First Secretary Defence, British Defence Staff (South East Asia)

Role overview

The UK Ministry of Defence is hiring a First Secretary Defence to join the British Defence Staff South East Asia team in Singapore. This overseas position sits at the centre of UK defence engagement across the Indo-Pacific, combining policy support, regional analysis, relationship management and financial oversight to advance defence objectives.

In this post, you will help deepen the MOD’s understanding of the South East Asia operating context, maintain productive links with regional stakeholders and represent UK defence interests in a fast-moving and strategically important environment. You will work closely with UK missions and international partners while contributing to defence diplomacy, engagement activity and senior-level visits.

The role is part of a compact, high-performing team and requires a high level of independence, strong prioritisation and consistent delivery to senior audiences. It is a challenging overseas appointment that offers broad exposure to policy, strategy and international engagement.

What you will do

You will provide regional insight to inform policy development and decision-making in London, helping ensure defence activity in South East Asia is based on timely and accurate analysis.

You will represent UK Defence in regional and multilateral settings, engaging with a diverse mix of international stakeholders and partner organisations.

You will build specialist knowledge of the region, identify emerging risks and opportunities, maintain networks across government, foreign partners and defence bodies, and produce clear analytical reporting for senior leaders.

You will also support the planning, coordination and delivery of high-level defence engagement and official visits in Singapore and across South East Asia.

The post includes responsibility for delegated financial authority, with an expectation that funds are managed carefully and in line with MOD governance and policy requirements.

Candidate profile

The MOD is seeking a motivated, professional individual with strong policy, stakeholder engagement and delivery skills who can work confidently in an overseas setting with substantial autonomy.

Applicants should bring experience in policy development, strategy or a closely related area, alongside strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to explain complex issues clearly to senior audiences.

You should also have proven experience engaging stakeholders and building effective working relationships across organisational and international boundaries.

Experience in financial management and governance is required, including responsibility for delegated budgets. You must be able to work independently, balance competing priorities and deliver to demanding deadlines.

Eligibility for Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance is essential.

Useful additional experience includes knowledge of the Indo-Pacific region and previous work in an international or overseas environment.

Assessment and recruitment process

The vacancy uses the Success Profiles framework and will assess both behaviours and experience.

Applicants must submit a CV and a statement of suitability showing how they meet the essential criteria.

At sift stage, experience will be assessed. Sift is scheduled to take place from 20 July 2026.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview and assessed against the following behaviours: Seeing the Big Picture, Communicating and Influencing, Making Effective Decisions, Delivering at Pace, Working Together and Leadership.

Additional assessment methods may be used if needed, and further detail will be shared with shortlisted candidates. Interviews are expected during the week of 10 August 2026 and will be held virtually.

Security, eligibility and compliance

Successful candidates must pass a criminal record check and meet the security requirements before appointment. The required clearance level is Developed Vetting, and people working with government assets must also complete Baseline Personnel Security Standard checks.

This role is open to UK nationals only.

Applicants who would need sponsorship under the points-based skilled worker system should note that this post has not been assessed as business critical and is not open to sponsorship. If sponsorship is required, the application will be rejected and any provisional offer withdrawn.

The MOD expects successful candidates to declare outside interests after interview. These will be reviewed before a formal offer is made so that any potential conflicts of interest can be managed appropriately.

The department applies a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination and victimisation. Candidates dismissed for such conduct within the last five years, or who would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had they remained in post, are not eligible for this role.

This appointment is at SEO grade.

Pay, benefits and overseas package

Alongside a salary of £46,040, the MOD contributes £13,337 towards membership of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. The employer pension contribution is 28.97%.

The role includes learning and development tailored to the post, flexible working options where operationally possible, and a culture that supports inclusion and diversity.

As an overseas assignment, the job also attracts allowances and benefits under MOD overseas terms and conditions, including relocation support. The package may include furnished accommodation, education support where applicable and access to healthcare provision, all in line with MOD policy.

Full relocation allowances are available subject to availability, and Cost of Living Overseas Allowance is payable based on personal circumstances and marital status. The department is also reviewing pay-related allowances, which could affect the allowances currently attached to this role.

Annual leave is 25 days, rising to 30 days after five years of service, in addition to public and privilege holidays. Flexible working is available subject to operational needs.

Applicants may also review the MOD civilian benefits and discounts available through the department’s benefits platform.

Application notes

Artificial intelligence may be used to support an application, but all examples and statements must be truthful, accurate and drawn directly from the applicant’s own experience. Applications containing plagiarism or misrepresented AI-generated content may be withdrawn, and internal candidates may face disciplinary action.

Feedback is provided only to candidates who attend an interview or assessment. A recruitment satisfaction survey may also be issued to help improve the application experience.

The Civil Service Code, fair and open competition principles, Disability Confident Scheme and Redeployment Interview Scheme all apply to this vacancy.