SO2 WFP Forecasting (Reserves)

Task requirements

A vacancy has arisen for a Squadron Leader (Any) to serve as SO2 Workforce Plans Forecasting Reserves at HQ Air Command on Full Time Reserve Service (Home Commitment) Terms and Conditions of Service (TCoS), with an initial proposed start date of 06 January 2025 (or earlier/later, subject to candidate status).

Role: SO2 Forecasting Reserves is to provide PTVR workforce modelling support to SO1 Forecasting, Asst Hd Strategic Workforce Planning & Recruiting, Profession Advisor Teams (PATs) and RAF Career Management (RAFCM) staffs.

The post is responsible for the following:

a. Support SO1 Forecasting in identifying and implementing continuous improvement measures, within Forecasting and wider Workforce Plans (WFP) processes, in order to enhance output efficiency and effectiveness.

b. Support the drafting of the Workforce Plan by co-ordinating the setting of the PTVR intake requirement for all branches/trades and provide governance of any PTVR in-year amendments to the Workforce Plan.

c. Act as the WFP Reserves rep at the Strategic Workforce Recruitment and Training (SWART) WG, Reserve Capability Group (RCG) and Reserve Steering Group (RSG).

d. Liaise with 22Gp, R&S, Analysis (Air), Professions Advisors, Reserve Capability Owners, RAF Reserves and the RAuxAF Sqns to set a realistic PTVR Into-Training Target (ITTs) that delivers the capability required and is structurally sustainable.

e. Conduct ‘deep dive’ data analysis of Reserve elements and production of briefing material to support ad hoc requests from the COS Pers and B&TA community iaw your KSE and capacity. Where necessary, ad hoc requests will be prioritised by SO1 Forecasting to ensure that your key deliverables are not prejudiced.

f. Work with Workforce Requirements Strategy to develop the Reserves element of Strategic Workforce Planning.

g. Conduct FTRS and ADC long-term vacant posts analysis.

h. Support the drafting of the Workforce Plan by supporting the setting of the Regular intake requirement for all branches/trades and provide governance of any Regular in-year amendments to the Workforce Plan.

i. Be prepared to represent the SO1 as required and to undertake other tasks as directed, iaw your rank and role.

Essential competencies

Criteria. The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate the following:

Essential

Must either have been, or currently be, a Squadron Leader (any Profession) or a Flight Lieutenant (any Profession) 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.

• Previous staff experience, (ideally in a HQ environment).
• Must be computer literate (MS Outlook, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Teams)

Desirable competencies

Desirable

• A questioning and analytical mindset.
• Previous experience working with the RAuxAF.

Selection Process

Selection Process.  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: Wing Commander Simon Brown - simon.brown524@mod.gov.uk

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

Wing Commander Simon Brown - simon.brown524@mod.gov.uk

The closing date for applications is 20 September 2024 and interviews (unless prom board required) will take place week commencing 30 September 2024.

Additional information

Applicant Considerations. Unless already commissioned in the Reserve Air Forces the successful applicant will be required to be commissioned in the Royal Air Force Reserves with a liability for call-out for permanent service.

The appointment is on Full Time Reserve Service (Home Commitment) TCoS in accordance with AP 3392 Vol 7 Part 1 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, Profession and ensure this MWT is compatible with the post sponsor’s proposed start date, prior to applying.

Admin Discharge.  Ex-service candidates who have been administratively discharged through the KR1027 process will have their applications rejected as they are not eligible to join the RAF Reserves in accordance with AP 3391.

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, Reserve personnel can 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/HC)/ADC 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.