Vacancy : Cadet Stores Assistant (CSA), 2nd (NI) Battalion Army Cadet Force

Applications are invited for a Cadet Stores Assistant (CSA) with the 2nd (Northern Ireland) Battalion Army Cadet Force (ACF). This is a full-time Crown Servant (Civil Service grade E1 equivalent) post based at Ballykinler.

RFCA NI

RFCA NI is one of 13 autonomous arms-length bodies of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) with Crown Status. The RFCA NI’s role is to provide first-class support to tri-service reserves and MOD-sponsored cadet forces across Northern Ireland.

The Role

This post requires experience of managing a stores environment as well as facilities management and Safety, Health & Environment experience. The successful applicant will have strong organisational, communication and IT literacy skills. A military background is not essential.

A recruitment pack is available from [email protected].

The post holder will be required to work a 42 hour week (excluding lunchbreaks), on an All-Hours-Worked contract.

Salary and Benefits

The salary for the appointment at commencement is £30,556 per annum. The successful candidate will be eligible to elect to join the Council of RFCAs pension scheme. This is a Career Average Revalued Earnings scheme (CARE).

The successful candidate on appointment will be entitled to 25 days’ annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays. (Annual leave entitlement increases by 1 day per year up to 30 days; those with 5 years’ prior service with HM Forces/OGD will start with 30 days’ entitlement.)

Requirements

The successful candidate will be required to serve a probationary period of six months and final confirmation of the appointment is dependent upon the satisfactory completion of this probationary period.

The successful candidate will be required to be Security Cleared (SC) and Access NI checked.

Application and interviews

Applications should be received no later than 5pm on Friday 21st March 2025 and should be sent by email to [email protected] marked “Cadet Stores Assistant Application”. The shortlist of applicants called for interview will be notified shortly after this date.

Applications should comprise:

· A completed application form (available from: https://cloud.rfca.org.uk/s/eKorfr5B8TAxBEX or on request from: [email protected]).

· A cover letter explaining the applicant’s motivation for applying for the role and outlining their suitability and eligibility.

Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing 31st March 2025.

Job Description:

Cadet Stores Assistant (CSA)

Grade: E1 All-Hours-Worked (AHW)

Department: 2nd (NI) Battalion Army Cadet Force

Reporting To: Cadet Executive Officer (CEO)

Job Purpose:

1. The Cadet Stores Assistant (CSA) is a full-time Crown Servant civilian employee of the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association for NI (RFCA NI).

2. The CSA, in consultation with and as directed by the CEO and the Cadet Quartermaster (CQM), is responsible for the management of the full range of equipment and stores to support the ACF battalion/county at Headquarters, at Weekend/Cadet Training Centres (WETCs/CTCs) in support of the Cadet Administrative Assistants delivering support to cadet detachments and when deployed on annual camp.

3. The CSA is required to become a volunteer in the Army Cadet Force, as an Adult Instructor, as part of their contract of employment with the RFCA. Such membership is supported by up to 21 days of additional remuneration at the appropriate rate at the rank of which they are entitled (normally Company Sergeant Major Instructor – CSMI).

Specific Duties

4. General.

a. Administer, maintain and take reasonable care of any vehicle or item of equipment which the CSA may be responsible for or have the use of in the course of their work and must take every reasonable precaution to prevent any damage to the vehicle or item of equipment.

b. Undertake any reasonable task within the broad remit of their role which may be required of them by either the CQM or CEO which may entail such aspects as ad hoc analysis and one-off reports.

5. Facilities Management. The CSA shall be responsible for the day-to-day management of any ACF properties which they are delegated by the CEO/CQM; such responsibilities may include:

a. Inspections for serviceability

b. Fault reporting

c. Supervision of repairs

d. Conduct of contractors and awareness under the 4C’s principle

6. Stores management and accounting. The CSA is responsible for the following aspects of logistics management:

a. Conduct all materiel accounting procedures across various commodity accounts in line with the Defence Logistic Framework (DLF).

b. Maintain various accounting documentation in line with the DLF.

c. Operate the Westminster G4 stores package.

d. Condition returned stores for cleanliness, repair and general serviceability.

e. Assist the CQM with the delivery of catering for cadet activities.

f. Liaise with all local agencies in order to provide the necessary enablers to allow for all cadet training to be undertaken.

g. Carry out management checks as per laid down in DLF.

h. Run the battalion ammunition account.

i. Ensure the weekend store is maintained and stocked in readiness for all training events.

j. Assist the CEO and CQM with all mandated external inspections.

k. Maintain all storage areas to a clean and workmanlike standard.

l. Stand in for the CQM as and when required.

7. SHEF.

a. Must take reasonable care for health and safety of himself/herself, and of other persons who may be affected by his/her acts or omissions while at work. He/she will also be responsible for the health, safety and welfare of subordinate staff (if with managerial duties).

b. Report all known area site-specific H&S and environmental issues back to the site’s 4Cs Duty Holder (normally the CQM if situated in a WETC/CTC), ensuring both the CEO and Estates team are aware.

8. Environmental management. Main responsibilities are to monitor all waste generated through the areas under control through formal inspection and ensure that all supervisors of annual camps and weekend training centres are aware of the need to protect the environment.

9. Security requirements.

a. Will be required to undergo a Security Clearance (SC) in accordance with the Association Security Requirements.

b. Will be required to comply with and sign annually, the Security Operating Procedure (SyOps) for the use of the Association Local Area Network (LAN) and MOD Wide Area Network (WAN) relating to both voice and data on the IT Systems.

10. CFAV and Cadet Training Away from the Bn/County HQ.

a. Assist the CQM by booking training/activity facilities, compiling requests for logistic and administrative support and booking transport as required.

b. Provide the necessary logistic support to Bn/County Headquarters Staff during County organised events including, Accommodation, Messing, Equipment and Vehicle requirements.

11. Assistance to Bn/County HQ Staff. In the absence of the Cadet Quartermaster, provide advice and guidance on all matters pertaining to County G4 administration, safety and security.

Performance and Development Reports (PDR)

12. The CSA will be assessed and reported upon his/her performance twice a year by his/her Line Manager in accordance with Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association policy and process. The second reporting officer (Countersigning Officer/2RO) will be the Deputy Chief Executive.

13. The CSA is to carry out other instructions and duties as directed by the CEO consistent with his employment grade.

14. This job description may be reviewed in the light of changes during the period of the appointment.

Competences Required for the Post:

Essential:

• Experience managing a stores environment.
• Good organisational and time management skills, attention to detail and ability to prioritise tasks.
• Strong IT skills, particularly Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentational skills.
• A good team worker, but with the ability to also work effectively alone.
• Full UK driving licence

Desirable:

• Experience working with children and young people.
• Hold or be prepared to obtain a D1 licence.
• Qualified and experienced in Health & Safety (IOSH cert).
• CIEH Level 3 Fire Safety qualified (or equivalent).
• First Aid qualified.
• All Arms CQMS/SQMS course qualification or RAF/RN equivalent.

Skills & Behaviours (AO grade)

· Seeing the Big Picture – Understand what your responsibilities are and how these contribute to the priorities of your team. Consider the varied impact your work could have on individuals with different needs and from other backgrounds. Gather information from both inside and outside of the organisation to inform your area of work.

· Changing and Improving – Review ways of working and suggest improvements, including how to make full use of new digital technologies. Learn new procedures and help colleagues to do the same. Query any issues that arise from changes in a suitable way. Respond in an effective and appropriate manner when emergencies arise.

· Making Effective Decisions – Use guidance, analyse relevant information and ask colleagues for input to support decision making. Identify and deal with any errors or gaps in information before making a decision. Consider the diverse needs of those affected by decisions and how it will impact them. Provide advice and feedback to support others in making accurate decisions. Ask others to clarify decisions when confused and query any issues that arise constructively.

· Leadership – Show enthusiasm for your work and take personal accountability for your role. Demonstrate responsibility for your own objectives. Act in a fair, inclusive and respectful way when dealing with others. Be considerate and understanding of other people’s points of view. Understand and support the objectives of the wider team. Demonstrate consideration of the wider consequences of own actions.

· Communicating and Influencing – Put forward your views in a clear, constructive and considerate manner. Use an appropriate method of communication for each person such as an email, telephone call or face-to-face, taking into consideration their individual needs. Use plain and simple language, being careful to check written work for errors. Consider the impact of language used on different groups of stakeholders. Remain honest and truthful when explaining opinions. Listen and ask questions to ensure your understanding.

· Working Together – Proactively contribute to the work of the whole team and remain open to taking on new and different roles. Get to know your colleagues and build supportive relationships. Listen to alternative perspectives and needs, responding sensitively and checking understanding where necessary. Ask for help when needed and support others when the opportunity arises. Be aware of the need to consider your own wellbeing and that of your colleagues. Understand that bullying, harassment and discrimination are unacceptable.

· Developing Self and Others – Identify gaps in your skills and knowledge and make plans of how to develop these. Take time to achieve development objectives. Listen to and act on feedback from colleagues to find areas you can develop. Share knowledge and skills learnt with colleagues to contribute to the learning and development of the whole team.

· Managing a Quality Service – Gain a clear understanding of customers’ needs and expectations. Plan, organise and manage your own time to deliver a high quality service which gives taxpayers a good return for their money. Act to prevent problems by identifying issues, reporting them and providing solutions. Keep customers and all colleagues up to date with progress. Show customers where to access relevant information and support that will help them to use services more effectively.

· Delivering at Pace – Always work with focus and pace to get the job done on time and to a high standard. Follow the relevant policies, procedures and rules that apply to the job. Use own knowledge and expertise to organise work. Keep focused on delivery and take responsibility for the quality of work produced. Keep a consistent level of personal performance. Keep managers and stakeholders updated on how work is progressing.

Benefits Package

Salary of £30,556 plus Northern Ireland allowance of £750 pa.

Pension Scheme 5% Employee and 13% Employer.

Annual Leave 25 Days (rising by up to 5 days for reckonable service) plus bank holidays.

Hybrid working is negotiable, with up to 2 days working from home.

Bonus Scheme.

Support for further training and CPD.

The Reserve Forces and Cadets Association for Northern Ireland is committed to being an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from eligible candidates no matter what their gender, marital status, age, race, ethnic origin or religious belief.