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Dstl Job Profile

Job Title Strategic Analyst

Vacancy Reference
Department
Permanent Location
Salary
Reporting to
Closing date for receipt
of application
Nationality Eligibility
22916
Policy & Capabilty Studies
Portsdown West
Circa £20,681
Team Leader
20 Feb 2010
Reserved: Open to UK Nationals only (We are sorry that dual nationals
cannot be considered)
This post will require additional Developed Vetting.
All posts require standard Security Clearance (SC), and all applicants must have
resided in the UK for the previous 5 years.

Appointment Type Permanent

Working Arrangement Full-time
Working Hours Although most jobs within PCS department can be undertaken within the
parameters of the flexible working scheme, flexibility related to a specific job
must be discussed and agreed with the line manager

Job summary
Primary Role
Dstl’s Strategic Analysis Group exists to help decision makers, principally within the MOD but also other
areas of Government, such as the intelligence community and the Home Office, to assess, manage and
prepare for future strategic defence and security challenges. The Group achieves this through taking a
holistic, structured, rigorous and analytical view, eg appraising the strategic challenges likely to be faced
by the UK and the UK’s Armed Forces over the next twenty years. In particular, the Group draws the
social and cultural dimension into all areas of work.
In order to fulfil this role, the Group employs analysts from a diverse and wide range of backgrounds, in
order to allow for holistic analysis to be undertaken. These backgrounds include: psychology,
anthropology, operational research, management science, war studies, international relations / strategic
studies, geography, law, political science, intelligence analysts and social network analysts.
The Group consists of five teams:
o Intelligence & Information Operations Team - Analyses a range of issues that support
operational planning. A key area of work is the use of Social Network Analysis, which involves some
analysts deploying to support operations in this area as well as underpinning work to improve our use of
the method. Counter Terrorism is a growing area of work.
o Resilience & Security Team - Leads on work in the area of resilience and security, advising on
key issues and areas for improvement with a range of socio-technical systems. A growing area of work
is in the area of social resilience and support to strategic planning. The team draws heavily on risk
analysis within its work.
o Influence Analysis - Undertakes research into influencing a range of parties. The work of the
team supports customers such as DI Human Factors directly, inputs to concept development as well as
providing key underpinning research for the other teams in the Group. Social science research is
particularly key within this team.

Data Protection Act. In accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998, Dstl will collect, use, protect and
retain the information on this form in connection with all matters relating to our personnel administration
and policies.

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o Strategic Environment Analysis - Focuses at the geo-strategic level and informs key policy
decisions, primarily for MoD on issues of national and trans-national security. The expertise on
Deterrence sits within this team. Scenario writing is a key skill within this team.
o Future Focused Research - Works to identify and undertake research into tomorrow's
problems. In doing so, it supports the other teams in the Group by initiating research into areas they are
likely to be called on to address in time.
Posts are available within each team and applications are sought from the range of backgrounds listed
above.     

Essential Functions
Responsibilities

• Draw on a range of disciplines to help analyse, structure and solve problems.

• Apply multi-disciplinary scientific analysis techniques,
• To work effectively as part of a small team from a range of disciplines including both
civilians and military officers.
• To maintain effective communication even when working to tight timescales and
under pressure.
• To convey complex ideas in a clear and concise way to a range of interested parties.
• To gather data and information and populate databases and computer models as
appropriate.

Educational & Experience Requirements

Essential:
• An Honours degree in psychology, operational research or management science or
relevant experience working in these areas
• A pan-disciplinary background combined with the ability to integrate thinking and
ideas across diverse areas of knowledge.

Desirable:
• A pan-disciplinary background combined with the ability to integrate thinking and
ideas across diverse areas of knowledge.
Key Skills
Essential:
• The ability to think analytically about complex strategic problems.
• Comfortable working with qualitative and/or quantitative analytical techniques and
methods.
• A track record as a good team player with good communication skills
• The ability to effectively organise/prioritise your workload.
• Experience of Microsoft Office software, including Word and Excel.
Desirable:
• An all-rounder, able to apply diverse knowledge in unique and often unprecedented
ways.
• Experience of applying analysis within the Human, Social and Political Sciences.
• Some understanding of the three military services.

Other Job Components

Scope & impact
Wide scope and potential for significant impact in HMG and beyond
Data Protection Act. In accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998, Dstl will collect, use, protect and
retain the information on this form in connection with all matters relating to our personnel administration
and policies.

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Internal & External Contacts

Links across Dstl, HMG, internationally and with academia and Industry.
Other Requirements
Potential for some domestic and International travel.

Know How and Competencies

Personal Effectiveness
Personal Responsibility(Core Competency)
I take ownership for issues and prioritise effectively to meet commitments and desired outcomes. I
organise myself to deliver effectively, efficiently, safely and securely. I take responsibility for what I say
and do and I am prepared to challenge others who compromise Dstl standards.
Welcome Change. I demonstrate an open mind and see the potential in new ideas and ways of
working. I am flexible and adapt my approach as the needs of the business change.
Drive to Deliver. I set high personal standards and strive to achieve them. I act decisively to achieve
targets and set new goals consistent with the business needs.
Interpersonal Effectiveness
Working Together (Core Competency)
I collaborate effectively with a range of different people, sharing knowledge and building positive,
trusting relationships. I engage with others who may have a useful contribution to make and who may
be interested in the outcome of my work. I influence others appropriately to affect the outcome of
situations.
Managing my impact (Core Competency)
I am aware of the impact I have on others and how they view me. I modify the way I communicate, as
necessary, to ensure that I can relate effectively to and influence individuals inside and outside Dstl.
Communicate Effectively I communicate in clear, concise and appropriate terms. I am able to create
understanding across a wide range of technical and non-technical audiences both verbally and in
writing. I listen actively in order to build shared understanding.
Integrated Thinking
Customer Appreciation. I actively consider the needs of internal and external customers and
stakeholders. I adopt a customer mindset when addressing issues and presenting outcomes.
Knowledge Building and Application
Use Information to Make Decisions. I manage existing information effectively and source appropriate
levels of new data, balancing the need for information and the need for action effectively. I reach well
considered and evidence based conclusions and decisions, supported by thorough analysis where
appropriate.
Apply Innovation. I think laterally and creatively in order to introduce new approaches and solutions. I
have a continuous improvement mindset and apply my knowledge to take the business forwards.

To apply, visit www.dstl.gov.uk/careers and search for reference 22916. Email a

completed application form to dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk quoting the reference
number in the subject line.

Data Protection Act. In accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998, Dstl will collect, use, protect and
retain the information on this form in connection with all matters relating to our personnel administration
and policies.

Version Number 1.0 Recruitment Page 3 of 3

Issue Date 01 Oct 2008

PROTECTIVE MARKING IF REQUIRED