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Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
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Social Research
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About the job
Job summary
Are you interested in how changes to land use practices can deliver environmental benefits in England? Are you interested in applying behavioural insight and a rich blend of different research methods to inform environmental policies? If so, now is a great time to join the Environmental Land Management Strategic Science and Modelling Team at The Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs’ (Defra) Farming and Countryside Programme (FCP).
The ELM Strategic Science and Modelling team are looking to recruit an experienced Senior Behavioural Analyst ( SEO Senior Research Officer) to lead projects that de-risk policy assumptions around service design and payment rates by overseeing pre-launch experimental testing of scheme features under controlled conditions (e.g. A/B testing, DCEs). They need a specialist skillset to draw out key behavioural theories underpinning policy development, and then design, commission, analyse, and disseminate the results of experiments that verify these theories by tracking observed behavioural change at scale.
They will work closely with other analytical professions, including economists, natural scientists and data scientists to ensure we have a strong evidence base to support our policy goals, in particular by generating robust assumptions for modelling and developing the business case. Contributing to the overall culture and effective working practice of the ELM Strategic Science and Modelling, the FCP analysis division as a whole, by participating actively in ELM and FCP analysis activities, contributing to wider divisional learning and development.
Job description
You will join a team that provides specialist behavioural insight and analytics, in helping civil servants design, build, and launch services that will fund and support farmers and other land managers in meeting the government’s ambitious environmental targets.
This includes testing and analysis to explore:
How cognitive biases and other behavioural factors are influenced by the broader cultural context in which our users operate.
Ways in which ELM policy could better take behavioural considerations into account, when forecasting the likely performance of our schemes.
How different design choices will influence the behaviour of both farmers and internal users of our services at scale.
The impact of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and other agricultural extension activities on systemic cultural change.
Exploring speculative improvements in scheme design features and choice architecture,
You will work to:
1. Lead high quality analysis and insight projects to the development and delivery of our schemes. The post holder will report to the Head of Behavioural Science and Analytics in the Strategic Science and Modelling Team and take responsibility for delivering detailed analytical products that are relevant to current policy and design questions. This may involve conducting in-house primary research (e.g., interviewing, experiments, ethnographic research); conducting evidence reviews and secondary analysis of academic and grey literature; and internal consultancy to provide a behavioural perspective on key policy topics and managing the procurement and delivery of research undertaken by external contractors on the Department’s behalf.
2. Work to embed evidence-based policy across ELM, through building positive and effective relationships with internal colleagues within the division and with external stakeholders. The post-holder will be required to work closely with other analysts in different specialisms, including Data Scientists and Statisticians, in order to provide effective forecasting of the uptake and delivery of our schemes.
3. Contribute to the overall culture and effective working practice of the ELM Strategic Science and Modelling team, the Farming and Countryside Programme (FCP) analysis division, by participating actively in ELM and FCP analytical activities, contributing to wider divisional Learning and development.
4. Contribute to the behavioural science community in Defra and share your analytical expertise and understanding with others.
5. Contribute to corporate initiatives in the wider FCP directorate, for example to increase equality, diversity, and inclusion.
As further roles may arise in the future, we are looking to maintain a reserve list of candidates. Therefore, if you demonstrate the required skills at interview but are not successful for the posts, you will be kept on the reserve list for up to twelve months.
Person specification
The following skills and experience are essential:
Excellent analytical skills with the ability to identify, champion, and use both qualitative and quantitative social scientific approaches to explore and answer policy questions. Examples of relevant fields include in psychology, anthropology, behavioural economics, sociology, or human geography, with expertise gained either in an academic (e.g. PhD or Masters-level experience) or professional (e.g. GSR, market research, consultancy) context, or a combination of both.
Experience of leading primary research into human behaviour this could be qualitative (e.g. ethnography) or quantitative (e.g. experimental or quasi-experimental methods).
The proven ability to synthesise a range of evidence and information to provide written and verbal advice and briefing to a range of audiences.
The ability to both manage and work closely with a mixed team of analysts and non-analysts, to collaborate and build positive working partnerships with colleagues at different levels of seniority, and to explain specialist activities effectively to non-specialist colleagues.
The ability to coordinate and work effectively within a larger team of internal and external stakeholders.
The ability to take personal responsibility for shaping, planning and driving forward work, delivering at pace and managing deadlines across a broad portfolio of work.
A readiness to explore and promote innovative research approaches as well as keeping in touch with new research findings and methods in your field and accessibly interpreting and sharing these with colleagues.
A thorough knowledge of research methodology, and the latest techniques (using qualitative and quantitative data).
Qualifications
Professional Experience route: Hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:1, or 2:2 with a postgraduate degree, in any subject, or a degree equivalent (e.g. an advanced Certificate or Diploma from MRS), plus extensive social research practice experience. Social research practice experience consists of experience working in a research agency, market research agency or specialist research team.
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
- Working Together
Technical skills
We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Design and delivery of behavioural insights projects.
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.
Technology
Were a firm believer in agile and flexible working. When you join Defra, well kit you out with a new Windows 10 Laptop, smartphone and rucksack to make sure that you perform your best wherever you are.
Leave
25 days’ paid leave per annum rising to 30 days after five years service, in addition to eight public holidays and the Kings Birthday privilege day. We also offer
– competitive maternity, paternity, parental and adoption leave;
– study leave for the pursuit of academic studies;
– 3 days paid leave for volunteering per annum;
– 15 days paid leave per year for reservist training; and,
– generous paid sick leave.
Cycle to Work Scheme
Defra loans you a bike for your commute as a tax-free benefit. At the end of the loan period, you have the option to buy the bike, saving 30% of the original cost.
Season Ticket and Bicycle Loan
We offer interest-free season ticket loans, to all Defra employees with more than three months service, for purchasing train and bus season tickets, as well as station car parking. For those unable to take advantage of tax-free benefits, we also offer an interest-free bicycle loan to enable the purchase of a bicycle for commuting.
Gym, Social and Sports Activities
Our offices have a range of different onsite facilities, including gym, fitness facilities, games room, showers and cycle storage. There are also a variety of networks and social groups to join. Ask your line manager for more information.
Restaurant and Café Facilities
A range of our offices offer onsite restaurant and café facilities.
Civil Service Benefits
Pension
Your pension is a valuable part of your total reward package, and you will be given the chance to join one of three different pension plans. You can find more information on the Civil Service Pension on the MyCSP Website at www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk
Civil Service Sports Council
The Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC) organises a wide choice of activities throughout the UK, from art, gliding, abseiling and orienteering to cabaret weekends and quiz and curry nights. Your CSSC membership will provide you with FREE access to hundreds of national and local sites, in addition to savings at many high street stores, cinemas, restaurants and historic houses.
Plus:
- 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 complete a CV, Personal Statement, Behaviour and Technical statements.
Please tailor your application to evidence your experience and skills according to those stated in this job advert.
Your personal statement should show, in no more than 500 words, how you meet the essential criteria of the post.
Please complete statements on the specified Behaviours. (250 word max per statement)
Please complete statements on the specified Technical Skills. (250 word max per statement)
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 Personal Statement, and the Lead Behaviour: Making Effective Decisions.
Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Sift and interview dates as well as the interview location to be confirmed.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on Strengths, Behaviours, Experience and Technical ability.
A presentation or additional scenario exercise may also be assessed.
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 /Disclosure Scotland 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.
For further information on the Disclosure Scotland confidential checking service telephone: the Disclosure Scotland Helpline on 0870 609 6006 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email Info@disclosurescotland.co.uk
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).
Apply and further information
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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Dr Jonathan Woolley
- Email : jonathan.woolley@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.
