Defence Digital Liaison Officer to the US Chief AI and Digital Office

Defence Digital ensures our Armed Forces remain among the most technologically advanced in the world. We do this by putting innovative and effective technology into the hands of over 200,000 users, from the boardroom to the front line.

We lead on cutting-edge data science, automation, and cyber-security at scale. Our mission goes beyond the battlefield by leading humanitarian efforts and driving digital innovation that impacts lives across the globe.

Defence Digital forms part of Strategic Command which manages the MOD’s joint capabilities for the Army, RAF, and Royal Navy.

Passionate about using your skills to make a critical difference? Your next career move could be here!

Job description

Digital exploitation has been identified as a top priority for the UK Ministry of Defence, recognising the criticality of data and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in securing strategic advantage and keeping the UK and its allies safe.

This high-profile role is based in Washington DC, working within the US Department of Defence’s Chief Digital & AI Office (CDAO) and offers the opportunity to work on this fast-paced and exciting challenge. The post holder will drive engagement with the US on digital, data and AI, identifying and facilitating opportunities against MOD’s strategic priorities.

The post sits under the UK Strategic Command as part of the Defence AI Centre. However, the post will engage with and support broader Defence Digital teams (including the Chief Data Officer and Chief Technology Officer), user communities (including the Permanent Joint Head Quarters), the Defence Science & Technology Laboratories, and the Defence AI & Autonomy Unit who lead on AI policy.

This post will interact with a range of topics from high level strategy and governance, industry engagement and procurement, data management, software development and implementation, digital skills and culture, and responsible AI. The post holder will not need to be a technical expert but must be willing and able to quickly develop a baseline understanding of key topics and issues.

Person specification

Liaison officers play a crucial role in fostering relationships and facilitating communication among diverse groups, leveraging their emotional intelligence to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics. They are adept at interpreting and conveying national strategic agendas to various stakeholders, ensuring that messages resonate with different audiences. By identifying common challenges among stakeholders, liaison officers can act as a unifying force, bringing together like-minded professionals to form coalitions that address shared goals within an international context.

To excel in this role, a liaison officer must possess a strong sense of self-motivation and the ability to thrive in uncertain environments. They must prioritise tasks effectively to meet the demands of senior officers, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the face of shifting priorities. While a foundational understanding of AI and software is beneficial, the emphasis is on candidates who exhibit a genuine curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning, as the landscape of technology and international relations is ever evolving.

Furthermore, mature written and verbal communication skills are essential for a liaison officer. They must be able to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively, fostering understanding and collaboration among diverse stakeholders. This combination of interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and a proactive approach to learning makes for a successful liaison officer capable of navigating the complexities of international relations and coalition-building.

Responsibilities:  

• Build a positive relationship with a range of US and UK stakeholders to provide access and influence for the MOD within CDAO and the broader US DoD ecosystem.
• Maintain a close situational awareness of how the US is approaching data, analytics, and operationalising AI across their defence enterprise. Effectively communicate this back to relevant MOD colleagues, noting novel approaches, strategic drivers and issues that might impact the UK-US relationship.
• Maintain an up to date understanding of the MOD’s own approach, priorities, and initiatives to raise the profile of UK AI developments and influence the US to promote alignment. When required, represent the MOD during US hosted meetings and conferences, promoting and lobbying for MOD perspectives.
• Drive greater collaboration with the US by identifying, facilitating, and cohering UK-US engagement opportunities to progress MOD’s digital transformation objectives. This will include:
  • Making recommendations for UK participation in and preparing senior leaders for US hosted meetings, conferences and speaking opportunities, and reciprocal US engagement in the UK.
  • Coordination with the British Defence Staff US team in the British Embassy Washington to ensure engagement aligns with broader UK-US strategy, manage logistics, and contribute to their reporting back to the UK.
  • Coordinate with UK and US colleagues to identify which topics, experimentation and exercises should be addressed at bilateral, AUKUS, FVEY, NATO and other multi-lateral fora. Coordinate with colleagues to ensure coherence across UK activity in each group against MOD digital, data and AI strategies/priorities.

Please ensure that your CV and application, include the below essential criteria:

• Experience in influencing senior stakeholders and managing relationships effectively.
• Able to work within a strategic context and communicate how activities meet strategic goals.
• Able to contribute to the work of others, motivate and empower teams and provide clear direction and objectives.
• Able to work and make decisions in ambiguity, taking initiative.
• Willing to become confident in explaining the basic principles of AI and ensure project proposals can be maintained as enduring capabilities.

For further information on the skills required for the role, please refer to the Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework: Skills A to Z - Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework

Behaviours

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

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together

Technical skills

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

• An In-tray exercise comparing national AI strategies.

Benefits

Discover My Benefits:

Please follow the link to visit the Discover My Benefits site which showcases the benefits and discounts offered when working as a civilian for the MOD. https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/civilian/ 

• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• 25 days annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
• Ability to roll over up to 10 days annual leave per year
• In addition to 8 public holidays per year you will also receive leave for HM The King's birthday
• Minimum of 15 Days Special Leave in a rolling 12-month period to for volunteer military or emergency service reserve commitments
• Special Paid Leave for volunteering up to 6 days a year
• Enhanced parental and adoption leave
• Employee Assistance Programme to support your well-being
• Most sites have good travel links with free car parking; many also have other facilities such as a Sports & Social Club and Gyms
• Benefit Pension Scheme:  Civil Service pension

Equality and Diversity

Our people are at the heart of everything we do at Defence Digital. It’s vital that our workforce reflects the diversity of both our audience and the wider society in the UK, so we’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer and we actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds and communities. We also recognise the importance of a good work life balance, so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including part-time and job shares for all our roles. Please let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process if this is something you want to explore.