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Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
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About the job
Job summary
You will join the Evidence team in Defras Climate Division. The team comprises a group of twelve economists and scientists who develop and use evidence to deliver on the three policy aims of the Division; to facilitate Defras contribution to achieving Net Zero Carbon Emissions (NZ), prepare England and the UK for the impacts of climate change, and manage the phased reduction in use of F-Gas, following EU exit.
This is an exciting time to join the team climate is a priority outcome of government and an increasing focus of Defra. We are looking specifically for an experienced person with a science background at Senior Scientist level to work on the mitigation and Net Zero side of our work.
In 2021, the UK government published its Net Zero Strategy followed by its Net Zero Growth Plan in 2023, together these set out how the UK will achieve Net Zero by 2050. Defra has a significant role to play in achieving that goal. Defra sectors contribute a significant and rising proportion of current UK production emissions, due in large part to emissions from agriculture and waste sectors.
Defras Climate Division sit in the Environment Strategy Directive. There are three Deputy Director led teams of policy officials that lead on three policy goals 1) achieving Defras contribution to UK climate mitigation (incl. Net Zero and Carbon Budgets), 2) developing UK resilience to climate change (incl. through a Climate Change Risk Assessment and a National Adaptation Plan), and 3) management of phase-down of use of F-Gases (incl. delivering on international commitments and the Montreal Protocol).
The Climate Division has a fourth team, Evidence, whose purpose is to develop, communicate and apply evidence to ensure policy across these three areas is evidence based. It comprises approximately twelve people, with a mixture of economists and scientists. The role advertised will sit in the Climate Evidence team and provide support across at least two of the policy areas. It is a close team informal, supportive but very focussed on excellence in evidence.
Job description
In this post you will:
Provide senior scientific expertise and support for current and future Defra Net Zero policy. Ensure policy development is based on sound science. The role will work closely with Defra (and wider) NZ policy colleagues and analysts to anticipate future research priorities, provide expert advice, including to Ministers and Senior Leadership team. Keep up to date on scientific progress and document emerging national and international evidence. Carry out horizon scanning for future priorities.
This role will deliver on Environment Strategy Directorate-led net zero policies and commitments.
As a senior scientific officer in Climate Evidence you will:
- Lead the collation and synthesis of existing evidence, to develop (with a fellow SSO and G7 in this space) a strategic evidence plan to inform, influence and support policy priorities
- Work closely with other teams, in particular the Sector Evidence Teams, the Central Science Division and Green Finance teams
- Lead collaborative research projects (potentially including overseeing allocation of funding for research) to fill identified evidence gaps, working closely with policy and analytical colleagues
- Lead scientific component of specific cross-government work to take a holistic approach to NZ policy and understand the impact of existing commitments
- Create an evidence base for your area consolidating data and literature
- Lead the development of your own evidence-based analysis and synthesis including of academic literature and data analysis
- Create and maintain a network of experts from across industry, academia, the third sector and government to ensure evidence and policy development has access to the right expertise
- Communicate clearly e.g. for Ministerial briefings and correspondence to ensure policy advice and public lines are based on the best available evidence
- Be adaptable, ready to change focus to meet strategic priorities for Climate Evidence, and ready to build expertise in different areas of Climate Evidence science
- Build and maintain your internal network working well with policy and evidence colleagues to agree priorities, achieve timely delivery of evidence, design and oversee qualitative and quantitative projects providing scientific insights to support policy and delivery decisions across Climate Evidence and to communicate the analysis effectively to various audiences
The role will specialise and will be able to operate independently in Climate Evidence as well as work across wider policy priorities according to business need, in agreement with the Head of Climate Mitigation Science.
The role is currently focused on Climate Mitigation and Net Zero but within this area there will be opportunity to shaped it to fit your interests/areas of development. Net Zero policy development is an area of growth and challenge to demonstrate policy confidence and close the gap in meeting our carbon budget targets. The role is a strategic one and requires co-ordinating and working across boundaries, with sector and central teams as well as externally.
There are a wide range of learning and development opportunities designed to support your knowledge and understanding.
Person specification
We are looking for a scientist with excellent analytical skills, a strong delivery record and experience of working within multidisciplinary teams and collaborating across areas (e.g. with policy colleagues and other analytical teams).
You should have technical expertise in scoping, design, delivery of scientific research projects and in a relevant discipline (specifically research of GHGs within a scientific discipline).
You will display excellent interpersonal skills and be a trusted adviser, with the credibility to influence and challenge effectively to gain consensus on complex areas.
You will display excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to present complex technical information to a diverse audience.
With exceptional collaborative skills, you will confidently engage to build constructive relationships within your own team, and with colleagues across policy and evidence.
You will be proactive and organised and high attention to detail.
You will have experience of working as a researcher or analyst, with skills aligned with the requirements of the Government Science and Engineering Framework.
Essential criteria:
- Have a relevant training to Masters/PhD level in a climate related subject with experience specifically of GHG emissions, emissions measurement or modelling e.g. Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or equivalent experience
- Experience of analysing, interpreting, delivering, and communicating analysis, evidence and concepts clearly in a way that is easy to understand
- Able to demonstrate ability to build and maintain a network of colleagues and contacts within and outside government to achieve progress on shared outcomes
- Experience of being a self-starter, demonstrating ability to work on own initiative, and of identifying research needs, designing and specifying research
- Experience management of research projects including research management, contractor management, financial and risk
Qualifications
Memberships
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Technical skills
We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- GSE Technical Skills: Applying Knowledge
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%
Office attendance
Successful candidates are expected to work from one of the office locations listed in this advert in order to connect with their colleagues, as required by their role and business team needs. Defras current policy is that no more than 40% of the working week should be spent at home, averaged over a month unless exceptional circumstances apply and/or the post-holder is 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 complete a CV and personal statement.
Please complete a 500-word personal statement setting out how you meet the essential criteria experience listed under the person specification.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Sift
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the CV and Personal Statement.
Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on Experience, Behaviour and Technical Skills.
You will be asked to prepare a 5-minute presentation on What do I bring to the role
Interviews will be conducted via Video link.
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 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.
Loan and Fixed Term Appointments
Existing Civil Servants and applicants from accredited NDPBs are eligible to apply but will only be considered on loan basis (Civil Servants) or secondment (accredited NDPBs). Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis must be obtained before commencing the application process. In the case of Civil Servants, the terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant. This includes grade on return.
This is a Fixed-term Appointment as a Senior Scientific Officer, on the Climate Evidence / Environment Strategy team.
The post is not permanent. It is time limited due to a fixed funding period or as part of a specific project. The fixed term will end when the funding or the project expires.
Funding is as of the end of the SR period (up to 31st March 2025).
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).
Apply and further information
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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Harley Stoddart
- Email : harley.stoddart@defra.gov.uk
- Telephone : 07920 516 256
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.
