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Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
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About the job
Job summary
The EU and International Trade Directorate is responsible for delivering the UKs environmental, climate change, food, farming, fisheries and biosecurity objectives through trade. We do this by representing Defras interests in bilateral and plurilateral trade negotiations; engaging multilaterally at the World Trade Organization; leading the implementation of trade deals for the Department; and growing UK exports.
In these roles, you will support this work by: driving forward evidence-based policy development, working with stakeholders within and outside Government, supporting live trade negotiations, and providing advice and briefing to senior leaders and ministers. You will also be expected to contribute to cross cutting work and projects within and beyond the Directorate.
Some roles will require regular travel to London, and occasional travel throughout the UK.
Job description
Responsibilities
You will be allocated to a role in one of the following teams. Specific responsibilities will be agreed on appointment.
The Environment, Animal Welfare, Sanitary and Phytosanitary team (EAST) develops trade policy and strategy and leads trade negotiations on these areas. We work closely with teams across Defra and with other government departments, including the Department for Business and Trade, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Food Standards Agency, to deliver the UKs trade objectives, primarily in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
The Tariffs, Rules of Origin, International Food Security and Negotiation Strategy team (TRIFSS) works closely with the Department of Business and Trade and other departments with the aim of ensuring the Governments international trade programme delivers benefits for the UKs farming, fishing and food-and-drink industries, as well as consumers and communities in all parts of the country. We coordinate Defras activity in negotiation of Free Trade Agreements and represent the department in negotiations of Market Access (i.e. tariff) and Rules of Origin aspects of these agreements. We also lead on other aspects of trade and tariff policy affecting agri-food products and support the Governments global leadership on Ukraine and international food security.
The Trade Strategy and Implementation team (TSI) lead Defras trade strategy and manage ministerial engagement on trade issues as well as organising Defras key trade governance forums. We are responsible for maintaining and building Defras trade capability and shaping the civil service Trade Profession. We work to ensure Defra can get the best out of its trade deals, through implementation and maximising opportunities for market access. We manage a network of agri-food and drink attaches around the world resolving market access barriers for our exports. We work closely with the Department for Business and Trade as well as ministerial offices.
The World Trade Organization, Technical Barriers to Trade and Geographical Indications team (WTG) lead on the UKs oversight and implementation of the WTO Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, and the Agreement on Agriculture, alongside considerations under a number of other WTO Agreements. The team also has responsibility for Defras trade disputes and remedies functions. Roles in this team ensure the UK is effectively delivering its obligations, that our interests are robustly represented at the WTO, and that the department possesses the right knowledge. You will collaborate with teams across Government and have line management responsibilities.
Person specification
Experience
For these posts candidates will need to demonstrate the following:
- Excellent communication and networking skills with the ability to persuade and influence others, establishing collaborative relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
- The ability to compile, assimilate, distil, interpret and present evidence and options, drawing upon experts as appropriate.
- Resilience and adaptability, particularly when working in an ambiguous and fast-paced environment.
- The ability to interpret a broad strategy and identify priorities for action.
- The ability to manage multiple priorities and respond flexibly to competing and complex demands despite surrounding ambiguity.
Guidance sessions
We will be running two Civil Service Jobs Application and Interview Guidance sessions presented by one of our Deputy Directors.
These sessions will be on Microsoft Teams. If you would like to join us, please use the links below:
3rd of August 12:00-13:00
Click here to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 381 901 990 860
Passcode: RqBAZx
Download Teams , Join on the web
9th of August 12:30-13:30
Click here to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 357 418 683 956
Passcode: eAxpyT
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Benefits
£8,186 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
- 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%
Diversity and Inclusion
We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive employer we champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. We expect active participation from all our staff in creating an inclusive and welcoming culture.
Learning and Development
We place a huge emphasis on Learning & Development in EUIT and have a dedicated People Group focussed on this topic. This is in addition to a dedicated Learning and Development budget, which allows all colleagues to access a wide range of learning opportunities either specific to your role or more general.
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 500-word personal statement about how you meet the Experience Section in the advert.
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 500-word Personal Statement. 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. We will hold all interviews remotely via telephone or video.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on Behaviours listed in the advert.
A presentation or additional 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 Nobel House and 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.
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-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
For certain roles, successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. All staff wishing to work in London will need CTC Clearance as a minimum. All roles relating to trade policy and negotiations require SC Clearance regardless of where candidates are based. To find out further what these checks entail please follow this link.
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
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 : Jamie Crichton
- Email : Jamie.Crichton@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.
