Scientific Advisor: Sustainable Commodities - International Biodiversity & Climate Newcastle upon Tyne, England
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Location
About the job
Job summary
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry, sustaining a thriving rural economy, and supporting international nature, climate and biodiversity agendas.
Defra’s Environment Group is a friendly and collaborative group, working on some of Defra’s highest priority objectives. The group benefits from an inclusive culture and we are looking for candidates who can contribute to making this a welcoming and positive place to work.
Within Environment Group, the International Biodiversity and Climate Directorate (IBC) is focused on driving a shift to a nature-positive world: reversing biodiversity loss, restoring ecosystems, tackling climate change and contributing to global poverty reduction.
IBC uses international negotiations, Official Development Assistance (ODA) programmes, political engagement, legislation and science to reduce global biodiversity and species loss, and to protect, conserve and restore terrestrial ecosystems. We are an ambitious Directorate that engages confidently with partners across Government and the globe to:
- Negotiate, agree and deliver effective global frameworks for protecting and promoting nature and biodiversity through the UN system and multilateral environment agreements.
- Influence partners to transition to nature positive economies with higher ambition Nationally Determined Contributions, National Adaptation Plans and National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans.
- Provide strategic leadership and active investment to address pressures and threats to biodiversity globally.
- Protect endangered plants and animals from the threats of international trade.
- Mobilise finance for nature and shift the international finance system to be nature positive and deforestation free
- Move to sustainable supply chains and production to end commodity driven deforestation and reduce the UK’s global environmental footprint.
- Support developing countries to achieve positive impacts on climate, biodiversity, health and poverty through ODA funds.
We are a dynamic and friendly directorate, offering varied and rewarding roles with the opportunity to make a real difference to the long-term future of our planet. Our work will enable you to develop a wide range of skills, with a particular emphasis on working collaboratively, influencing others and thinking creatively.
Job description
This role sits within the International Nature and Climate Division of IBC. INCD’s role is to achieve tangible international action to protect biodiversity; mitigate and adapt to climate change; and reduce poverty.
We are facing the unprecedented and interdependent crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. These two challenges together are the most pressing issues of our time and an existential threat to human welfare, prosperity and life on earth.
The focus of this role is on providing scientific analysis and evidence support on international environment policy, strategy and negotiations. You will work closely with policy teams to support the delivery of key international environment policy by assessing evidence requirements, leading research to build the evidence base, supporting on our evidence strategy, and providing analysis to inform policy design.
The role will provide scientific expertise and advice, designing and managing evidence projects and working closely with policy teams to understand and assess various policy options. You will form strong working relationships and identify areas for collaboration, learning and influencing to support evidence led policy.
You will be responsible for providing science and analytical inputs into a range of programmes and initiatives across INCD. Additional responsibilities will include supporting the wider work of the IBC team, such as cross-cutting science, monitoring and evaluation and specific projects as needed.
A background in nature, conservation or climate would be advantageous, and the role requires you to be highly capable of working in a strongly scientific and evidence-led area, with the ability to synthesis complex or technical information for a wide variety of audiences.
We recognise the challenges that people with (multiple) protected characteristics may experience on the job market and in their career progression. We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities. We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as possible, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups, including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) people, people with a disability, and people with gender diverse identities.
In this role you will be an important member of the wider team who will both support you and rely on you as a valuable colleague. Further you will be expected to promote civil service values and encouraging your team to take part in directorate and department-wide initiatives.
Person specification
The role offers an exciting opportunity to enhance the use of science and evidence in shaping the government’s approach to tackling critical environmental challenges.
The successful candidate will have:
- Strong evidence/analytical skills which have been applied within a policy setting to assist decision making.
- Experience of applying scientific knowledge to inform and influence policy or other decision making.
- Experience communicating evidence in an accessible way to a variety of audiences.
- A background (qualifications or experience) in and understanding of the principles, methodologies and approaches used in (ideally natural) science and/or environmental economics (with scientific background).
Qualifications
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Working Together
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
- Making Effective Decisions
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Building & Applying Knowledge
- Communicating Science for Government
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%
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 500 word personal statement that sets out how you meet the skills and experience for the role as set out in the person specification above.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Applicants will also be asked to complete one 250 word statement demonstrating the behaviour Making Effective Decisions. When demonstrating examples of the behaviours we recommend using the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) technique to clearly demonstrate your experiences.
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 interview.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where we will assess you against both behaviours set out above, as well as several strength-based questions, and both technical skills (which will include a presentation task to be shared in advance).
You will need to demonstrate how you meet the Technical Skills described in the GSE Career Framework here.
Sift and interview dates as well as the interview location to be confirmed.
Online tests
After submission of the first stage of your application, you will be invited to complete a Civil Service Numerical Test. If you successfully pass the test, you will be invited to complete the final stage of the application.
Please complete the online tests as soon as possible (within 24-48 hours is recommended), the closing date for the tests and application is 23:55 on 30th May 2023. If you fail to complete the online test before the deadline your application will be withdrawn. Guidance for the test will be available when you are invited to take the test. The tests are administered online and accessed via the CS Jobs website.
Do not leave completing the tests until the last minute in case you experience any access or technical issues. There may not be technical support available after business hours and after 2pm on the closing date of 30th May 2023.
While the tests should work on most operating systems and modern browsers with a good internet connection, we cannot guarantee that every combination will work. At the beginning, the test will check which browser you are using, and alert you if it is likely to be incompatible.
It is highly recommended that you complete the online tests on a desktop computer, not a mobile phone or tablet.
Please note that online tests associated with this vacancy are not subject to time limits. Click https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reasonable-adjustments-for-online-tests-a-candidate-guide for test guidance
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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
