Radio Communications Lead

Can you apply technical knowledge and expertise to develop, interpret and maintain maritime radio communications policy and regulation?

Do you have experience working with evidence, guidance or standards in a technical or regulatory environment?

Have you successfully engaged with a range of stakeholders to influence outcomes and deliver high quality written advice?

If so, wed love to hear from you!

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is seeking a Radio Communications Lead, based within the UK Technical Maritime Services (UKTMS) Directorate which has responsibility for developing, negotiating, and maintaining UK objectives and regulations relating to a wide range of safety and environment issues associated with ships and vessels of all sizes - from small pleasure vessels to the largest internationally trading ships, including maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS). There is regular engagement with operational colleagues across the MCA, Government Departments and other national Maritime Administrations, as well as industry stakeholders.

This role is in the Radio Team, which deals with the development, maintenance and implementation of radio communications regulations; the use and protection of radio spectrum; development and availability of technical standards for bridge navigation and radio communications equipment; and their appropriate application to installations on UK vessels. The work of the unit is primarily driven by ship requirements of the Convention on Safety of Life at Sea 1974 (SOLAS), Ch IV Radiocommunications and the ITU Convention (International Telecommunications Convention) and regional and national implementations.

Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays and a privilege day for the Kings birthday.
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

Read more in the Benefits section below!

Find out more about what it's like working at: Maritime and Coastguard Agency - Department for Transport Careers

As the Radio Communications Lead, you will provide technical and regulatory expertise to develop, implement and manage maritime radio communications policy, regulation and guidance. You will act as a focal point for stakeholders, representing the MCA and UK interests at meetings and working groups, while helping to maintain a safety-focused and proportionate regulatory framework.

Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

1. Contributing to, and where appropriate lead, the development, negotiation, implementation and management of objectives and regulation for the UK merchant ship regulatory framework.
2. Representing the MCA, and/or the UK, at internal, external and international meetings and working groups, including drafting and presentation of substantive papers.
3. Coordinating the dissemination and input from UK stakeholders and government organisations in support of the development, implementation and management of maritime radio communications regulations and guidance.
4. Providing a focal point role for industry and colleagues, maintaining a positive and proactive role with internal and external stakeholders.
5. Drafting instructions for Government lawyers on UK objectives and coordinate impact assessments, including development of M-Notices, Safety Bulletins, Instructions to Surveyors and Advice Notes.
6. Maintaining awareness of national and international political and policy context for maritime radio communications.
7. Handle technical and regulatory questions, providing advice to senior managers, government departments and Ministers.
8. Support the assessment of applications for exemptions and equivalences relating to radio communication equipment.

For further information on the role, please read the role profile. Please note that the role profile is for information purposes only - whilst all elements are relevant to the role, they may not all be assessed during the recruitment process. This job advert will detail exactly what will be assessed during the recruitment process.

Essential licenses:

1. A valid passport for international travel

You will be required to provide evidence that you hold any essential qualifications/licenses at some point during the recruitment process. If you cannot provide evidence, your application will be withdrawn.

Required experience:

To be successful in this role you will need to have the following:

• A science/engineering degree or higher diploma in a relevant subject

Or

• equivalent qualifications

Or

• experience in a specialism related to radio communications.
• Ability to apply scientific and technical knowledge, drawing on relevant experience.
• Ability to locate, understand and use data, evidence and advice from analytical, scientific and technical sources.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and proven ability to research and draft high quality documents using a range of different media.

Additional Information

Working hours, office attendance and travel requirements

Full time roles consist of 37 hours per week.

Whilst we welcome applications from those looking to work with us on a part time basis, there is a business requirement for the successful candidate to be able to work at least 30 hours per week.

Hybrid working available

This role is suitable for hybrid working, which is a non-contractual arrangement where a combination of workplace and home-based working can be accommodated subject to business requirements.

The expectation at present is a minimum of 60% of your working time a month will be spent at either your designated workplace (one of the locations cited in the advert) or, when required for business reasons, in another office/work location/visiting stakeholders. Your designated workplace will be your contractual place of work. There may be occasions where you are required to attend above the minimum expectation.

• Travel within the UK and potentially abroad with overnight stays is required to attend various meetings.
• The role will require some planned and unplanned travel, with some work and travel taking place outside normal working hours and potentially at weekends.

If you have a question about hybrid working, part time/job share hours, flexible working, travelling for work, or require a reasonable adjustment, please contact the Vacancy Holder during the recruitment process to avoid possible disappointment later in the process should your working arrangements not be compatible with the requirements of the role (see below for contact details).

Visa Sponsorship

Please note that we will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category, and we will not sponsor a visa. Therefore, this role is not open to applications from those who require sponsorship candidates must ensure they have the appropriate right to work in the UK before applying. Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.