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Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
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About the job
Job summary
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people’s day-to-day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink.
Strategy Directorate
The Strategy Directorate is a fast-paced, dynamic, and challenging environment. Our purpose is to give a high quality and timely service to Ministers and the Permanent Secretary, and to ensure that Defra group is able to achieve the strategic objectives we set out in our Business Plan.
We work in support of Defras strategic objectives, look at how we can join up with other initiatives across the organisation to get things done, support each other to deliver excellent work, help Defra to make good decisions and we identify and unblock barriers to change.
Job description
Defras Delivery Unit (DU) was set up in January 2023 as a new, powerful capability at the heart of Defra to drive forward the departments ambitious agenda. Defras DU focuses on core elements of the Secretary of States (SoS) delivery priorities including climate change, farming, biodiversity and water. It works as an integral part of Defra, acting as the guardian of the SoSs delivery priorities and the associated tools and techniques for getting things done. As such, the unit works very closely with the SoS, her wider Ministerial team, the Permanent Secretary, and Director Generals to drive forward tangible progress through others.
Currently the DU, split across two branches:
- Delivery Unit (operations) this branch of the unit focuses on working with Defras Arms-Length Bodies to focus on capturing key data and metrics to drive progress towards outcomes and developing a consistent, data driven overview of delivery performance and operational activity within the Defra Group
- Delivery Unit (priorities) this branch of the unit focuses on the SoSs delivery priorities, supporting the SoS by providing independent insight and undertaking impartial analysis of data to drive progress towards delivery of outcomes
We are recruiting for analytical leads across these teams who will need to work collaboratively across strategy and analytical colleagues in the DU.
These are demanding and intellectually stimulating roles, providing an opportunity to combine your ability to rapidly structure problems, with an ability to influence the most powerful decision makers in Defra.
While leading analysis on a particular area, the successful candidates will also need to respond nimbly to other priorities whilst the Unit will be very focused on delivering key elements of the SoSs agenda, we want to ensure we can help bring rigour and support to other policy and delivery challenges.
Main responsibilities include:
- Establishing data flows from across the department, including influencing at senior levels to obtain it. The post holder will need to identify the relevant data and metrics to measure progress on SoS priorities. Where data is unavailable, this may require identifying suitable alternatives and their associated caveats
- Lead in the design and delivery of aspects of data and analytical products on priority areas including applying advanced analytical techniques to gain novel insights
- Developing innovative, clear and engaging visualisations to communicate your analysis, including interactive data visualisation tools in Plotly Dash for Python
- Work with the joint Heads of Unit (G6) and the G7 Strategy and Analytical Leads to interpret data and provide quality advice to SoS, Special Advisors, and the Permanent Secretary, to improve delivery assurance. You will act as an advisor, providing open, candid and independent advice on delivery status
- Help drive a culture shift to becoming a data driven department, through ensuring we are collecting and utilising appropriate data in delivery conversations and decision-making forums
- Work closely with Delivery Unit colleagues to build the team culture and ways of working with the department
Person specification
Essential Criteria
We are looking for a self-motivated, organised and proactive person who is enthusiastic about driving progress alongside senior leadership to deliver impactful change.
- Deep understanding and a proven track record of using data and analysis in decision-making, preferably in a government context
- Coding in Python or R, and SQL or similar databasing languages
- Coding process – engineering and using structured coding, manipulating data developing and deploying reusable components, incorporating test, validation and error handling in the code. Github and its use in the coding process
- Experience working with databases, structured and unstructured data, and large-volume raw operational data
- Strong experience of working together with colleagues in other teams at both working and senior levels to gather and scrutinise data, and an ability to act as a critical friend
- Quality assurance – demonstrating excellent attention to detail and setting high standards
- You should have good verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex issues and analysis to non-specialists, including effective presentation of complex, incomplete or ambiguous information
- You will be a team player, and be willing to cover and support your teammates as the need arises
Memberships
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
- Delivering at Pace
Benefits
£13,338 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
A career in the Civil Service is like no other. If youre looking to join a world class team and develop your career with us, then the Civil Service is the place for you! You might be wondering, whats in it for me? Take a look below at some of the benefits available to you as a civil servant in Defra.
Strategy Directorate Benefits:
Learning and Development
Everyone in Defra is supported to develop their skills and capabilities. When you join the Directorate, you will be welcomed into your new team through an induction programme that will provide you with helpful information on the civil service, Defra, our work and our policies. Your line manager will also work with you to establish your priorities for the year, developing a performance, learning and development plan tailored to you and your role, while also working with you to connect you with a civil service mentor to help empower you in your new role with the opportunity to benefit from paid for coaching.
Most importantly, were keen to invest in you! As a civil servant, you will also have access to Civil Service Learning where you can participate in professional development programmes across a wide spectrum of subjects and professions.
Department Benefits:
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 King’s 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
- 5 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.
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, and Behaviour Statements.
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 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 are to be confirmed.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on the above behaviours, and your experience against the role criteria.
You may be asked to give a presentation as part of your interview.
Interviews are expected to last no longer than 50 minutes.
Interviews to be held via Video link.
Location
Please be aware that this role 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. Existing office arrangements will be maintained for existing staff, but regular (weekly) travel to London will be needed
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.
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 2 Marsham Street 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 : Strategy Resourcing Team
- Email : sandc.resourcing@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.
