scenarios.

Requirements

  • Outstanding leadership skills with the ability to build high-performing teams that deliver results at pace, while maintaining a focus on diversity and inclusive.
  • The ability to set a compelling vision and top-level direction whilst managing competing priorities.
  • Experience of working closely and credibly with senior officials displaying the ability to deliver cogent advice in complex situations with limited information.
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communications skills, with experience of multi-stakeholder engagement and collaboration internationally.
  • Proven ability of building influential relationships and acting as a strategic thinker able to see the big picture, prioritise and be proactive.
  • A track record of complex strategy development, from policy formulation to oversight of delivery.
  • Experience of working on Russia, Ukraine or wider Euro-Atlantic subject matter.
  • Learning and development tailored to your role
  • An environment with flexible working options
  • A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
  • A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Responsibilities

  • Lead the Defence response to a resurgent and aggressive Russia (and Belarus)
  • Managing defence bilateral relations with Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia
  • Working across Government to influence, shape and support HMG’s policy response while designing the part Defence plays within the overall framework
  • Co-chairing (with Head Military Euro-Atlantic Security) the cross-MOD Russia Single Mission Team that calibrates, orchestrates and exercises strategic oversight of all Defence activity relating to Russia
  • Working closely with international partners, including the US, on their approach towards Russia, to encourage alignment
  • Coordinate closely with Allies, in particular the UK-led Ukraine QUINT (UK, US, Canada, Poland and Lithuania)
  • Developing the UK’s Defence policy towards, and Defence relationships in, the Southern Caucasus and Central Asia and Moldova
  • Understanding our national interests in those regions and designing our strategy (ends and ways) tailored appropriately to each country
  • Ensuring a coherent approach to countering state threats in those regions
  • Overseeing programmes of bilateral activity that deliver against our objectives
  • Being responsible for a significant amount of financial resource
  • Developing proposals, obtaining funding through the bidding process, overseeing the management of approved programmes in-year, and assessing their effectiveness at milestones/ completion
  • Discharging with rigour financial management responsibilities, aimed at achieving maximum effect and value for money
  • Acting as a senior leader in the Security Policy and Operations area, as an inspiring role model, and as an active contributor in wider corporate activity translating this into meaningful action across Whitehall and impact across the UK
  • Managing and prioritising the apportionment of the MOD £3bn support to Ukraine
  • Managing and prioritising Defence Engagement Integrated Security Fund and Defence Assistance Fund workstreams, both within Defence and across Whitehall
  • Developing the Defence relationship with Ukraine, to strengthen their resilience in both the short and the long term, in particular in the aftermath of the Russian invasion
  • Working with Ukraine to understand their immediate and long-term needs, cohering and sustaining the significant Defence efforts to build Ukrainian capability and capacity set against the Defence Intelligence threat picture and broader Government support levers
  • Providing policy direction to the MOD Ukraine Task Forces and International Capability Coalitions, informing the development of HMG’s 100 Year Strategic Partnership
  • Overseeing the future development of Operation ORBITAL, the UK’s training mission in Ukraine
  • Work with the British Defence Staff to design a sustainable support package
  • Promoting Defence reform, institution-building and Euro-Atlantic interoperability including through the Defence Reform Advisory Board and our Defence Advisors
  • Maintaining a very significant High Level engagement programme between the UK MOD and Ukraine
  • Ownership of, and accountability within, the Ukraine Line of Operation within the Defence Russia Campaign Plan, informing and shaping the Measurement of Effect for these workstreams
  • Delivering a consistent public and ministerial narrative on Defence Support to Ukraine
  • Leading the Joint Unit delivering a well-connected and respected capability at the top of government, with a motivated and empowered workforce, equipped to drive change and influence outcomes across the enterprise
  • Representing Defence and Security interests across Government
  • Supporting visits by Ministers and Defence Chiefs
  • Leading personal engagement through defence diplomacy, conducting staff talks and seizing opportunities to further our influence
  • Sustaining the performance, engagement and development of teams between 10-25 people located in London and in the region
  • Providing policy leadership to the wider regional network of Defence Attachés and Advisors and British Defence Staff
  • Building a resilient team capable of performing equally well in crisis and in long-term policy development
  • Creating a nurturing environment for staff, where Inclusivity and Diversity are promoted, where positive behaviours are rewarded, and where people are developed, in support of the Directorate’s aim that its people be both Happy and Excellent
  • Developing credibility across Government and externally as experts on Ukraine, Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia

FAQs

What are the primary responsibilities of the Head of Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia role?

The primary responsibilities include leading the Defence response to Russia, managing bilateral relations, co-chairing the cross-MOD Russia Single Mission Team, and overseeing Defence policy towards the Southern Caucasus and Central Asia.

Who do the post-holders report to?

The Head of Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia reports to the Director Euro-Atlantic Security, while the Head of Defence, Ukraine Joint Unit reports to both the Director Euro-Atlantic Security and the Director, Eastern Europe and Central Asia at the FCDO.

How many people will the post-holders be managing?

The post-holders will be responsible for sustaining the performance, engagement, and development of teams consisting of 10-25 people located in London and in the region.

What kind of experience is required for this role?

Candidates should demonstrate outstanding leadership skills, experience in policy formulation and oversight of delivery, exceptional interpersonal skills, and an ability to work closely with senior officials in complex situations.

What is the duration of the assignment for this role?

This role has a minimum assignment duration of 3 years, which is an expectation but not a contractual obligation.

What support is available for candidates with disabilities?

The Civil Service runs a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Is experience in Euro-Atlantic matters essential for this role?

While strong experience on Russia, Ukraine, or wider Euro-Atlantic subjects is desirable, it is not strictly essential—however, it will be considered in distinguishing between candidates if needed.

What kind of financial responsibilities will the post-holders have?

The post-holders will be responsible for developing proposals, managing significant financial resources such as the MOD £3bn support to Ukraine, and ensuring financial rigor for approved programmes.

Is there a specific place of work for these roles?

Yes, the positions are based at the MOD Main Building, Whitehall, London SW1A 2HB.

How will the selection process be carried out?

Candidates will need to complete an online application including a CV and Personal Statement. Assessment will include scoring these documents based on essential and desirable criteria.

Are candidates from outside the UK eligible to apply?

No, this position is open to UK nationals only.

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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