Senior Research 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
DEFRA is the UK government department 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.
Natural Environment, Trees & Landscape Directorate (NETL) delivers on the ambition for the environment to be a healthy and a beautiful place to live, work and enjoy. We are a diverse, multi-site team leading the delivery and policy thinking across a wide range of issues. Our teams deal with a vast range of issues affecting this country’s natural environment. NETL has an inclusive approach to work that recognises the skills, endeavour, needs and wellbeing of all our staff.
Job description
This is an exciting time to join the Trees and Forestry Team. We have an exciting and challenging role for a Senior Research Officer within the Evidence & Analysis Team. We are seeking an enthusiastic and passionate Senior Research Officer to lead social research projects as well as a critical role in the monitoring and evaluation of the Nature for Climate Fund Tree Planting Programme. Your work will support delivery of England’s contribution to Government’s ambitious commitments to increase yearly tree planting by the end of Parliament, which will support net zero commitments as well as tackling the biodiversity crisis. The team is aiming to influence and improve a wide range of environmental outcomes and need world leading evidence to do this effectively.
The Team Trees Evidence and Analysis team is a multi-disciplinary analyst team made up of economists, scientists, social researchers and evaluation analysts. Along with the wider Evidence and Analysis division, we work across the tree planting programme to deliver high quality analysis and insights to inform policy design. The team are geographically dispersed across the main Defra offices with a blended approach of office and home working. A range of technologies are used to connect the team as part of our day to day working.
Encouraging diverse applicants
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.
Person specification
As a Senior Research Officer, you will work alongside colleagues in interdisciplinary evidence teams including social researchers, economists and scientists, reporting to a Principal Social researcher. As a part of the evidence and analysis team, you will be working very closely with policy colleagues to deliver a broad programme of research and evaluation. You will be responsible for leading high-profile insights, research and evaluation projects, working across professions and complex policy areas.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Supporting the Principal Social Researcher in the development of our monitoring and evaluation strategy, taking a leading role in developing and managing a variety of research and evaluation projects across the programme.
- Supporting the commissioning and contract management of research projects including the programme evaluation, both internally and with external delivery partners.
- Actively engaging policy and delivery colleagues and establishing positive relationships.
- Providing expert advice and driving work forward
- Effectively communicating findings to inform decision making
- Building a network of social research and evaluation leads across Defra and OGDS to support relevant social research across interrelated programmes.
- Develop a strong understanding of the relevant evidence base and policy drivers.
This role offers a strong community of social researchers across Defra Group and training to develop your skills and career.
As further roles may arise in the future, we are looking to maintain a reserve list of candidates. Therefore if you demonstrate the required skills at interview but are not successful for the post, you will be kept on a reserve list for up to twelve months.
Essential Skills
We'd love to hear from you if you have the following skills and/or experience:
1. Excellent analytical skills – with the ability to identify, champion, and use both qualitative and quantitative social research approaches to explore and answer policy questions.
2. The ability to work across organisational boundaries and across analytical disciplines to deliver results, collaborating effectively with others and engaging multiple stakeholder groups with differing priorities and perspectives to agree consensus-based solutions.
3. The ability to take personal responsibility for shaping, planning and driving forward work, delivering at pace and managing deadlines across a broad portfolio of work.
4. A readiness to explore and promote innovative research approaches as well as keeping in touch with new research findings and methods in your field and accessibly interpreting and sharing these with colleagues.
5. Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of research and evaluation methodology, method, and the latest techniques, including quantitative, qualitative and evaluation methods with at least two years of applied experience. Is up to date with methodological developments.
6. Holds a track record of designing medium scale or more complex projects, applying best practice guidance, identifying new areas for work, translating policy requirements into robust specifications that will meet customer needs.
7. Is able to accurately evaluate competing data sources and identify salient points and trends to draw sound, logical inferences.
8. Has experience of managing evaluation and research projects of scale, working with other analysts and ensuring relevant legal, ethical, procurement, and quality assurance practice followed, ensuring quality of results and methodological rigour.
Qualifications
GSR_Membership_Guidance
here
Memberships
OR
Hold the qualifications to become a badged member of GSR profession. Full details of the qualifications required for candidates who are not already badged members of the GSR profession are provided here: GSR_Membership_Guidance
here
If successful in the recruitment exercise you will be badged into the GSR profession. You must provide sufficient detail on the qualifications required and already hold the required qualifications, otherwise your application will not be sifted.
If you are applying as a current, permanent, badged member then you must say yes to having the qualifications required and state this in the qualifications section of the application form. You may be asked to provide proof of membership and we will verify this in the recruitment process with the relevant government professional body. If membership is not verified then you will be withdrawn immediately from the recruitment round.
At application stage - if you are not a current, permanent, badged member of the GSR profession, but have the qualifications to become part of the GSR, then you will be asked to complete a Government Social Research online knowledge test as part of the application process.
At interview stage - if you are not a current, permanent, badged member of one of the GSR profession, you may be asked to complete additional testing prior to, or at, the main interview stage. Full details on these assessments will be provided for candidates who reach the interview stage.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Managing a Quality Service
- Delivering at Pace
- Working Together
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- GSR Professional Expertise: Technical Skills
- GSR Professional Expertise: Using and Promoting Social Research
Benefits
- Learning and development tailored to your role.
- An environment with flexible working options.
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
- A Civil Service pension.
Generous annual leave and 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 and the King’s Birthday privilege day.
Equality, diversity and 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 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.
Staff recognition
We have a Staff Recognition Scheme to reward exemplary work.
Learning and 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 and coaching
Mentoring is way of developing your career and boosting your confidence that benefits both mentor and mentee. All our employees can 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 provide a CV, 750-word statement setting out how you meet the essential criteria for the role outlined above and a 250-word example for each of the Success Profile behaviours (including both Technical Skills) listed above.
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.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to a blended interview during which you will be assessed on a mixture of the behaviours, technical & experience along with some strength based questions.
Please note that interviews will be via video using Microsoft Teams and you will need to use your device to access the video link. You will receive a link to join the interview at the appointed time through the email account you provide us with on your application.
Indicative Timeline
Sifting will take place following the closing date.
Interviews are likely to take place in March 2023.
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.
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. 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.
Loan and Fixed Term Appointments
Existing Civil Servants and applicants from accredited NDPBs (non-departmental public bodies) are eligible to apply but will only be considered on loan basis (Civil Servants) or secondment (accredited NDPBs). Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis must be obtained before commencing the application process. In the case of Civil Servants, the terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant. This includes grade on return.
This is a Fixed-term Appointment as a SEO Senior Research Officer in the Trees and Forestry Directorate.Your responsibilities will include best practice project and programme management processes to help senior stakeholders understand and make decisions on critical programme information.
This role is likely to be required to offer support to projects that are highly complex or politically sensitive, large scale and with a significant number of stakeholders or project resources.
This post will begin from the agreed start date and end 24 months later.
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 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
