About the job

Summary

We welcome applications from all communities, and we don’t discriminate against any identity. We’re interested to hear from you, regardless of your background.

Are you looking for your next challenge?

Here at Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) we have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Radio Spectrum and Technical Standards to join our team. The current Head of Radio Spectrum and Technical Standards is scheduled to retire in late 2022, the successful candidate will hold a G7 grade and be provided with the training and experience (including exposure to international/domestic meetings), to enable them to assume the role, in full, upon the incumbent’s retirement. During this period of training, the successful applicant will gradually take on the various responsibilities of the role, ensuring that the transition is a smooth one. This process is to ensure that the necessary corporate knowledge is transferred to the successful applicant and that there is no interruption in the leadership of the Unit.

This is a permanent opportunity within MCA which will be based in the Southampton office.

(Internally this role will be known as Head of Radio Spectrum and Technical Standards)

This role sits within the Radio Spectrum and Technical Standards Unit (RSTSU) which forms part of UK Technical Service Navigation (TSN).

In this role you will manage a small team of technical and non-technical staff and contract technical advice with policy and operational responsibilities including performance management and budget (T&E + technical advice).

Job description

To lead, supervise and manage the RSTSU in its contribution to Technical Services Navigation (TSN), DUKMS, MCA and DfT business objectives.
Ensure UK regulations, guidance and processes for radio on vessels enhance safety and fulfil UK international obligations.
To disseminate, coordinate and provide input to the development of technical standards for navigation and radio equipment required by Chapters 4 and 5 of SOLAS (International Convention on Safety of Life at Sea).
To develop, disseminate and coordinate in conjunction with DfT policy issues involving maritime radio spectrum including sharing, release and associated issues arising from Government policy
 

Responsibilities

Include but not limited to:

• Managing the RSTSU in delivery of policy, standards, technical and operational aspects of maritime communications and navigation equipment in accordance with MCA best practice and procedures.
• Strengthening working relationships internally within the MCA and externally between, Ofcom, DfT, DBEIS, NGO's and associated working parties.
• Championing MCA policies on people management, information security, health, safety and the environment. Also financial management, governance and absence management.
• Managing delegated resources in line with corporate goals.
• Informing MCA senior management of risk and financial implications of implementation of technical standards and spectrum release/sharing and pricing.
• Managing the development of new technical standards, interpretation of existing standards, interfacing with maritime stakeholders as necessary.
• Leading for MCA on maritime radio spectrum work acting as interface between Ofcom, DfT, DCMS and maritime stakeholders and contributing to the development of policy.
• Representing MCA policy and technical views at international forums, groups the International Maritime Organisation and International Telecommunications Union.
• Coordinating the dissemination and input of UK stakeholders to policy development of standards and spectrum policy.
• Defining and managing safety and technical research projects.
• Maintain vessel radio installation regulations and requirements, and also supporting documentation.
• Coordinating the application of technical standards to minimise the burden on domestic shipping.

Occasional international travel for meetings. Flexibility of working pattern to suit meeting arrangements which can involve some weekend or late working.

About You

You will be able to communicate clearly with a diverse audience, this could include liaising with amateur boat users, highly experienced professionals, ministers, international counterparts, etc in English. – written and verbal

You will be able to see the ‘big picture’ in respect of technical or policy change, eg impacts, effectiveness, barriers, and use to inform decisions.

You will possess a general understanding of radio and computer-based systems.

You will have a willingness to develop your domain knowledge.

For further detail on this please see attached the Role Profile.

Safer lives, Safer ships, Cleaner seas.

Our vision is to be the best maritime safety organisation in the world.

Find out more about what it's like working at the Department for Transport.

Qualifications

A science/engineering degree, higher diploma or equivalent in a specialism related to electronic communications or radio frequency design/ engineering.

Behaviours

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

• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service

Technical skills

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

• GSE Competency Framework: Broad thinking - Technical adaptability and Horizon scanning and Systems Thinking
• GSE Competency Framework: Technical oversight and management: Being and intelligent customer and Overseeing technical work and Technical Project Management
• GSE Competency Framework: Building and applying knowledge - Regulatory knowledge
• GSE Competency Framework: Communicating science and engineering for Government: Engagement with others and Communicating science and engineering
• Policy Profession Standards: Analysis of evidence
• Policy Profession Standards: Politics and democracy
• Policy Profession Standards: Policy Delivery

Benefits

Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits. We offer generous annual leave, attractive pension options, flexible working, inclusive working environments and much more to support a healthy work/life balance.