Agri-Food Higher Scientific Advisor: Agri-food Climate Programme Newcastle upon Tyne, England
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About the job
Job summary
We are recruiting for two science posts in the Agri-food Science Team and the Genetic Technologies Team.
These posts sit within the Innovation, Productivity and Science Division of the Agri-Food Chain Directorate (AFCD).
The Directorate is the cross-Government lead on a diverse and exciting range of Agri-Food policy, working closely with industry and building links across the supply chain.
Science specialists in AFCD support the directorate’s objectives of the development of research and evidence underpinning agri-food policy and helping Government to deliver its Net Zero and Food Strategy commitments on food sustainability, security and consumer confidence in food quality, composition, and provenance.
Science programme
The Agri-food Science programme provides advice on farming and food science, R&D and evidence. This activity supports farming and food policy development and evaluation end to end across the food chain by producing science-driven R&D and robust evidence, facilitating access to top-class expert intelligence, and translating complex scientific findings. As a team, we produce, commission, synthesise, interpret, and communicate scientific R&D to ensure that farming and food policy is evidence-based. The research and development we develop also provides public goods, or addresses market failure to identify/de-risk practical applications of science to drive transformation in the agri-food chain.
The post holder will join a friendly, supportive, and flexible team of 20 staff, in the Innovation, Productivity and Science Division of the Agri-Food Chain Directorate (AFCD).
The available role will offer candidates the opportunity to work closely with policy customers, the research community and other evidence specialists across Defra, using your scientific skills and expertise to provide evidence and advice to support AFCD policy areas. Our wider R&D portfolio includes work on crops, livestock, gaseous emissions, generating evidence on how to make farming and food production and food supply more environmentally and economically sustainable now and into the future.
The holder of the role will be responsible for the development, commissioning, managing, evaluation, and communication of scientific research, which will support a range of policy issues, including the quantification of emissions from agri-food production at the national, supply chain, and farm scales. It will also involve work to develop practical strategies to reduce these emissions in support of statutory Net Zero targets. The candidate may also support on an emerging part of the portfolio on horizon scanning and transformation of the agri-food system.
Working as part of a flexible science team, post holders will be expected to support a variety of evidence activity relating to agriculture and food policy including preserving genetic resources, genetic technologies, securing a resilient and secure food supply and enabling consumer confidence in food.
Although there is currently only one post in this section of the team, more may be available in the future, and as such we will hold a reserve list.
Genetic technologies
It is an exciting time to join the Genetic Technologies team just as the Precision Breeding Act has gained Royal Assent, and global interest in the potential for genetic technology is growing exponentially. The team is responsible for reforming, operating, and enforcing legislation to enable safe use of organisms produced by genetic modification and precision breeding without undue regulatory burden. This includes understanding and interpreting the regulatory science on genetic technologies, developing policy on areas to reform, liaising with stakeholders and ensuring we keep abreast of international developments.
The post holder will be responsible for commissioning, managing, evaluating, and communicating scientific advice on GMO applications, working with enforcers to manage compliance with GMO regulation and contributing towards detailed development of PBO regulatory requirements. This requires flexible working alongside other science and policy professionals. The post holder will be joining a supportive and friendly team and will need to be able to work flexibly and independently.
Job description
Agri-food Science
The role will be responsible for the development, commissioning, managing, evaluation, and communication of scientific research, including projects on agri-food climate impacts and strategies to reduce GHG emissions. This work will help ensure a sustainable agri-food system that contributes to environmental objectives including Net-Zero and is resilient and adaptive to climate change. The work directly supports Defra delivery objectives around a Secure and Resilient Food Chain, Consumers, and the Environment. The successful candidate may benefit from opportunities to experience supporting other areas agri-food system science. Apart from being the subject matter expert, an interdisciplinary approach will be needed as well as collaboration across Defra and with external science stakeholders (e.g. research institutes).
Key responsibilities include:
- Commissioning, managing, shaping, and developing a portfolio of individual research projects.
- Provide up-to-date and robust scientific advice to farming policy teams, research providers and stakeholders to develop and deliver scientific research to support policy delivery.
- Secondary analysis of research outputs and literature review to support policymakers in the design, implementation, and evaluation of policy
- Reviewing project deliverables, quality assurance of results, and communicating findings.
- Helping define new R&D proposals to address evidence gaps, and engaging with external research partnerships, representing Defra’s interests.
- Supporting cross-cutting and high-profile Defra policy issues.
- Experience commissioning and procuring R&D projects, budget management and publication of reports would be an advantage
Genetic Technologies
In this post you will work with and support the secretariat to the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment’s (ACRE) activity to ensure that it provides clear, consistent scientific evidence and advice. ACRE is an independent Scientific Advisory Committee that gives statutory advice to ministers on the risks to human health and the environment from the release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
You will use advice from ACRE to assist Ministers with decision making during implementation of the current GMO legislation governing the risks to human health and the environment arising from the release of GMOs. You will support legislative reform on genetic technologies, using advice from ACRE and your developed knowledge of the GMO legislation.
Key responsibilities include:
- Draft technical and scientific papers and correspondence in coordination with the ACRE Secretariat to communicate with ACRE committee members, experts, scientific community, and stakeholders on GMOs.
- Engage with ACRE Secretariat to secure scientific advice from ACRE in relation to all aspects of GMOs, including authorisation of field and clinical trials
- Communicate scientific advice on GMO from ACRE to non-scientific audiences.
- Support GM aspects including on legislative and regulatory developments.
This post will be busy and rewarding, with the opportunity to work closely with Ministers, academia, industry, and scientific experts. The post holder will need to be able to work flexibly across science functions to meet an evolving set of priorities.
Person specification
The successful candidate will need to be able to demonstrate knowledge and expertise of the following specialisms:
Agri-food science:
- A natural science or environmental science background to degree level in a relevant subject and/or relevant scientific experience in agriculture, agri-food supply or as an environmental scientist.
Genetic Technologies:
- A natural science background is needed for this role to degree level and/or relevant scientific experience in genetics or molecular biology.
- Ability to clearly articulate, translate and communicate technical issues to both scientific experts and non-scientist stakeholders.
Qualifications
A graduate qualification, BSc level or equivalent, in a relevant scientific discipline, including but not limited to natural science, environmental science or similar is essential. Workplace experience from similar roles will also be considered.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
- Working Together
- Leadership
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
Benefits
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
We have strong staff networks covering mental health, disability and other needs. We also have a range of special leave policies for hospital appointments and will put reasonable adjustments in place for people who need them. The department places significant emphasis on talent programmes that help everyone to achieve their full potential. The Civil Service as a whole is committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination, harassment, bullying and victimisation. Support available includes a Bullying and Harassment network and mediation services.
Pension
Your pension is a valuable part of your total reward package.
Generous Annual Leave & Bank Holiday Allowance
Defra offers 25 days’ annual leave (rising, over 5 years, to 30 days) for full time new entrants to the Civil Service. Employees receive 8 public holidays a year.
Staff Recognition
We have a Staff Recognition Scheme to reward exemplary work.
Learning & Development
All new employees joining (and returning to) Defra will have an induction to the department, our work and policies. You will have access to a broad range of learning and development opportunities with world class providers.
Mentoring & Coaching
Mentoring is way of developing your career and boosting your confidence that benefits both mentor and mentee. All our employees have the opportunity to work with a mentor or coach, if they wish to.
Volunteering
Defra employees are entitled to 3 days’ special leave with pay, each year, for volunteering. We encourage our employees to take this up: it can be a great way to share skills with worthy charitable causes, while developing new insights and stronger links with the civil society sector.
Reservists
We fully support reservists and offer 15 days’ special leave with pay for training.
Bicycle Loan Schemes
Defra offers interest-free loans towards the cost of a bike and the Cycle to Work scheme. Defra ‘lends’ 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 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.
Sick Pay
We have a supportive sick pay policy. Pay progressively increases, by length of service, beginning at one month’s sick pay in your first year.
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.
Sift
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead behaviour ‘Communicating and Influencing’. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on experience and behaviours..
Interviews are likely to take place in the week commencing 22 May.
A presentation or additional exercise may also be assessed.
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.
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.
If you are successful in your application and your base working location is London, please be aware that Defra’s Nobel House Office at 17 Smith Square, London will be closing in December 2023.
This means that Defra new joiners will be located alongside existing colleagues in offices a short distance away from Nobel House in our other office at 2 Marsham St, London.
To work from 2 Marsham Street, you will require the higher level of CTC clearance. Therefore, confirmation of appointment to the advertised post will be dependent upon successful CTC clearance being confirmed as part of pre-employment checks.
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.
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 [email protected] 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 you’re 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 [email protected] 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 offenses. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s 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 ,London] 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
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
- relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
- certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals
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
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
Recruitment team
Further information
Government Recruitment Services via email: [email protected]
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
