Food and Farming Science - Senior Scientific Officer Newcastle upon Tyne, England
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Location
About the job
Job summary
An exciting science specialist opportunity has arisen in the Agri-Food Chain Directorate. The role supports 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.
Part of Agri-Food Chain Science and Evidence, the Food Science programme provides evidence to support these policy priorities which spans the food system. Our programme produces research to support policy development to transition to sustainable food systems that supply healthy and sustainable food for all. It also delivers evidence through strategic R&D to increase productivity of the agri-food sector with improved environmental impacts. It provides evidence to maintain food security and ensure a sustainable and resilient food system; and enable consumer confidence in our food supply through development of food analysis approaches to verify food authenticity (food labelling).
The programme leads strategic engagement with other funders nationally and internationally to align research and innovation and work in partnership to deliver common priorities.
The role holder will join a friendly, supportive, and flexible evidence team that spans agri-food science, in the Innovation, Productivity and Science (IPS) Division of the Agri-Food Chain Directorate (AFCD).
The role offers candidates the opportunity to work closely with policy customers, external stakeholders, industry, funders, the research community, and other evidence specialists across Defra, using scientific skills and expertise to provide evidence and advice to support AFCD policy areas.
The post holder will be responsible for ensuring research in their area is high quality, consistent and in alignment with the Agri-Food Directorate’s objectives and focus areas, and wider Defra strategic priorities.
The role will also involve line management responsibilities of junior members of the team, overseeing their activities, delivery, and supporting learning and development needs.
Job description
The post holder will lead the development, management and delivery of scientific research activity supporting Defra’s policy to contribute meeting the UK’s sustainability goals and Net Zero Strategy targets with a focus on reducing carbon in agriculture and food supply.
Specific evidence priorities include leading, developing and delivering the evidence base to improve understanding of the key sources of environmental impacts from UK food; support development of environmental impact metrics and standards to support food eco-labelling; developing standards and guidelines to assist the UK food sector to improve GHG reporting, and engaging green finance in the food chain.
It is also expected the post holder will lead research activities on the interdependencies between food systems sustainability, food security and consumer confidence.
It is expected the post holder will make effective use of all available resources and expertise within Defra’s evidence community and its partner organisations, including engaging with science, analysts and policy teams, research community, food and drink industry and partners including UKRI, to build the evidence we need to inform policy interventions.
Other requirements of the role include communicating expert scientific advice and briefing to ministers and policy makers.
This role would suit individuals with an interest in agriculture and food including reducing emissions of GHGs in the supply chain.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading development and delivery of the food supply chain Net Zero, food systems sustainability, resilience, and consumer confidence scientific and evidence research portfolio which is aligned to policy needs.
- Leading development of research specifications and assessment and evaluation of project proposals in the areas of, sustainability of the supply chain and food systems resilience and food authenticity.
- Engaging with policy teams, academic research community, industry, other Government Departments to identify and develop research needs and build partnerships to support their delivery. Representing Defra in meetings and events with external stakeholders to ensure alignment of research priorities and foster collaborative initiatives.
- Managing a portfolio of research projects to deadline and to budget, monitoring progress against milestones; evaluating project outputs; and undertaking publication of final reports.
- Ensuring the delivery of high quality, relevant robust research which meets policy needs, in accordance with Defra Departmental procedures.
- Drafting ad-hoc responses to public and Ministerial enquiries.
- Contributing to technical briefing to inform senior managers and ministers.
- Supporting development of wider team. Line management responsibilities of junior members of the team, overseeing their activities, supporting them with the delivery of their work objectives and learning and development needs.
Person specification
The post holder will need to demonstrate a good general awareness of the broader issues affecting food systems sustainability, including environmental and social externalities resulting from food production and consumption; and climate change impacts on the food system.
A good understanding of issues relevant to the practice and management of research.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to swiftly distil complex information and provide clear and succinct advice to senior officials and non-scientists.
Good management skills, including the ability to lead, direct and motivate others through periods of rapid change and uncertainty and deputise where necessary.
Ability to foster collaborative working relationships, across Defra directorates, the Defra group, devolved administrations, and the UK’s farming science research community as well as other 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.
A relevant post-graduate qualification or equivalent relevant workplace experience.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Making Effective Decisions
- Working Together
- Leadership
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Seeing the Big Picture
- 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 (max 250 words per specified behaviour).
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 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, behaviours and strengths.
A presentation or additional exercise may also be assessed.
Interviews are likely to take place from the week commencing 10th April.
The GSS technical competence "communicating science and engineering for government and building and applying knowledge " will be assessed via a 5-minute oral presentation on a recent piece of work which demonstrates your technical competence against the role requirements, and the impact of your work. Slides or other materials are not required.
Interviews will be held via video call.
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 Defra hub locations. All other applicants will be based in one of the advertised Defra hub 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.
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 appointed in merit order for each location. You will be asked to state your location preference on your application.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to DWP from another employer will mean you can no longer access 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
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.
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.
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.
All of these posts require the successful candidate to hold basic security clearance. Candidates posted to 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.
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 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.
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
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission:
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