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Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
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About the job
Job summary
This role sits within the Data Science and Analytics Hub (DASH) team within the Analysis and Insights Directorate (AID) in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). 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.
The Analysis and Insight Directorate has a key, strategic role to play in leading on cross cutting issues and ensuring that high quality analysis is driving Defras strategy, policy and ways of delivering.
AID delivers value in numerous ways, of which one is promoting analytical capability across the department to enable robust evidence bases. DASH is a key part of this ambition.
AID, in partnership with Digital, Data Technology and Services (DDTS) is delivering the DASH programme, a service for analysts and scientists that provides better access to data and a data science and analytics platform (the DASH platform) alongside skills and community development to support the delivery of high-quality cross cutting analysis for Defra.
The DASH team works across all directorates and Defra organisations to build relationships across government, academia, and wider communities. This role sits within the capability / support team which works with stakeholders and the analytical community across Defra group to ensure that users can do the science and analysis needed to put evidence at the heart of decision-making. Data science will be at the heart of the work but there is scope to engage in other development activities as well.
We recognise the challenges that people with (multiple) protected characteristics may experience on the job market and in their career progression. We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities. We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as possible, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups.
Job description
This advert is for a Data Science role in the capability building / support team in DASH:
As a Data Scientist providing support, you will:
- Have a strong interest in developing your technical and data science skills to ensure you can support users of the DASH service effectively including Data Bricks, Spark, distributed computing, etc.
- Training and upskilling – develop inclusive training materials for data science skills and deliver training on using core programming languages such as R or Python.
- User support work with users of the DASH platform to understand issues and provide solutions, including signposting and working with the DASH platform development team to identify solutions. You will maintain regular dialogue with users on their issues and recommended common solutions.
- Support the wider data science community across Defra group through various fora and communities and through license management for example for external training providers and GitHub.
- Contribute to the teams objectives, and to the delivery of activities across the wider DASH service.
- Put data and analysis at the heart of Defra.
Person specification
We would love to hear from you if you have the following skills and/or experience:
- Experience of undertaking data analysis or data science in a programming language such as R or Python.
- Good project management skills, with an ability to maintain focus and quality delivery in the face of changing priorities.
- A science, analytical, data science, technology or, geography background.
- Experience of delivering effective research, being flexible and adaptive to uncover the underlying challenges and goals from key stakeholders.
- Strong communication skills, including managing relationships with delivery partners, clearly communicating complex technical information, and communicating with a wide range of people.
- Some knowledge and/or experience of cloud computing e.g., Microsoft Azure or Databricks.
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:
- Technical Presentation at Interview – Further Details to follow if invited to interview
Benefits
£8,185 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.
Science and Analysis 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 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.
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 and Personal Statement.
Please align your Personal Statement in a maximum of 750 words, to how your experience meets the requirements of the position.
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.
Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Sifting and interview dates to be confirmed.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on Behaviours and a Technical Presentation.
Interviews are expected to last no longer than 60 Minutes.
Interviews will be held 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 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 Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-Employment.Checks@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.
Job offers are made on the basis of merit. If you are successful at interview, we will ask you to undertake basic security clearance before the role is confirmed. If you are based in London, we will need you to pass a higher level of clearance (CTC) because of the security requirements for the Marsham Street office.
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 1 year fixed term appointment as a HEO Data Scientist DASH Service in the Data Science and Analytics Hub 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.
As a Data Scientist you will work with users of the DASH platform to understand issues and provide solutions, including signposting and working with the DASH platform development team to identify solutions.
This post will therefore begin from the candidate’s start date and end after 1 year.
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 People & 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.
