Senior Data Scientist London, England
Job description
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Operational Research
Statistics
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About the job
Benefits
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Location
About the job
Job summary
This recruitment is continuing as usual, but candidates should be aware that following the Government’s announcement on the changes to some civil service departments, roles will be located in the new Department for Business and Trade.
The Department for International Trade (DIT) helps businesses export, drives inward and outward investment, negotiates market access and trade deals and champions free trade.
This post sits in Analysis Group, the main analytical area in DIT. We are here to:
Ensure that Ministers and DIT’s leadership are able to make informed policy and operational decisions, based on the best possible evidence to deliver DIT’s vision, mission and objectives.- Build an international, economic department with world-class analysis at its heart.
- Help to make DIT the most trusted and influential UK government department on evidence to support policy.
As the senior data scientist in the Data Acquisition team, you will work regularly with other government departments and commercial organisations to improve DIT’s data capabilities. You will use your expertise in data science and analytical techniques to help DIT teams get the most out of our data. This post reports directly to the Head of Data Development & Innovation, part of Statistics & Data Science division in Analysis Group.
You will be responsible for supporting DIT in the acquisition, management and exploitation of novel data sources. This includes working with the Department for Transport and ONS Data Science Campus to further explore shipping instructions data, a novel data source that shows how goods within cargo containers are being moved across the globe. The potential of shipping instructions data to benefit wider government has been demonstrated in this recent blog.
This post is a balance between innovating within the team and facilitating others to best use datasets. You will use data science skills to analyse, visualise and disseminate insights to support DIT in the monitoring of trade. In addition, you will work with teams across DIT to understand their user needs, provide robust advice on new data sources, and help them interrogate these datasets.
You will be responsible for leading and developing a small team. You will also work closely with senior analysts and data scientists to promote data science across DIT and wider Government.
Job description
In this role you will:
- Acquire and exploit new data sources for the Department to use in developing analysis for areas such as trade negotiations or trade promotion.
- Collaborate with data science teams across government departments to drive forward joint projects (e.g. shipping instructions data), share best practice and encourage innovation.
- Manage relationships with commercial and government data providers, ensuring DIT gets value for money from these agreements.
- Develop strong relationships with Digital, Data and Technology teams to embed new data into existing DIT systems and to ensure it is used to its full effect.
- Ensure policy and decision making across the department is underpinned by robust evidence using data science analysis, tools, insights and visualisations.
- Directly line manage and develop two SEO data scientists. There may also be the opportunity to matrix manage other analysts.
Person specification
Essential Criteria
The successful candidate must be a member of the Government Statistician Group (GSG) or Government Operational Research Service (GORS) or willing to be badged as part of the process.
You will need to demonstrate strong technical skills that meet the GSG or GORS competency framework for a Grade 7.
GSG competency framework - https://analysisfunction.civilservice.gov.uk/policy-store/competency-framework-for-the-government-statistician-group-gsg/
GORS competency framework - https://files.smartsurvey.io/2/0/N5TYUGJG/GORS_Technical_Framework.pdf
Applicants who are not already members of the Government Statistician Group or the Government Operational Research Service will be required to do an online statistical test and a dissemination exercise as part of the application process to join the Government Statistician Group.
Any candidates who are not members of GSG or GORS will need to fulfil at least one of the following qualification requirements:
- A first or second class honours degree in a numerate subject containing at least 25% taught statistical content(e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, Geography or similar)
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A higher degree, e.g. an MSc or PhD, in a subject containing formal statistical training (e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, Geography or
similar) - Have worked in a statistical/data science field and are able to demonstrate continuous professional development (via a CPD Log Book) in statistics or data science at the same level as a foundation degree/HND (Level 5)
- Have achieved or on track to achieve a level 4 apprenticeship including at least 2 years in a statistical or data analysis field in government and are able to demonstrate continuous professional development in statistics or data analysis (via a CPD log book signed off by a manager or mentor who are members of the statistical profession)
Further details are included in the ‘Selection process details’ section.
Desirable Criteria
Experience in utilising and leading agile practices in the delivery of data science projects.
Personal Attributes & Skills
You should be a strong, confident and empowering leader with experience of collaborating effectively across organisations to facilitate the delivery of data related services or products.
You should have a strong understanding of data science and the delivery of data science projects and will need to demonstrate the ability to:
- Strategically and creatively use data science skills to solve analytical, policy and operational issues.
- Lead the delivery of products and projects using advanced data science techniques in programming languages such as R, Python or JavaScript.
- Design, code, test and document complex programs and scripts from agreed specifications and subsequent iterations, using agreed tools.
- Use innovative techniques to visualise data and demonstrate experience in ensuring your work has the right impact with your customers.
- Deliver data science projects in complex policy environments whilst balancing priorities and negotiating with key analytical and policy stakeholders. Build effective relationships and communicate with internal and external stakeholders at senior levels to deliver data science services and products to analytical, policy and operational teams.
- Promote the use of data science across different organisations by supporting and growing the data science community while developing your own technical knowledge and sharing it with others.
- Acquire data from non-traditional sources and implement data pipelines using a range of tools. In this role, you will need to lead on data exploration projects to identify new data sources and collaborate with data engineers across DIT to acquire them.
Hybrid working
The role will be based in either Darlington or London. You will be asked to express a location preference during the application process.
Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas.
Informal hybrid working arrangements will be available as agreed with the vacancy manager and in line with the requirements of the role.
Most DIT employees will be working a hybrid pattern, spending 2-3 days a week (pro rata) in an office, on average. If your office location is London, you will be eligible to receive London weighting.
Appointments will be made to candidates in merit order based on location preferences.
Support in applying for our vacancies is available by joining a virtual Candidate Support Session. These sessions include helpful tips and advice on the recruitment process, from application to interview.
Qualifications
- A first or second class honours degree in a numerate subject containing at least 25% taught statistical content(e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, Geography or similar)
similar)
- Have worked in a statistical/data science field and are able to demonstrate continuous professional development (via a CPD Log Book) in statistics or data science at the same level as a foundation degree/HND (Level 5)
- Have achieved or on track to achieve a level 4 apprenticeship including at least 2 years in a statistical or data analysis field in government and are able to demonstrate continuous professional development in statistics or data analysis (via a CPD log book signed off by a manager or mentor who are members of the statistical profession)
Memberships
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Leadership
- Changing and Improving
- Working Together
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- The individual will be assessed at the Grade 7 level based on the GSG or GORS competency frameworks: GSG competency framework - https://analysisfunction.civilservice.gov.uk/policy-store/competency-framework-for-the-government-statistician-group-gsg/
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%
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Interviews for this vacancy will be conducted virtually. We will, however, consider in-person interviews by exception.
Please ensure that you check your emails regularly as all updates from us will be sent to you this way.
Sift will take place week commencing 27/02/2023.
Interviews will take place week commencing 13/03/2023.
As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete a CV and a Personal Statement.
Please align your CV with previous skills and experience. Maximum of 2 A4 pages.
In your Personal Statement, please explain your motivation for applying for this role and the extent to which you satisfy the essential and desirable requirements of the role, through evidence. Maximum word count of 750.
Once you have submitted your application and the application has closed, you will be emailed during standard working hours inviting you to complete the GSS online multiple choice test. This is a timed test and must be completed within 48 hours for you to be considered for the next stage of the process. You are encouraged to try the test attached to the advert before attempting the real test. Please ensure you inform us ahead of the test if you require any reasonable adjustments to be considered.
Please note: If you are already a member of the GSG or GORS, you are exempt from sitting the online test. To prevent your application being rejected please ensure you email your membership number or details to [email protected] as soon as you submit an application to notify us. Once confirmed you will be moved onto the next stage by our recruitment team.
The successful candidate will be badged to the profession upon appointment.
For this role, the Department will not consider sponsoring a visa or issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship. Please note we are unable to offer advice on any Visa and Immigration cases.
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.
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
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.
Please note – the successful candidate will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of 18 months before being released for another role.
The Department for International Trade embraces and values diversity in all forms. We welcome and pride ourselves on the positive impact diversity has on the work we do, and we promote equality of opportunity throughout the organisation.
Please note – harmonised terms and conditions are attached. Please take time to read the document to determine how these may affect you.
Further Information
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Any move to the Department for International Trade 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 an interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Vetting Requirements
All security clearances require you to provide evidence of your UK footprint where you have been physically present in the UK.
The requirement for SC clearance is to have been present in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5 years.
Failure to meet the residency requirements will result in your security clearance application being rejected.
If you require SC clearance you will need to provide evidence of the below requirements.
Checks will be made against:
- Departmental or company records (personnel files, staff reports, sick leave reports and security records)
- UK criminal records covering both spent and unspent criminal records
- Your credit and financial history
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
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 feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact DIT by email: [email protected].
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment.
For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their web pages: Click here to visit Civil Service Commission/Complaints
