WO ASTRA People Innovation Change Office Capability

Task requirements

Subject to formal establishment variation, a vacancy may arise for a WO or FS (People Ops – Pers (Spt)) to serve as PICO WO at RAF High Wycombe on Additional Duties Commitment Terms and Conditions of Service (TCoS), with an initial proposed start date of 06 January 2025 (or earlier/later, subject to candidate status).

The individual will be required to work in a programme management role, while utilising their previous skills and experience of RAF People Ops. They will need to aid in the oversight of people change activities, providing People Ops SME knowledge and support to enable and cohere a wide variety of transformation activities in the People Function and the wider organisation.

Experience in project and programme management, as well as a strong background and detailed knowledge and experience of RAF people services and processes (military) will be critical to ensuring success in this role. Working in a Whole Force environment they will need to work seamlessly with the team to deliver transformation across the AoR.

The individual will need to be highly motivated, innovative and energetic, willing to challenge themselves and the people around them to think differently, driving an innovative approach. The incumbent may be required to ‘upskill’ and will learn from the rest of the team. Further opportunities for professional development will be available in order to provide the best outcome for the individual and the PIO.

Responsibilities include the following:

• Aid in the oversight of change activities to provide People Ops SME insight and cohere deliverables.
• Act as the People Ops profession expert across the broad range of activity being managed by the PIO.
• Actively monitor the progress of change activity, driving efficiencies where possible.
• Undertake discovery activity, in order to identify opportunities for change/innovation activities according to the strategic objectives of the organisation.
• Develop strong networks and relationships with stakeholders of change activities to aid progression.
• Compose and present reports to inform CoC of activity status.
• Work as a part of a project team or several projects to deliver people change.
• Contribute to project work and supporting change across the organisation.
• Provide support for daily work and participate in change and transformation activities when needed.
• Other tasks required by the CoC to meet the PIO objectives.

Essential competencies

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

Essential

Must either have been, or currently be, a WO or FS (Pers (Spt)). Tri-Service applicants must either have been, or currently be a WO HR Specialist/Administrator or a SSgt/Chief Petty Officer HR Specialist/Administrator. 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.

The role requires a highly motivated individual with an innovative mindset and an interest in information technology, alive to and curious about developments in HR technology and practice. The individual should possess the following skills/competencies:

• Experience in project or programme management and delivery, business change and implementation.
• A good understanding of RAF people services and processes (military).
• Experience in business change and transformation projects.
• The ability to think creatively and not be bound by traditional military constraint.
• The ability to present/communicate innovative ideas and bring concepts to life.
• A people centric and Whole Force approach.
• People Management, Leadership and Stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong interpersonal and briefing skills.
• The ability to work independently to deliver against set milestones.
• The ability to complete complex problem solving.

Desirable competencies

Desirable

• Command experience

Selection Process

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

Name: Gp Capt Keri Spencer-Thomas

Tel: 0300 159 7896

Applications.  Candidate applications, with a maximum 2-page CV (to include copies of last 3 appraisal reports should be sent to:

Gp Capt Keri Spencer-Thomas Keri.Spencer-Thomas837@mod.gov.uk

The closing date for applications is 20 September 2024 and interviews will take place shortly afterwards.

Additional information

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

The appointment is on Additional Duties Commitment TCoS in accordance with AP 3392 Vol 7 Part 1 and AP3392 Vol 7 Part 3 Chapter 2 for an initial period of 2 years, but which could be extended.

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. The PICO operate under a hybrid working model and the successful applicant will be expected to work a minimum of 2 days a fortnight from office.

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.