Russian Near Abroad Policy and Strategy Officer

The role sits within the South Caucasus, Ukraine and Black Sea team (SCUBS) within REECA. The team provides a critical policy function within Defence's contribution to cross government support to Ukraine, as well as supporting the Defence relationship with Moldova, Belarus, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and its Black Sea strategy. It sits at the intersection of the reactive crisis and capability ambition and initiatives, and the developing longer-term support to Ukraine and her neighbours. The team work closely with colleagues in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the National Security Secretariat (NSS) in the Cabinet Office.

The role will contribute to strategy and engagement with countries in Russia's 'Near Abroad'. It will also contribute to the delivery of the Russia Campaign Plan priorities on Ukraine and the Near Abroad, working closely with the wider REECA team. The post reports ultimately to the Assistant Head Ukraine and Near Abroad Region Strategy and works with the wider Russia and Ukraine policy teams in the Euro-Atlantic Security group, which is a mixed civilian/military team.

The post holder will help deliver all aspects of strategy and policy advice including: written and oral advice to Ministers and senior officials; consultation with wider HMG departments and agencies; working closely with UK Defence Sections in the relevant countries and with those countries' military representatives in the UK; and cooperating with military HQ and stakeholders in MOD, including the other Strategy, Policy and Operations Campaign Teams.

Detailed responsibilities include:

Helping to develop and give policy advice on long term and reactive operational issues to Ministers and senior decision-makers in MOD and wider HMG
Building and maintaining strong networks with stakeholders, including Private Offices, Defence Sections, Foreign DAs and Embassies, Defence Intelligence, Special Operations, Military and PJHQ, and FCDO
Ensuring coherence with wider Ukraine and Russia policy and providing insight, knowledge and challenge as required
Supporting the development and delivery of the Russia Campaign Plan Line of Operation on Russia's Near Abroad and related strategy;
Supporting UK Defence Sections overseas and liaising with overseas DA and Embassy staff in the UK
Helping to manage visits and bi-lateral contacts up to ministerial level and providing coherence, policy insight and strategic input to the MoD's engagement.
Providing support for the Ukraine and Near Abroad Strategy Team