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Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
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About the job
Job summary
DEFRA is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people’s day-to-day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink.
This is an exciting role in the Compliance & Financial Accounting team, supporting the Purchase to Pay (P2P) process across the Defra group. As a Training, Engagement, & Assurance Manager, the post-holder will join a newly forming P2P Centre of Excellence and play an important part in developing our P2P Service Offer for users. Working across the 5 main Defra group organisations, the post-holder will support thousands of users to complete their purchasing activities in our Single Operating Platform with high quality support, training, and guidance.
We are looking for someone who can develop their network with a wide range of stakeholders quickly and effectively. They will want to play a positive and meaningful role in developing the P2P Centre of Excellence, and also become a valued member of the Defra group Finance function. They will work closely with colleagues within and outside Finance, including Defra group Commercial, Shared Services, and users to ensure we get the most out of our purchasing processes and systems.
Job description
Key responsibilities will include but not be limited to: –
- Producing and maintaining high quality guidance and training materials to support users in getting it right, first time.
- Implement new and innovative ways of engaging with a diverse user base across the Defra group.
- Support the development of best practice for P2P particularly as we continue our policy harmonisation programme.
- Record and act on user feedback to make policy, process, and system improvements.
- Manage the maintenance of all P2P content across the digital network for the Defra group.
- Identify and address user knowledge and skills gaps and generate learning & development opportunities to address them.
- Work with subject matter experts across the group to identify and assess the impact of change, and providing advice to the business on solutions.
- Escalate key issues, risks and concerns from the business areas through the appropriate channels, including the P2P Centre of Excellence, Defra group Shared Services, or our Shared Services provider.
Person specification
Experience and Skills:-
- Ability to work flexible and adapt to changing priorities.
- Ability to build, develop and maintain strong effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders both internal and external. collaborative relationships with a range of customers and teams.
- Good organisational skills and a proven ability to plan and manage competing priorities.
- Ability to work as part of a team and independently when needed. Ability to communicate effectively (written and verbally) with staff and stakeholders at all levels
- Proven ability to influence and persuade colleagues confidently and professionally;
- Demonstrated ability to challenge us and them thinking and to invest time to generate a common focus and genuine team spirit;
- Experience of identifying problems and developing and implementing workable solutions;
- Ability to work confidently with information sharing and data, using a systematic approach to recording and storing on a shared system;
- Experience of training and coaching others on policies, procedures, practices and techniques equipping them with the knowledge and skills to deliver their work effectively
- Experience of working with Finance systems i.e. Oracle, Hyperion, SAP.
- Experience of working with Microsoft SharePoint
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Benefits
£8,185 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
Blended Working
Defra operates a blended working policy subject to business need, giving people the flexibility to choose when and where they work and collaborate with others.
Individuals are expected to work from one of the office locations stated in the advert to connect with their colleagues, as required by their role and business team needs. There is flexibility to split the working week, spending minimum of 40-60% in the workplace, unless exceptional circumstances apply and/or you are a contractual home worker.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Online Test
After submission of the first stage of your application, you will be invited to complete a Civil Service Judgement Test. If you successfully pass the test, you will be invited to complete the final stage of the application. Please complete the online tests as soon as possible (within 24-48 hours is recommended), the closing date for the tests and application is 23:55 on 7th September 2023. If you fail to complete the online test before the deadline your application will be withdrawn. Guidance for the test will be available when you are invited to take the test. The tests are administered online and accessed via the CS Jobs website.
Do not leave completing the tests until the last minute in case you experience any access or technical issues. There may not be technical support available after business hours and after 2pm on the closing date of 7th September 2023
While the tests should work on most operating systems and modern browsers with a good internet connection, we cannot guarantee that every combination will work. At the beginning, the test will check which browser you are using, and alert you if it is likely to be incompatible.
It is highly recommended that you complete the online tests on a desktop computer, not a mobile phone or tablet.
Please note that online tests associated with this vacancy are not subject to time limits. Click https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reasonable-adjustments-for-online-tests-a-candidate-guide for test guidance.
Application Process
As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete a CV and four behaviour statements.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
The candidate’s CV needs to demonstrate they have undertaken similar roles and activities as shown in the job specification.
In the previous skills and experience section, the candidate needs to provide about 500 words showing that they have skills/experience relevant to the role.
Sift
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead Behaviour, Communicating and Influencing and candidates need to meet the required sift score for their application to be progressed. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to a video assessment/interview.
Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.
Interview
Candidate successful at sift stage will be invited to a video assessment/interview (1hour 20 mins) that will consist of a blended interview of Behaviours and Strengths. A presentation or additional exercise relative to the role will also be assessed, further details will be given to candidates selected for interview.
Location
Please be aware that this role(s) will be contractually based in a Defra group workplace/office. 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.
Internal (core Defra) employees can apply for this role and choose to remain in their current location or to be based in one of the advertised locations.
All other applicants will be based in one of the advertised locations.
Defra continues to support a blended working model and candidates are currently expected to attend their office base for 40-60% of the week.
Travel and subsistence will not be paid for travel to a base office location.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Salary
New entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. The internal roles rules apply to existing Civil Servants, i.e. level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.
Visa Sponsorship Statement
Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
- Contact Government Recruitment Service via defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
- Complete the Assistance required section in the Additional requirements page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if youre deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Accessibility
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the ‘Contact point for applicants’ section.
Criminal Record Check
If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Internal Fraud Database Check
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicants details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Higher Security Clearance
Please be aware the levels of national security clearance are changing which may impact on the level needed for this role by the time of appointment. All efforts will be made to keep candidates informed of any changes and what that will mean in terms of vetting criteria. For more information please See our vetting charter.
All of these posts require the successful candidate to hold basic security clearance. Candidates posted to Marsham Street, London may be subject to a higher level of clearance because of the security requirements for that location. Job offers to these posts are made on the basis of merit. Security vetting will only take place after the receipt of a job offer.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to Defra from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Apply and further information
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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Jordan Curnow
- Email : Jordan.Curnow@defra.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
Government Recruitment Services via email: defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Click here to visit Civil Service Commission.
