Project Manager Lowestoft, England
Job description
Details
Reference number
Salary
Job grade
Contract type
Type of role
Project Delivery
Working pattern
Number of jobs available
Contents
Location
About the job
Benefits
Things you need to know
Apply and further information
Location
About the job
Job summary
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Strategy & Delivery Directorate at The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science. Our work contributes to the efforts of the UK Government in addressing serious global problems of climate change, biodiversity loss and food security, in support of national and international commitments to promote a sustainable and resilient global recovery. We are seeking applicants for the role of Project Administrator to work with us in supporting the delivery of marine and freshwater science-based projects.
This vacancy requires a motivated, pro-active and highly organised person with a proven administrative background, who wishes to expand their existing skills and build their knowledge of project support.
We’re looking for someone who is happy to adapt to the changing needs of the business and the team. You will be required to work flexibly, providing support to the team in any of our work areas as required.
We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements including hybrid working between home and an office, with inclusive forums and networks to support our staff.
Cefas is proud of a diverse and inclusive work environment, committed to fairness and the promotion of equality of opportunity for all. We know that having a range of experiences, backgrounds, ways of working and thinking, makes us a stronger organisation, better at reflecting the communities we serve. We embrace different views and experiences and value the fresh perspective that people from a variety of circumstances bring to the work we do. We welcome applications from candidates who have not previously worked for the Civil Service, mid- and late-career changers with transferrable skills, people from all backgrounds and circumstances regardless of disability, gender, age ethnicity, LGBT+ identity and socio-economic status.
Job description
The primary focus of this role is to support internal stakeholders including Portfolio Leads (PLs), Project Managers (PMs), Business Information Manager (BIM), Finance and Commercial Advice during the full project lifecycle. Receiving supervision and mentoring as appropriate to ensure the agreed project management methods and standards are implemented throughout the project.
Responsibilities and duties include but are not limited to:
- Improve chances of securing successful bids by assessing customer requests and understanding the required documentation for the submission of compliant, high-quality quotations/ tenders.
- Using the bid process app to communicate bid requirements to the Project Manager/ bidding team and ensuring all documentation is compiled and approved at the correct stages of the process.
- Effectively managing contract documents, checking documentation is correct prior to signature, managing contractual document signing and filing.
- Record, track and report financial data throughout the project duration.
- Effectively raising invoices with all customer requirements included and tracking project financial spend using key knowledge, Agresso and excel skills.
- Assessing and reducing overdue invoices, working in partnership with the Finance team and the Project Manager to effectively communicate with customers.
- Identify and assist improving and streamlining procedures.
On the job training will be provided. You will also have the opportunity to undertake Cefas’ existing project management training modules.
In addition, Cefas reserves the right to ask staff to take on additional duties and responsibilities which are commensurate with their grade.
Person specification
The following are essential criteria required for this role and you must be able to demonstrate your skills and experience in the following areas:
- Proven experience of working in an administrative position or having an administrative background.
- Ability to demonstrate good attention to detail
- Excellent planning and organisation skills with the ability to effectively prioritise and work under pressure.
- Excellent verbal and written communications and the ability to engage with colleagues, customers and stakeholders as required.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Managing a Quality Service
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
- Managing a Quality Service
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Excellent IT skills including good working knowledge of Microsoft Office (including Excel, Outlook and Word)
Benefits
- Access to learning and development tailored to your role
- A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options
- A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
- Annual leave entitlement – 25 days on entry (rising to 30 days over first 5yrs)
- Eight public holidays a year plus an additional day in memory of the late Queen's birthday
- Staff recognition scheme
- In-year award scheme
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Application Process
As part of the application process you will be asked to detail your CV and provide a Personal Statement. Your personal statement should demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria as described in the person specification section. You will also be required to complete a 250-word Behaviour statement on 'Managing a Quality Service'. Further details around what this will entail are on the application form.
Sift
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead behaviour, Managing a Quality Service. 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.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on the Behaviours, Experience and Technical Skills. You may also be asked to prepare a presentation. In the event of equal scores after interview, the lead behaviour 'Managing a Quality Service' may be used to decide the preferred candidate.
Interviews will take place in person at our Lowestoft laboratory. A date has not yet been confirmed.
Blended Working
Using a blended working framework, we can have some choice over when, where and how we work to deliver our outcomes to meet customer and business needs. For many people, this will mean working some of the time in a Cefas workplace, some on fieldwork and some from home where this is possible to do so.
Blended working is offered with a minimum expectation of one day per week on site.
The remainder of the working week may be located by personal choice to best meet our business needs: at home, another Cefas base, fieldwork, vessel, visiting a Defra site or other customer base.
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.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Salary
New entrants are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.
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.
Please note tests on this vacancy are timed, therefore if due to the need for a reasonable adjustment such as additional time contact us as below.
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.
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
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
About Defra
CEO: Tamara Finkelstein
Revenue: Unknown / Non-Applicable
Size: 1001 to 5000 Employees
Type: Government
Website: https://www.gov.uk/defra
Year Founded: 2001
