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Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
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About the job
Job summary
Making sure that the products we buy and use get disposed of responsibly and, wherever possible, get turned back into useful materials and products again, is at the heart of what we do in the resources and waste policy teams in Defra.
In December 2018, Government published the Resources and Waste Strategy, setting out how we will preserve our stock of material resources by minimising waste, promoting resource efficiency and moving towards a more circular economy. In the Strategy, Government committed to several actions, including the introduction of a deposit return scheme (DRS) for drinks containers.
As a key environmental commitment made in the 2019 manifesto, the introduction of a DRS forms a key Defra and Government priority. Across the UK, consumers go through billions of drinks containers each year. Drinks containers are often made of easily recyclable materials yet are frequently sent to landfill, incinerated or littered, rather than recycled. The key aims of the DRS policy are to increase recycling rates of in-scope drinks containers, collect higher quality material for recycling, and reduce litter by placing a refundable deposit on the containers to be paid by consumers at the point of purchase. The deposit places a monetary value on containers which incentivises consumers to return them back into the scheme.
Its a friendly, fun, collaborative place to work, where we attach importance to how we do things values, learning and development, rewarding success as well as what we do. It is demanding but exciting and exhilarating too, and the DRS promises to be an incredibly tangible policy for the public which you can play a key role in delivering.
Job description
In order to deliver a DRS, we intend to appoint a new, industry-led and independent body called the Deposit Management Organisation (DMO) who will take responsibility for the overall operation of the DRS.
This particular role will see you join a sub-team which forms part of the wider DRS policy and delivery team, specifically focusing on the appointment and ongoing governance of the DMO. This is an exciting time to join the team, with our DRS regulations due to be in place later this year and industry beginning to consider the DMO candidate they wish to present to government.
Often working with colleagues across other functions the role will be varied and require flexibility to pick up different lines of work as priorities adapt. You will be drafting technical appointment documentation, considering the structures and governance of a DMO, the relationship between government, the regulators and the DMO itself, and more broadly taking on extensive stakeholder engagement with the prospective DMO candidate.
We would welcome applicants with a broad portfolio of experience, in particular any experience working in a commercial environment and/or on set up of an organisation, which would be beneficial.
Your role will include, but not be limited to:
Deposit Management Organisation (DMO) specific
- Working on the development of the process for assessing and approving applications to be the DMO. This will include defining how the process will work and agreeing and drafting the required documentation
- Coordinating the assessment process of a DMO application and developing a clear and transparent methodology for how an application would be reviewed
- Identifying areas where further research or specialist input will be required as part of the application process
- Developing an understanding of commercial and governance processes which an appointed DMO will be required to operate under, including any reporting and financial arrangements of an appointed body. This includes learning lessons from international DMOs
- Feeding into broader DRS policy and operational delivery work across the team which have relevance to the DMO
- Supporting the development of the DRS business case
- Leading on work to determine the classification status of the DMO
Stakeholder engagement
- Supporting and leading engagement with industry groups in the run up to opening DMO applications, communicating to stakeholders what the process and requirements will be for a DMO applicant. This would include designing and delivering workshops on each part of the application process with key stakeholders both internal and external
- Keep abreast of external insights both across arms-length bodies, external organisations, and industry in general and keep the programmed updated
Managing engagement with international DRS stakeholders, and continuing to learn from best practice and experiences elsewhere.
Person specification
Essential criteria
The successful candidate will demonstrate the following essential experience:
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and be comfortable with changing priorities
- Ability to handle ambiguity and show resilience
- Ability to establish, build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders
- Experience of commercial / procurement process and procedures
- Understanding of the policy development and legislation process
- Comfortable and confident in communicating and building relationships at all levels, demonstrating strong communication skills both verbal and written
- Working remotely and on own initiative and prioritising workload to meet conflicting objectives
- Attention to detail
In addition, we would be particularly interested to receive applications from persons with experience working within or developing new governance frameworks and/or establishing a new organisation.
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
- Making Effective Decisions
Benefits
£10,069 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
Application Process
As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide:
- A Personal Statement (max 750 words) detailing your relevant experience, linking it to the essential criteria and highlighting any experience in any subject area.
- A Behaviour Statement – Making Effective Decisions (max 250 words).
- A CV detailing your work history
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Sift
An initial sift will be conducted using the Personal Statement and Lead Behaviour: Making Effective Decisions. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to interview.
Sift date to be confirmed.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on Experience and Behaviours.
A presentation task will also be given to candidates covering a DRS / DMO related topic. More details on the presentation will be advised prior to interview.
Interview dates are to be confirmed. The Interview will be conducted via MS Teams.
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.
Candidates applying for these roles will be based at one of the Defra hubs as advertised.
For information, our core Defra hub locations are:
- York the Kings Pool;
- Newcastle Lancaster House;
- Bristol Horizon House (Please note that space at this office is limited and it may not be possible for all Policy roles to be recruited to this location);
- London 2 Marsham Street.
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.
Merit Lists
Where more than one location is advertised, candidates will be posted in merit order by location. You will be asked to state your location preference on your application.
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. 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 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).
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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Lauren Sainsbury
- Email : RWPeopleTeam@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.
