Senior Scientific Officer

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.

Central Science Division

The roles will be based in Defra’s Central Science Division within Defra’s Science and Analysis Group. CSD has a key strategic role to play in ensuring that Defra has science, analysis and data at its heart.

CSD delivers value in numerous key ways, including:

Providing specialist scientific and systems-thinking expertise to deliver high quality advice, insight and assurance to underpin Defra’s work and to inform decision-making.

Developing and improving capability in the science and engineering profession including providing learning and development and building professional communities.

Ensuring Defra’s flagship R&D programmes deliver the science, analysis, data and innovation needed to support departmental goals and future outcomes.

Ensuring that Defra and its partnerships play a central role in the UK’s use of science and innovation for strategic advantage, is seen across Government and internationally as a science department, and successfully championing UK science and innovation.

Encouraging diverse applicants 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.

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.

There are 5 roles available. Successful applicants will work flexibly on one or more priority workstreams, including:

• Science and engineering profession and communications – refreshing Defra’s strategy for communicating Defra’s science internally and externally, establishing and embedding new engagement and capability-building approaches across the science and analysis community across Defra Group. Coordinating learning and development and, talent programme opportunities (including budget management) for the science and engineering profession, and managing Defra’s Science and Engineering fast-stream programme.
• Science policy and processes – monitoring implementation of Defra’s response to the Government Science Capability review, embedding good practice principles for research management across Defra, including robust processes for publishing outputs from Defra R&D and ensuring accessibility and discoverability, developing and implementing Defra’s knowledge assets strategy, and ensuring appropriate guidance on quality assurance.
• International science partnerships – working across Defra group to coordinate cross cutting international science partnerships, and engage partners within Defra group, across government, and with colleagues in international postings such as the Science and Innovation Network (SIN). This includes supporting the Chief Scientific Adviser’s participation in international forums such as the G20 Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists (MACS).
• R&D fellowships and secondments – developing, implementing and evaluating a new science and analysis fellowships programme within Defra. The programme will create a pool of fellows, brought in from academia and industry, to work flexibly to support policy, science and analysis teams across Defra. This will involve working closely with Defra’s Lead Scientists, Lead Analysts, Public Sector Research Establishments, Human Resources and the external academic/industry community. 

Science and engineering pay and reward – supporting on Defra’s engagement on a new approach to recognition and resilience of science capabilities across Government. Leading on the ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the use of pay mechanisms for scientists, and supporting building the evidence base and business case for the science and engineering profession in Defra’s wider Professions Capability-Based Pay (CBP) project. This will include supporting development of systems for designing, applying and monitoring CBP across a diverse and complex range of science roles, and engaging and influencing Government Office for Science to ensure alignment with cross-Government Science and Engineering profession plans.  This will also involve working closely with Defra’s Chief Scientific Adviser, HR, embedded scientists across core Defra and our Arms’ Length Bodies (ALBs), and with other professions to coordinate approaches to CBP.   

Person specification and essential criteria:

• Further degree in a natural or environmental science or related subject, or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge and experience of how science and evidence are used across government and the role of R&D in policymaking and delivery.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal), proficient at engaging with science and non-science colleagues at all levels with a strong ability to persuade and influence others.
• Ability to communicate technical information to a non-specialist audience. Experience working with senior level stakeholders, including the scientific community, to agree and deliver shared objectives.
• Strong leadership skills, including managing relationships with delivery partners and handling complex sensitivities.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong project and programme management skills, including experience of managing and delivering projects from start to finish; shaping, planning and driving forward work; and developing and maintaining collaborative relationships.

We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Communicating and Influencing

We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Further degree in a natural or environmental science or related subject, or equivalent experience.

A career in the Civil Service is like no other. If you’re 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, “what’s 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, we’re 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

Salary

These posts offer a non-pensionable, non-consolidated Specialist Skills Supplement of £3000 per annum (pro rata as appropriate).

Technology

We’re a firm believer in agile and flexible working. When you join Defra, we’ll 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;
– 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.

Job contact :

• Name : Strategy Resourcing Team
• Email : sandc.resourcing@defra.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk