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Job summary
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
Do you have a passion for nature and the environment? And scientific or research based expertise in this area? Do you enjoy working in a team? Do you want to make a real difference by harnessing the power of education to respond to climate change? Can you see yourself advising policy decisions to ensure the education system is at the forefront of responding to the complex challenges of sustainability ?
Within this important and exciting role, your knowledge and expertise relating to sustainability and the environment will give you the opportunity to influence and shape the delivery of the commitments set out within the Department for Educations (DfE) Sustainability & Climate Change Strategy.
Your role will be wide ranging, from supporting the delivery of the governments 25 Year Environment Plan and Net Zero Strategy from a DfE perspective, to leading the development of a new national climate risk assessment framework for education, and advising on specific policies and initiatives led and delivered by DfE. The nature and focus of the role will change to align with DfE and Government priorities.
You will lead the development of DfEs evidence-base on sustainability and climate change, embedding a response to climate risk within DfE policies, helping co-ordinate sustainability policy across DfE, and working with other government departments, agencies, and research organisations to develop these areas
You will be instrumental in advancing how we assess and interpret climate risk, leading a cross-departmental working group and co-ordinating and leading a small multidisciplinary team applying research and data in support of this priority work area.
Job description
You will join a high-performing, ambitious and friendly, multi-disciplinary team of sustainability specialists and analysts. Through your understanding of current legislation and sustainability best practice, you will be critical to the success of the Unit.
You will play a key role in supporting policy teams and project managers to deliver policies and initiatives which align with the evidence, as well as DESNZ and DEFRA-led legislation. Through your understanding of current sustainability-related legislation and good practice, you will be critical to the success of the Unit.
You will be responsible for delivery of the following, and you will get involved in wider team activities and priorities as they arise:
- Developing DfEs assessment of climate risk to education, currently focussed on three risks of overheating, flooding, and water scarcity as identified by the Climate Change Committee.
- Identifying and managing research opportunities through networking and the development of partnerships to ensure initiatives and policies developed to achieve the strategic aims of DfEs Sustainability & Climate Change Strategy are built on research-based evidence.
- Building networks and fostering relationships across other government departments, demonstrating and championing sharing of good practice.
- Providing expert advice to senior leaders and ministers representing DfE across Whitehall.
- Ensuring sustainability is successfully embedded within policy development across the Department.
- Holding senior leaders to account and developing solutions with teams across DfE and their delivery partners to ensure genuine claims can be made relating to the environmental impact of activities and policies
- Building capability within the Sustainability and Climate Change Unit and the wider department by raising awareness, improving understanding of sustainability and climate change by applying it within an education policy context.
Person specification
Essential Criteria
You will:
- Have a strong academic understanding of sustainability and hold at least a first degree in any of the following: Sustainability, Sustainable Development, Environmental Social Science, Environmental Politics, Political Ecology, or Ecological Economics (or a related subject).
- If you do not have such a qualification, you will demonstrate that you have an understanding of a broad range of theory and research on the subject and equivalent work experience or significant relevant research experience which may be accepted please explain this in your personal statement.
- Have excellent organisational skills or project/programme management experience with the ability to manage a programme of work to deliver successful outcomes.
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:
- Applying knowledge
- Interfacing with policy
Benefits
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, with an average employer contribution of 27%.
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 Kings 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
Application
To apply for this role, please provide a CV and a personal statement. The personal statement (maximum 500 words) will need to demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria, listed within the person specification section of the advert.
In addition you will be required to provide 250 word statement on the following Behaviour:
You are also required to provide 250 word statements against each of the following Technical skills:
- Applying knowledge; and
- Interfacing with policy
We will assess your Technical qualifications, skills, and knowledge in line with the Government Science and Engineering Framework (page 15 onwards of Government Science and Engineering (GSE) Career Framework, November 2021 (Version 2)
If we receive high volumes of applications, then we will sift on the technical skill of Applying knowledge and the Success Profiles behaviour of Working Together.
Interview
The interview will be held remotely via Microsoft Teams. It will involve a discussion around your Technical skills, your Experience and the listed Behaviours required for this role. There will also be assessment of your Strengths through brief verbal questions. There is no expectation that you prepare in advance for the Strengths-based questions, but you may wish to reflect on what you enjoy doing and what you do well.
Interviews will likely take place in early December (dates to be confirmed).
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.
DfE cannot offer Visa sponsorship to candidates through this campaign. DfE holds a Visa sponsorship licence but this can only be used for certain roles and this campaign does not qualify.
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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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).
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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Sarah Lyth or David Wingate
- Email : sarah.lyth@education.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : AdvertsRecruitment.DFE@education.gov.uk
Further information
