Lead Research and Development (R&D) Implementation Programme Manager


Apply Now
 

Details

Reference number

315700

Salary

£49,403 – £55,823
Pay award pending
A
Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

Job grade

Grade 7

Contract type

Permanent

Business area

CEFAS – Strategy & Delivery

Type of role

Operational Delivery
Operational Research
Project Delivery

Working pattern

Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time

Number of jobs available

1

Contents

The vacancy is based at either of Cefas’ main locations in Lowestoft or Weymouth.

Job summary

Can you help us achieve a sustainable future for our rivers, seas and the ocean? We are looking for a self-motivated, experienced programme manager with the ability to quickly build relationships – bringing people together to find solutions in a complex landscape. You will lead on transforming the way we work with Defra, and our government partners, to ensure that scientific skills and capabilities across the marine landscape are used in the best way to deliver societal outcomes. Initially you will be responsible for implementing improvements on the design, development and delivery of an innovative and forward-thinking research and development programme.  

Cefas is proud of a diverse and inclusive work environment, committed to fairness and the promotion of equality of opportunity for all. We know that having a range of experiences, backgrounds, ways of working and thinking, makes us a stronger organisation, better at reflecting the communities we serve. We embrace different views and experiences and value the fresh perspective that people from a variety of circumstances bring to the work we do. We welcome applications from candidates who have not previously worked for the Civil Service, mid- and late-career changers with transferable skills, people from all backgrounds and circumstances regardless of disability, gender, age, ethnicity, LGBT+ identity and socio-economic status. 

Job description

You will lead on transformational initiatives, working closely with Defra to ensure greater efficiency and use of skills and capability across the Defra marine landscape, including the transfer of functions to Cefas where necessary. Initially you will be responsible for preparing and then implementing improvements regarding the design, development and delivery of research and development programmes funded by Defra Marine & Fisheries which may include the identification and recruitment of new roles to Cefas. You will be responsible for ensuring any transition of functions is successful and delivered in a timely manner. You will establish appropriate governance and assurance, monitoring progress, manage risks and issues and ensure we deliver organisational impact.

Person specification

The Lead R&D Implementation Programme Manager will play a crucial leadership role in transforming the way that we work with our Defra partners, particularly around R&D. You will be responsible for the management, planning and coordination of implementation, delivery, reporting and negotiations through delivery teams and partners.

The following are essential criteria required for this role and you must be able to demonstrate your skills and experience in the following areas:

  • Successful programme implementation, management and delivery to meet Defra and other marine arms-length body agreed objectives and outcomes;
  • Track record of developing a clear vision, strategy and plan for the delivery of large-scale programmes and the ability to influence their future expansion/development. You will have significant experience of senior stakeholder management (including negotiations and influencing) across government, academic institutes and subcontractors;
  • Have obtained the APM Project Management Qualification (APM PMQ) or an equivalent qualification such as Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) Practitioner, PRINCE2 Practitioner, Management of Portfolios Practitioner or Level 6 Project Management Degree Apprenticeship etc);
  • Excellent understanding of cross department working in managing large scale (£m+) consortium programmes, with a demonstrable track record of leading high impact and high-risk delivery programmes;
  • Establishing required governance and agreements, milestone plans, project control frameworks and data agreements with all partners;
  • Programme planning, monitoring and reporting. Manage cross programme/portfolio and organisation dependencies to ensure best value for money, reporting to senior internal and external boards;
  • Reforecasting significant finances and resources and managing complex networks of partners;
  • Effective management of risks, issues and mitigations;
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, written and verbal, for both internal and external audiences, up to CEO/Board level;
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to manage challenges calmly, quickly and effectively – with appropriate change controls and mitigations applied to ensure solutions are practical and quickly embedded in programmes;
  • Demonstrate having highly effective teamworking and networking skills;
  • Frequently liaising with Sponsors (SROs), Portfolio Leads, Science Leads (from multiple organisations) and Directors to effectively manage programme milestones and strategic direction; and
  • Lead a team, including training and mentoring. Defining project goals and objectives, outlining scope and resource requirements, resolving conflicts within and between projects.

      Qualifications

      Have obtained the APM Project Management Qualification (APM PMQ) or an equivalent qualification such as Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) Practitioner, PRINCE2 Practitioner, Management of Portfolios Practitioner or Level 6 Project Management Degree Apprenticeship etc).

      Behaviours

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

      We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

      Alongside your salary of £49,403, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science contributes
      £13,338 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

      Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
      • Generous annual leave entitlement – Cefas offers 25 days’ annual leave on entry (rising to 30 days over first 5yrs) for full-time new entrants to the Civil Service. Employees receive 8 public holidays a year, plus an additional day to mark the late Queen’s birthday
      • Access to learning and development tailored to your role
      • A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options
      • A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
      • Eligible to join the Civil Service Pension scheme – more information can be found on the CSP website http://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/
      • Staff recognition vouchers
      • In-year award scheme 

      Selection process details

      This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

      Application Process

      As part of the application process you are asked to provide a CV (job history, qualifications, past skills and experience) and a 750-word personal statement on how you meet the essential criteria as stated in the person specification section to assess your experience and a 250-word statement on how you meet the advertised lead behaviour – Leadership. 

      Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

      For guidance on Civil Service Success Profiles, this video tells you what you’ll need to provide throughout the assessment process with supporting guidance on each step. Link – Success Profiles

      For guidance on how to construct your CV, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link – CV

      For guidance on how to construct your personal statement, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link – Statement 

      For guidance on how to construct your lead behaviour statement, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link – Behaviours

      Sift

      The sift panel will use the information in your CV and personal statement to assess your experience and how you meet the essential criteria as stated in the person specification section.

      Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead behaviour, Leadership. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.

      Sift and interview dates are to be confirmed. 

      Interview

      If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on your previous experience and behaviours.

      You may also be required to give a presentation or complete an exercise. If this is the case, you will receive further information with your invitation.

      If scores are equal following interview, an assessment of the lead behaviour, Leadership, will be used by the panel.

      The interview will be undertaken remotely.

      Location

      Please be aware that this role will be based at the Lowestoft or Weymouth laboratories. 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.

      Blended Working

      Cefas 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/lab locations i.e. Lowestoft or Weymouth 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 one day in the workplace, unless exceptional circumstances apply.

      Reserve List

      A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.

      Salary 

      New entrants are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.

      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 you’re 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 applicant’s 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.

      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

      Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
      People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

      Nationality requirements

      This job is broadly open to the following groups:

      • UK nationals
      • nationals of the Republic of Ireland
      • nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
      • nationals 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 2020
      • Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

      Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

      Working for the Civil Service

      The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

      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).

      The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
      The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
      This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
      The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
      Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available.
      You may want to save a copy for your records.

      Contact point for applicants

      Job contact :

      • Name : Cally Wiles or Alec Wilson
      • Email : resourcing@cefas.gov.uk

      Recruitment team

      • Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

      Further information

      If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact:

      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.

      Share this page

       
       

      Apply Now

      Posted

      in

      , ,