Project Support Officer Newcastle upon Tyne, England
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About the job
Benefits
Things you need to know
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Location
About the job
Job summary
The Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people’s day-to-day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink.
Everyone who works with us or in one of our agencies and public bodies has a part to play in achieving our vision of ‘creating a great place for people to live’. The work we do impacts the lives of everyone living in the UK.
About the Biosecurity, Borders and Trade Programme
Leaving the EU provides us with the opportunity to deliver ambitious reforms and improve our agriculture, fishing and food and drink sectors to make them as productive and competitive as possible, whilst also incentivising environmentally sustainable farming and ensuring we achieve the highest standards of animal welfare.
Through an effective system of compliance, enforcement, and assurance we will ensure high standards and satisfy trading partners that the regulation of animal health and welfare, plant health and veterinary medicine/pesticide residues in food is fit for purpose. We will refresh the Plant Biosecurity Strategy for GB and continue to implement the goals of the Tree Health Resilience Strategy.
Job description
We are looking for candidates who enjoy the challenge of working through complexity, have a real drive to deliver and make the world better for their stakeholders. You will be experienced in working in multidiscipline teams with a complex stakeholder group, both within and outside government and be able to demonstrate project delivery skills and expertise. You will have worked on and supported projects delivering large-scale business and operational change, digital transformational change, and infrastructure delivery.
We are looking for people who:
- Are experienced Project delivery professionals having worked on and supported multiple projects with varying degrees of complexity.
- Are able to demonstrate the required level of technical competence for a HEO project Support Officer as shown in the Governments Project Delivery Capability Framework (PDCF)
- Have good Microsoft Project skills, being able to build and maintain a Project schedule tracking dependencies and milestones using best practice and appropriate governance.
- Have excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate well in person and in writing are required
- At ease with working in an environment of ambiguity and change
Your personal qualities will be as important as your professional experience; and we welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you believe you have the skills and qualities we are looking for, then we would like to hear from you.
The Defra group is dedicated to having a diverse workforce which represents people in our communities and an inclusive culture where everyone feels they can be their authentic self at work, belong in the organisation and can speak up to challenge. We want everyone to be able to contribute to the success of our organisation, regardless of your background.
Person specification
The post holder will manage/support;
- Planning and scheduling – Implement and maintain appropriate systems to enable effective planning and scheduling.
- Monitoring and reporting – Establish and maintain project controls, keeping the project manager aware of the project status. Prepare project performance reports, presenting statistics and researching new information.
- Admin – Ensure organisational tasks are carried out efficiently. Manage and monitor compliance of the project with Departmental Security, Health and Safety, Equality and Diversity, Business Continuity and Business Planning.
- Stakeholder – Manage professional relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, and act as lead point of contact for some external parties. Draft and sign-off correspondence.
- Risks and issues – Manage potential risk areas, working with risk managers and escalating as appropriate
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Leadership
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
- Leadership
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.
Defra contributes at a rate between 20% and 24.5%, dependent upon salary. Pension contributions you make are deducted from your salary before tax is taken.
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.
Employee Discounts -
Defra employees have access to a range of discounts at hundreds of top retailers via our employee discount scheme.
Give As You Earn - Defra is registered with the Give as You Earn scheme, which enables you to make regular deductions directly from your salary, in support of a chosen charity. This is simple and tax efficient.
Flexible Working - Defra is committed to providing a great place to work and is open to smarter ways of working that let you choose how, when and where you want to work in line with business needs. This includes the ability to work from home, work compressed hours and choose from a range of locations suited to when and where you need to be.
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 detailing your career history (including any relevant qualifications. Your CV will be used for Information Only).
- A Personal Statement (max. 500 words) demonstrating how you meet the requirements of the job description, responsibilities, and about you. Using the STAR process will help achieve a structured document.
- A behaviour statement
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 Personal Statement.
Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Interview
If you are successful at sift stage, you will be invited to a video interview where you will be assessed on your Behaviour, Experience, Technical Skill and Strength questions.
A presentation or additional exercise may also be assessed.
Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.
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.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to DEFRA 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
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 [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
Higher Security Clearance
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
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
