Defence Artificial Intelligence Centre - Assurance Lead

LocationMOD Corsham, Westwells Road, SN13 9NR, MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol, BS34 8JH, MOD Main Building, Whitehall, London, SW1A 2HBPlease note that regular travel will be required to other sites.About the jobJob summaryThe MOD's digital teams ensure we remain among the most technologically advanced Armed Forces in the world. We develop and lead in cutting-edge data science, automation, and cybersecurity solutions to protect the UK and its interests, at home and abroad.At the Defence AI Centre (DAIC), our mission is to advance the power of artificial intelligence to give the MOD a decisive edge. We drive the ambitious, safe, and responsible adoption of AI across Defence, to make the difference where it matters most.Joining the DAIC means becoming part of a world-leading, multi-disciplinary team at the forefront of AI innovation. Youll be working closely with partners across the MOD, international allies, government agencies, industry leaders, and academic experts to shape the future of UK Defence AI.Step into the forefront of innovation at the DAIC and become part of a pioneering team that's at the forefront of transforming Defence technology!Job descriptionJoin DAIC as our AI Assurance Lead and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence within our organisation.You will lead the delivery of a comprehensive programme of guidance, governance and tools that enable teams to deliver AI-enabled projects which are safe, reliable and follow ethical principles. Youll also contribute to the wider development and adoption of AI for defence through your expertise in AI safety, risk, ethics and assurance.ResponsibilitiesLead delivery of our AI assurance programme including guidance, governance and toolingProvide line management, mentoring and support for a small team working on AI AssuranceEngage with stakeholders, communicate and advise on the safe, responsible and ethical of AI use for defence purposesContribute to AI capability implementation and strategic developmentPerson specificationThis is a high-impact strategic role for an experienced leader who can drive assurance across a large, complex organisation. Youll combine technical understanding with the ability to inspire and guide cross-functional teams, ensuring robust governance and confidence in AI adoption at scale.You will be an expert in assurance, ethics, safety and risk management for digital systems and ideally have an appreciation of the specific requirements of AI-enabled systems.When submitting your CV, please highlight your career history and experience relevant to this role. Additionally, refer to the "Things You Need to Know" section of the advert and provide a personal statement (max.1250 words) demonstrating the essential criteria listed below:Proven leadership in designing and implementing risk, safety, or ethical assurance frameworks within large, complex organisations.Track record of delivering practical solution, such as training, guidance, and tools, that empower teams and organisations to achieve effective assurance outcomes.Deep knowledge of AI ethics, safety, and governance principles, with the ability to apply them in real-world contexts.Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus across diverse audiences.Do you want to hear more about this role? We would love for you to join us, and learn more from members of the team, at our upcoming candidate brief, being held 16/12/25 @ 5pm. To confirm your attendance, please email us, using your personal email at [email protected] with your name and the CSJ reference number. We will then forward you a Microsoft Teams invite to be able to join on the day.Selection process detailsThis vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.Candidates will be required to provide CV details to include job history; qualification details and previous skills and experience. Please upload your CV in the relevant section on the Civil Service Jobs dashboard, ensuring it clearly demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification.The interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams.At interview, you will be assessed against the following behaviours and technical skills:-Seeing the big pictureChanging and improvingDelivering at paceLeadershipCommunicating between the Technical and Non-Technical (technical skill)Product Ownership (Data Ethics) (technical skill)Managing Decisions and Risks (technical skill)If invited to interview you will be expected to deliver a short presentation on a related topic. The subject of this will be advised nearer the interview time. We anticipate that applications will close 12 Jan 26, with interviews currently planned for week commencing 26 Jan 26 to provide those called forward for interview with time to prepare. We will try and offer as much flexibility as we can, but it may not be possible to offer alternative dates for interviews or assessments.Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.SecuritySuccessful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).Nationality requirementsThis job is broadly open to the following groups:UK nationalsnationals of the Republic of Irelandnationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UKnationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Created: 2025-12-12