DNO Executive Assistant

MOD Main Building: Whitehall, London SW1A 2HB

Job Summary The Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) is responsible for the provision of the nuclear deterrent, encompassing our submarines and nuclear warheads, while also advising on UK nuclear planning and fostering international co-operation on nuclear matters. With a multidisciplinary team of over 700 professionals, the DNO brings together expertise in science, engineering, finance, policy, programme delivery, and more. We work in partnership with the Royal Navy, the Submarine Delivery Agency and the Atomic Weapons Establishment as the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE).

Here at DNO we strongly believe that diversity and inclusion is not only the right thing to do but is also essential for a thriving and successful organisation. We have a culture where differences are celebrated, and our people feel supported, included and empowered. Join us and be part of an organisation that truly values diversity and inclusion and makes a positive impact on the world.

We are recruiting Executive Assistants (EAs) to support senior civil servants across the DNO. These are exciting opportunities at the heart of a high-profile organisation, providing direct support to leaders responsible for delivering some of Defence’s most important programmes and priorities.

As an Executive Assistant, you will play a central role in supporting a senior civil servant, ensuring their time is focused on the organisation’s highest priorities. You will be responsible for diary management, coordinating meetings and engagements, managing logistics, and helping to balance competing demands on their time.

The role offers significant exposure to senior decision-making and engagement across Defence, wider Government and external partners. You will act as a key point of contact for stakeholders, helping to coordinate activity, manage relationships and ensure effective communication between offices and organisations.

Private Office roles provide direct support to senior leaders and require a continuous presence to manage business, stakeholder engagement, decision-making processes and urgent issues as they arise. Given the pace and operational demands of the role, it is not considered compatible with part-time working arrangements.

This post is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Flexible and condensed working patterns can be considered for this post but due to security constraints the role is not suitable for hybrid working. Candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before submitting an application.

Job Description You will have specific responsibilities for:

• Providing day-to-day support to senior officials.
• Managing and owning the senior official’s diary; arranging and de-conflicting meetings in line with their needs; researching and booking travel options within MOD policy and assembling and organising their briefing materials.
• Liaising with stakeholders across MOD, government, academia, and industry.
• Providing office management services including, room bookings, visitor management (booking and escorting), reprographics and logistics requests.
• Given the high number of requests, this role works closely with colleagues across the DNO to maintain a well organised schedule, adapting as priorities change.

You will work closely with senior leaders while also being part of a wider DNO Private Office community, supported by friendly and experienced colleagues. DNO is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment where individuals are encouraged to develop and succeed. Alongside access to formal learning and development opportunities, this role offers unique exposure to senior decision-making and the breadth of Defence Nuclear activity. It provides an excellent platform to build your skills, expand your network and gain experience across a range of high-profile issues, with opportunities to shape your development in line with your interests and career aspirations.

As the post holder will have access to very sensitive information, there are limitations on travelling to a small number of countries and we will undertake additional security checks as part of the recruitment process. Applications from candidates with close connections to certain countries may take considerably longer to process, or in some cases result in a withdrawal of an offer of employment. Further details will b…