Higher Agricultural Officer Edinburgh, Scotland
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Job summary
Are you looking for an interesting and varied role where you can utilise your organisational skills, and build relationships with a huge range of staff and stakeholders?
Within the ARE Directorate, the Rural Payments and Inspections Division (RPID) are accountable for the strategic process that regulates and oversees the payment of Agricultural grants and subsidies and related inspection regimes totalling £700m/annum. In the current programme, this is split between direct aid to farmers and crofters totalling £500m and a further £200m under the banner of the Scottish Rural Development Programme. It is also responsible for other regulatory activity and expert technical advice.
RPID teams of professional agricultural, customer service and administrative staff are based in a network of 17 offices located around rural Scotland. These teams manage the implementation of agricultural, environmental and rural policies, process applications for funding and provide high quality customer service.
A significant responsibility of the post is the delivery, development and continuous improvement of the Sheep and Goat Identification Inspection capability that we deliver on an annual basis. You may also be involved in wider team activities reflecting future delivery of the Scottish Governments Vision for Agriculture and also developments in livestock identification, registration and movement requirements specifically in relation to inspection, compliance and enforcement.
A flexible approach and recognition of the importance of developing and maintaining strong collaborative relationships is a key part of this post.
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the Cross Compliance and Livestock Inspections Team within the Rural Payments and Inspections Division in the Agriculture and Rural Economy (ARE) Directorate as we prepare to deliver on the Scottish Government’s Vision for Agriculture.
Job description
- Annual delivery of the sheep and goat identification inspection capability in accordance with defined deadlines.
- Understanding and contributing to the development of the UK livestock traceability systems particularly in relation to inspections and compliance.
- Contributing to wider duties in relation to the Agricultural Reform Programme.
- Maintenance of staff and customer guidance
- Development and delivery of blended staff training including e-learning.
- Providing support to colleagues – e.g. complex cases, IT issues, policy confirmation.
- Maintenance of quality standards and continuous improvement in this business area.
- Providing professional advice on agricultural matters to Ministers, Senior Management and policy colleagues.
- Line Management of one B1 colleague.
Person specification
- A proven ability to work constructively with a range of people across a variety of divisions/organisations to deliver specific project objectives to agreed timelines.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Experience of effectively researching and analysing a wide range of information and presentation of findings to support decisions and draw out key messages.
- A Demonstrated practical understanding of rural development including agriculture and environmental issues in Scotland.
Benefits
- 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%
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Selection process details
Please apply using the link provided
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
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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).
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