Defence Digital Portfolio Analyst

The 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. You’ll 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!

Watch to find out more about what we do.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

The DAIC is leading the way in helping Defence harness the power of Artificial Intelligence responsibly and effectively. As our project and programme portfolio continues to grow, we are looking for a highly motivated Portfolio Analyst to join our Portfolio and Governance team.

You will play a key role in enabling effective portfolio management by providing support across reporting, prioritisation and planning, risk and dependency management, and governance. You’ll work closely with delivery teams, senior leaders and stakeholders across defence to help track delivery, improve visibility, and support data-informed decision-making.

Responsibilities:

• Manage reporting, risk management, dependency tracking, and support planning activities to enable informed decision-making.
• Coordinate governance inputs, manage meeting logistics, and ensure timely tracking and resolution of actions.
• Support strategic portfolio oversight by applying working knowledge of prioritisation and resource planning processes.
• Proactively identify and implement improvements to reporting templates, processes, and tools to enhance efficiency and clarity.
• Apply a solid understanding of delivery methodologies and governance frameworks, including Agile and Waterfall life-cycles, to support effective project execution and oversight.
• Communicate clearly and confidently, fostering strong working relationships across teams, functions, and stakeholder groups.

This role is perfect for someone with experience in Project Delivery support, a Project Management Office, or a similar environment, who’s ready to take the next step into portfolio-level work.

Person specification

We’re looking for a detail-oriented individual who brings structure, curiosity, and strong communication skills to everything they do. You’ll play a key role in supporting the strategic delivery of programmes and projects, helping teams stay aligned, informed, and focused.

You’ll be confident working with portfolio data, delivery plans, and reporting tools—translating complex information into clear insights that support decision-making. Your ability to engage effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders will be essential, as you help drive collaboration across diverse teams.

You don’t need to be an Artificial Intelligence expert- but you should be excited by the opportunity to contribute to one of the most significant technological shifts in the history of defence – the integration of safe, ethical and cutting-edge AI into core defence capabilities.  You’ll be organised, analytical and proactive with a willingness to learn and a passion for enabling delivery at scale.

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:

• Describe your experience supporting the delivery of projects, programmes, or portfolios.
• Describe your experience of interpreting and presenting data clearly and accurately to inform decision-making.
• Describe your experience of working collaboratively across diverse teams and bridging technical and non-technical perspectives.

Do you want to hear more about this role?  We would love for you to join us, and learn more from senior members of the team, at our upcoming candidate brief, being held on 27/08/25 at 5pm.  To confirm your attendance, please send your name and email address to UKStratComDD-HR-TalentAcqDel@mod.gov.uk .  We will then forward you a Microsoft Team’s invite to be able to join on the day.

Behaviours

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

• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace

Technical skills

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

• Governance
• Risk and Issue Management

• Flexible working options- we understand the importance of adapting work to your life.
• Inclusion and diversity- our culture celebrates uniqueness and encourages collaboration of diverse thought.
• Pension contribution: 28.97%, which secures your future.
• Generous annual leave- starting with 25 days and growing to 30 after just 5 years.
• Minimum of 15 Days Special Leave in a rolling 12-month period to volunteer for military or emergency service reserve commitments.
• Special Paid Leave for volunteering up to 6 days a year.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
• Most sites have good travel links with free car parking; many also have other facilities such as a Sports & Social Club and Gyms
• You can read more here- Civil Service Employee Benefits , Civil Service Careers (civil-service-careers.gov.uk)

The post does not offer relocation expenses.

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.

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.

Professional Framework Statement   
Defence Digital operates an organisation model in which every individual belongs to a Government Profession. The successful applicant will be posted into one of the defined Government Professions on Standard Terms of Reference for the grade. Defence Digital reserves the right to move individuals between roles, within their allocated profession, to meet the needs of the business and in support of agile resourcing.  Within Defence Digital each profession is led by a Professional Head of Community who will lead professional development and support the Continuous Professional Development path for their group.

Learning & Development 
In Defence Digital we have a strong learning and development ethos, supporting you to fulfil your potential by providing:

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• Professional and Personal Development of skills
• Access to thousands of training courses through Civil Service Learning, some free or paid by MOD
• Ability to obtain industry recognised qualifications supported by MOD

Hybrid Working

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working.  This is a non-contractual arrangement where all employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity.  Requirements to attend other locations for official business or work in another MOD office will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details).  The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.  This post is working 37 hours per week.

Strategic Command is going through a significant transformation programme which aims to improve the way the Command conducts its business and delivers for Defence and the nation. As a consequence of this, all posts within Strategic Command Headquarters and in time the wider organisation, are/will be subject to review and potential changes as we continuously improve across the period of the transformation programme. These changes may be minor or could be more substantive and will generate new opportunities.  Throughout, the Command’s transformation programme is committed to following the MOD’s framework on managing and supporting people through the change process and places an emphasis on early and open consultation and engagement with the Command’s personnel and Trade Unions.

Things you need to know

Selection process details