Army – Chief Digital Data Office Assistant Head – Data, Artificial Intelligence and Transformation

Ministry of Defence

Apply before 11:55 pm on Thursday 8th August 2024

Details

Reference number

Salary

Job grade

Contract type

Business area

Type of role

Working pattern

Number of jobs available

Contents

• Location
• About the job
• Benefits
• Things you need to know
• Apply and further information

Location

About the job

Job summary

Job description

  In this proactive role you will:

1. Lead, manage and evolve the AAIC (Army Artificial Intelligence Centre) on behalf of the Army’s Chief Information Officer, currently approaching IOC, in line with the Army (and Defence) Strategy for the use and governance of Artificial Intelligence.
2. Set direction for the ADAT (Army Data and Analytics Team) and maintain collaborative engagement with the Digital Discovery and Advisory Branch as well as all other branches across the Information Directorate.
3. The role will drive the Data Transformation function within the CDDO (Chief Digital & Data Officer) pillar, pulling together the use of Artificial intelligence, on collated data that, in conjunction with digitalisation of operational and business processes and emerging technology (Digital transformation) will improve the decision-making capability of operational force elements.
4. Line Management of Civilian, Military and Contractor teams within the Data Transformation function under direction of the CDDO.
5. Support and enable the development of the Information Directorates Operating Model by being a key contributor/ assessor of new and emerging digital demand.
6. Develop, maintain, and expand relationships with digital and data stakeholders for the benefit of the Data and Digital communities across the Army.
7. Influence and enable strategic, pan-Army, Data Transformation with key stakeholders, as well as outreaching across Defence, Industry, and Academia.
8. Support the Army CIO (Chief Information Officer), CTO (Chief Technology Officer) and CDDO deliverables under the Army’s Digital and Data Plan, being delivered by the Digital Transformation function under Programme THEIA.
9. Monitor and manage a Service Contract to enable additional resource during times of surge activity, co-ordinated with the other functions under CDDO and within Control totals and HLB budgetary limits.

This role will require the following business and management skills and abilities:

Essential

• Self-motivated with proactive and results-oriented mindset, and a passion for driving innovation.
• Proven expertise in digital transformation, business process improvement, and data, with a track record of successful implementation in complex environments.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams and stakeholders to embrace change.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a passion for data-driven decision-making.
• Proven experience of programme management in a complex data centric environment

Desirable

• Experience with applied AI (LMMs and non-LLMs), MS Power Platform, and other relevant tools.
• Familiarity with user focused agile methodologies and project management.
• Experience in performance and risk reporting and data visualisation.

Contracting, Purchasing & Finance experience.   

This role will require the skills defined under the DDAT Senior Delivery manager Delivery manager - Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework (ddat-capability-framework.service.gov.uk)

Person specification

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who can handle the pressure of coordinating a wide range of activities and should be comfortable working within the digital profession, willing to challenge established norms and process and be prepared to adapt to changing priorities. Applicants should also have effective written and verbal communication skills and display a positive and professional attitude. 

This opportunity will place you at the centre of digital transformation, requiring you to work across directorates and closely with Defence level organisations.  The need for digital skills is growing exponentially, and you will be able to influence much of this at the start of the transformation journey.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Changing and Improving
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together
• Developing Self and Others

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Leadership
• Changing and Improving
• Making Effective Decisions
• Developing Self and Others

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Communicating between technical and non-technical
• Maintaining delivery momentum

Benefits

• 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 average employer contribution of 27%

As a civil servant working alongside the Army, you will be part of a forward-looking organisation with inclusive workplace policies, excellent career prospects and a job that makes a difference. The Army prides itself on being a supportive employer and where possible encourages flexible working, helping you to maintain a great work/life balance.

Other benefits for Army civil servants include: 

• 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
• Highly competitive pension scheme
• Personal and professional development of skills
• Alternative working patterns for many roles
• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), a free service that assists you with achieving a productive, healthy environment that is conducive to a healthy lifestyle.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• 6 days special leave per year which can be used for volunteering activities.
• On-site Gym, parking and shop

Learning and Development

We believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference and you will be supported to help you learn and advance in your career. This includes working towards membership of a professional body and/or undertaking a modern apprenticeship as part of your role.

A modern apprenticeship is a combined package of work and training. Through the schemes available you will gain a professional qualification, practical experience, and the broader skills required to develop in your current role and pave the way for your future career. Most of the training will be ‘on-the-job’, with the remaining ‘off-the-job’ training delivered by an external training provider. This means minimal disruption to your work alongside a big developmental opportunity.

Professional qualifications which can be achieved through an apprenticeship range from Level 2 (equivalent to 5 GCSEs/ broadly equivalent to Scottish National 5s(N5s)), Level 3 (equivalent to 2 A Levels//broadly equivalent to Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher (H/AH)), and Levels 4 -7, which can give you a foundation degree, a full Bachelor’s degree, or a Master’s degree. They normally last between 12 months - 3 years, depending on the level of the apprenticeship.

Anyone can undertake an Apprenticeship and everyone, regardless of age, can benefit from developing their skills in an accredited way.

Successful candidates can discuss their development options with their manager when in post.

Discover my benefits- outlines the range of benefits available to MOD Civil Servants.

A Great Place for Veterans to Work scheme which was introduced by the Government in 2020 under the Veterans Strategy Action Plan which included the commitment of making the Civil Service a great Place to Work for Veterans. To be eligible for this scheme in the Civil Service, candidates must meet the minimum standard for the role being applied for and:  

• have served for at least one year in His Majesty’s Armed Forces (as a Regular or Reserve); this includes time spent training 
• be in transition from, or ceased to be a member of, HM Armed Forces 
• not already be a civil servant, or be employed by a Civil Service Commission accredited public body 
• There is no maximum time limit from when you left HM Armed Forces to be eligible for this initiative. 

here business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and homebased working. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all office-based employees will be
expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity and any
required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or
work in another MOD office, will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can
request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder
(see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions
about working arrangements.

The post does not offer relocation expenses.
External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month
probation period.

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.
Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which
could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.
Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers.
This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other
government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at
https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its
staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful
effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the
Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including
combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working
environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is
Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD
personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of
Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence
Establishments.