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Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
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Job summary
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We encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates At DfE, we are proud of the commitment we make to diversity and inclusion and of the progress we have made. We have active & vibrant staff networks, special leave policies and workplace adjustments put in place for those who need them. We are continuing to build a diverse DfE, in an inclusive environment which nurtures and realises potential in all, at all levels. Equality and Diversity – Department for Education We are looking for an experienced Data Scientist to lead the Department for Educations (DfE) Central Data Science Team. Our Data Science Team is the Department’s ‘centre for excellence’ for data science. We are looking for a talented individual to lead this dynamic and highly-skilled group. In DfE, you will have the opportunity to influence education policy, fill gaps in our evidence base, and undertake high-quality data science projects using world-leading education data. The team is responsible for leading the use of data science through three channels: Applying data science techniques to specific policy problems; developing applications and products to help DfEs operational and policy goals; and designing plans for integrating data science into DfEs wider analytical and digital operations. You will have freedom to decide how to approach these competing priorities. You will be responsible for deciding what the team focuses on and how to approach priorities with an emphasis on developing and showcasing innovative techniques. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading a team of three data scientists, providing guidance, support and mentorship as you work collaboratively to develop innovative solutions to policy problems. As part of the Central Analysis and Research Division, you will work alongside the Strategy and Delivery Units at the centre of DfE. We are seeking a motivated and talented individual with a passion for data science and the ability to deliver results in a complex environment. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced data scientist to make a difference to the lives of children and young people in England. The team has led on a diverse portfolio of work in the past using a range of innovative techniques:
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Job description
This post offers an exceptional opportunity to build and lead a high impact programme of work. As the Team Leader of the Data Science Team, you will:
- Lead delivery of data science projects – ensuring timely scoping of projects, engaging with policy and analyst colleagues and using the Agile delivery framework, lead projects to delivery, with a focus on impact
- Provide leadership to a small team of analysts working on data science projects, ensure an inclusive and happy team culture and provide support, guidance, and training to team members.
- Work with senior colleagues across the Department, to identify and prioritise opportunities where data science can be applied
- Act as champion for Data Science in DfE leading and influencing senior leaders of the merits of approaches and the benefits to the business.
- Lead the team to use the best technology and think creatively. We have one of the best tech setups in the Department. This includes more powerful laptops; a paid-for OpenAI API subscription for prototyping with powerful NLP models; DataCamp subscriptions for advanced L&D; support for seamless deployment of R shiny applications on internal servers; and ways of working designed for a beautifully streamlined coding & analysis experience (e.g. DevOps repos and pipelines, Git and Agile)
Person specification
You will be a leader of data science with responsibility for managing and developing the team, building organisational capability, and setting direction. We are looking for someone able to seek and create opportunities to add value across the organisation, who is imaginative and who will explore new ways of working.
We appreciate that there are several routes into the data science profession and would therefore encourage applicants with a range of professional backgrounds to apply (including, but not limited to, statistics, operational research, econometrics, and computer science). If you are unsure, we would highly recommend contacting the hiring manager Charles.Livesey@education.gov.uk
Essential Criteria
You will be able to demonstrate the following:
- Experience of Data Science Techniques: Extensive experience in data science, utilising various techniques (e.g. regression, decision trees, clustering, neural networks, simulation, natural language processing, supervised and unsupervised machine learning) to solve policy and organizational problems.
- Leading Analysis: Demonstrated ability to lead analytical projects and collaborate effectively with diverse professionals.
- Data skills: Proficient in working with large and complex datasets, extracting valuable insights.
- Programming skills: Strong programming skills in Python or R, including complex program/script writing and supporting team members. Familiarity with SQL, DevOps, and Git for collaborative work.
- Communication skills: Exceptional communication skills, capable of explaining complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
Desirable Criteria
It would be advantageous to demonstrate the following:
- Knowledge of Education Data: Experience working within the education sector and/or knowledge of education data
- Leading Teams: Experience of leading happy and functional analytical team with an emphasis on building capacity and driving change within an organisation
Desirable criteria will only be assessed in the event of a tie break situation to make an informed decision.
There is no formal analytical badging requirement for this role. The depth of the technical challenge and high-profile nature of this work is suited to those with an inquisitive mind set who are seeking an intellectual challenge.
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:
- Data Science
Benefits
£13,866 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
Applicants currently holding a permanent post in the Civil Service should note that, if successful, their salary on appointment would be determined by the Departments transfer / promotion policies.
As a member of the DfE, you will be entitled to join the highly competitive Civil Service Pension Scheme, which many experts agree is one of the most generous in the UK.
You will have 25 days leave, increasing by 1 day every year to a maximum of 30 days after five years service. In addition, all staff receive the King’s Birthday privilege holiday and 8 days bank and public holidays.
We offer flexible working arrangements, such as job sharing, term-time working, flexi-time and compressed hours.
Most DfE employees will be working a hybrid pattern, spending at least 60% of their time in an office or work setting. Changes to these working arrangements are available in exceptional circumstances but must be agreed with the line manager and in line with the requirements of the role.
Travel to your primary office location will not be paid for by DfE, but costs for travel to an office which is not your main location will be covered.
As an organisation, which exists to support education and lifelong learning, we offer our staff excellent professional development opportunities.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Qualifications
If you are already Civil Service badged analyst, there are no minimum qualifications required.
If you are not a badged analyst, then you will need a degree in a relevant quantitative field. Examples include but are not limited to: Statistics; Mathematics; Economics; Computer Science or Data Science.
Application
As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide a Personal Statement (maximum 1250 words) and a CV.
Please use your CV to set out your career history, highlighting specific responsibilities and achievements that are relevant for this role. Please also include a list of your relevant qualifications.
The personal statement should clearly set out how you meet each of the essential and desirable criteria for the role outlining relevant skills, experience, and achievements which provide evidence of your suitability.
If we receive a large number of applications for the role we will do a pre-sift on the essential criteria Experience of data science techniques’.
The CV and statement will be jointly assessed against the essential criteria detailed in the advert. The sift of applications will likely take place on the w/c 28th September.
Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to deliver a presentation of up to 10 minutes showing a piece of work where you used a data science approach to influence a decision or solve a problem.
This will be followed by an interview, with specific assessment of;
- Knowledge and Experience of essential criteria
- Civil Service Behaviours: ‘Leadership’ and ‘Developing Self and Others’
- Technical skills relating to the requirements of a principal data scientist as set out in the following Gov.uk guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/data-scientist#principal-data-scientist
Interviews will likely be held across the two weeks commencing 9th October and 16th October.
Technical skills
We’ll assess you against the technical requirements of a principal data scientist as set out in the following Gov.uk guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/data-scientist#principal-data-scientist candidates should highlight those that they think are the most relevant to this role.
Other Information
We reserve the right to raise the minimum pass mark in the event of a high volume or strong field of candidates.
Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK from the location options provided and not from overseas.
The government is committed to supporting apprenticeships, enabling people to learn and progress in a role whilst earning. We want to monitor the number of people who have completed apprenticeships who are now applying to progress further in their career and are asking this question to all candidates, on all vacancies. You will be asked a question as part of the application process about any previous apprenticeships you have completed. Your response to this question will not affect your application and it is not a requirement of the role to have completed a previous apprenticeship.
For this role the department would not consider sponsoring a Certificate of Sponsorship/visa. Please note we are unable to offer advice on any Visa and Immigration cases.
If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check maybe 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 circumstance some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Department of Education of your intention by emailing Pre-Employment.Checks.DFE@education.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Department for Education do not cover the cost of travel to your interview/assessment unless otherwise stated.
A reserve list may be held for a period of 6 months from which further appointments can be made.
Candidates will be posted in merit order based upon location preference. Where more than one location is advertised you will be asked to state your preferred location.
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
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.
Terms and conditions of candidates transferring from ALBs and NDPBs
Bodies that are not accredited by the Civil Service Commission and are not able to advertise at Across Government on Civil Service jobs will be treated as external new starters and will come into DfE on modernised terms and conditions with a salary at the band minimum.
Bodies that are accredited by the Civil Service Commission but do not have civil service status will be offered modernised terms and will not have continuous service recognised for leave or sickness benefits. Salaries should be offered at band minimum, but there is some flexibility where this would cause a detriment to the individual.
Bodies that are accredited by the Civil Service Commission and do have Civil Service status will be treated as OGD transfers. Staff appointed on lateral transfer will move on to pre-modernised DfE terms (unless they were on modernised terms in their previous organisation). Staff appointed on promotion will move on to modernised DfE terms. Staff will transfer over on their existing salary (on lateral transfer) and any pay above the DfE pay band maximum will be paid as a mark time allowance. Staff moving on promotion will have their salaries calculated using the principles set out in the attached OGD transfer supplementary information.
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 Department of Education via centralrecruitment.operations@education.gov.uk 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.
Any move to Department for Education (DfE) will mean you will no longer be able to carry on claiming 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/
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
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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 : Charles Livesey
- Email : Charles.Livesey@education.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : AdvertsRecruitment.DFE@education.gov.uk
Further information
