Contents Location About the job Benefits Things you need to know Apply and further information Location Bristol, London, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, York 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, 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. The role is part of the Central Science Division (CSD) within the Science and Analysis Group. This sits at the heart of the Departments science community, supporting the Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) and Deputy CSA in all aspects of their work. The Division leads on cross cutting science issues, representing the Defra science community and bringing forward new and emerging science and technology across the Department. The CSD is a friendly and welcoming team. Our remit reaches across the Defra organisations, providing leadership, guidance, and advice to ensure quality science is the foundation of policy making. The vision of the group is to put science at the heart of the way that Defra works. This needs to be supported by strong leadership and strategic direction and effective partnership 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. Job description This role is to lead the Systems, Innovation, Net Zero Research and Partnerships team within the Central Science Division (CSD). This exciting, cross-cutting role provides strategic leadership to CSDs in-house systems research team; builds a more strategic approach to driving technological innovation in Defras industry sectors; and oversees the Departments Net Zero Research programme and Defras partnership with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The post holder will be responsible for overseeing the work of around 25 Defra scientists and seconded research fellows within four teams. The teams remit spans all issues of relevance to Defra Group, as needed, as well as providing support to the Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) on high priority topics. Key responsibilities include: Providing leadership, management and overall strategic direction for Systems Research: Setting priorities and direction for Defras in-house systems research team, which supports the department to navigate complex, cross-cutting and interdependent policy issues by applying systems thinking and foresight research methods. Innovation Strategy: Developing and driving forward a strategic approach to boosting innovation in Defra sectors, contributing to economic growth and better environmental outcomes. Key mechanisms include developing new programmes to co-fund R&D on new technologies with industry, as well as exploring Defras potential role in boosting access to finance by start-up businesses. It also includes delivery of the £13M Innovation in Environmental Monitoring programme. Net Zero Research and UKRI Partnerships: Overseeing Defras Net Zero Research programme (£75M over 3 years), providing challenge to embedded science teams to drive forward new research. Ensuring Defras interests are represented in cross-Whitehall collaboration on net zero research. Overseeing governance and delivery of the £21M Land Use for Net Zero research programme. Building Defras relationship with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and driving forward new collaborative programmes across Defras remit. Across all these areas, the post holder will need to provide leadership: spotting emerging priorities, developing new programmes, delivering research and engaging senior colleagues to ensure that work is relevant and impactful. Key internal stakeholders include the CSA, policy teams across the business, embedded science teams across Defra groups and central science, analysis and strategy teams. External stakeholders include academics, UKRI, devolved administrations, ALBs and other government departments. Person specification Strong strategic and systems thinking capability an ability to think beyond current policy paradigms, spotting opportunities and priorities for emerging or cross-cutting evidence. An ability to look holistically at Defras policy agenda and navigate complex policy problems using a range of systems thinking tools. Passionate champion of innovation, identifying opportunities in Defra sectors and working with others to promote economic growth and better environmental outcomes. An ability to lead large teams, providing strategic direction and developing thriving teams. Excellent programme management skills, including experience of setting up governance structures and running them to support project delivery. A science or research background, a good understanding of the UKs research system and a proven ability to apply scientific knowledge in a policy context. Strong communication and influencing skills with a proven ability to take people with you, building collaborative relationships at the science policy interface. Membership of the science and engineering profession and a background in systems science, innovation or environmental science is essential. Qualifications Minimum of a Degree in systems science, innovation or environmental science, or equivalent experience. Behaviours We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: Seeing the Big Picture Delivering at Pace Leadership Technical skills We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process: Experience in systems science, innovation or environmental science Benefits Alongside your salary of £65,430, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs contributes £18,955 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides. A career in the Civil Service is like no other. If youre looking to join a world class team and develop your career with us, then the Civil Service is the place for you You might be wondering, whats in it for me? Take a look below at some of the benefits available to you as a civil servant in Defra. Science and Analysis Directorate Benefits Learning and Development Everyone in Defra is supported to develop their skills and capabilities. When you join the Directorate, you will be welcomed into your new team through an induction programme that will provide you with helpful information on the civil service, Defra, our work and our policies. Your line manager will also work with you to establish your priorities for the year, developing a performance, learning and development plan tailored to you and your role, while also working with you to connect you with a civil service mentor to help empower you in your new role with the opportunity to benefit from paid for coaching. Most importantly, were keen to invest in you As a civil servant, you will also have access to Civil Service Learning where you can participate in professional development programmes across a wide spectrum of subjects and professions. Department Benefits Technology Were a firm believer in agile and flexible working. When you join Defra, well kit you out with a new Windows 10 Laptop, smartphone and rucksack to make sure that you perform your best wherever you are. Leave 25 days' paid leave per annum rising to 30 days after five years service, in addition to eight public holidays and the Kings Birthday privilege day. We also offer - competitive maternity, paternity, parental and adoption leave; - study leave for the pursuit of academic studies; - 3 days paid leave for volunteering per annum; - 15 days paid leave per year for reservist training; and, - generous paid sick leave. Cycle to Work Scheme Defra loans 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 and Bicycle 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. For those unable to take advantage of tax-free benefits, we also offer an interest-free bicycle loan to enable the purchase of a bicycle for commuting. Gym, Social and Sports Activities Our offices have a range of different onsite facilities, including gym, fitness facilities, games room, showers and cycle storage. There are also a variety of networks and social groups to join. Ask your line manager for more information. Restaurant and Café Facilities A range of our offices offer onsite restaurant and café facilities. Civil Service Benefits Pension Your pension is a valuable part of your total reward package, and you will be given the chance to join one of three different pension plans. You can find more information on the Civil Service Pension on the MyCSP Website at www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk Civil Service Sports Council The Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC) organises a wide choice of activities throughout the UK, from art, gliding, abseiling and orienteering to cabaret weekends and quiz and curry nights. Your CSSC membership will provide you with FREE access to hundreds of national and local sites, in addition to savings at many high street stores, cinemas, restaurants and historic houses. Things you need to know Selection process details This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills. Application Process As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV and 500 word Personal Statement and behaviours. 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 lead behaviour Seeing the big picture. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview. Sifting is likely to occur w/c 3 March with interviews likely to take place w/c 17 and 24 March. These dates are indicative only. Interview If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on Behaviours and a technical question. Interviews are expected to last no longer than 60 Minutes. Your interview will either be conducted face to face or by video. You will be notified of the location if you are selected for interview. A presentation or additional exercise may also be assessed. Location As part of the pre-employment process for this post, successful candidate(s) will be able to agree a contractual workplace from those locations listed in this advert. The agreed contractual workplace is then the substantive and permanent place of work for the successful candidate(s) Where the location is National the successful appointee should discuss and agree an appropriate contractual location in line with both Defras location policy and site capacity, prior to proceeding with pre-employment processes. Successful applicants currently employed by the hiring Defra organisation for this post may choose to remain in their current contractual location or may choose to change contractual location to one of those listed above. This should be discussed and agreed prior to proceeding with pre-employment processes. The agreed amount of time spent at a workplace for this post will reflect the requirement for Civil Servants to spend at least 60% of their working time in an organisation workplace with the option to work the remaining time flexibly from home. Working time spent at a workplace may include time spent at other organisational locations including field-based operational locations, together with supplier, customer or partner locations. This is a non-contractual agreement which is consistent with common Civil Service expectations. Travel costs to non-contractual workplaces will be subject to departmental travel and subsistence policies. Travel costs to contractual workplaces are the responsibility of the employee. 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. Defra includes the core department, APHA, RPA, Cefas and VMD. 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. Criminal Record Check If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check maybe 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 recognize in exceptional circumstance 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 Pre-Employment.Checkscabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading. 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 defrarecruitment.grscabinetoffice.gov.uk 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 youre 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. 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 offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicants 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. NSV For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the following page https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/demystifying-vetting 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 Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. Security Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window). See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks. Nationality requirements This job is broadly open to the following groups: UK nationals nationals of the Republic of Ireland nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020 Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) Working for the Civil Service The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. 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). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy. Diversity and Inclusion The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window). Apply and further information This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative. The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window). Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Contact point for applicants Job contact : Name : Strategy, People & Resourcing Email : sandc.resourcingdefra.gov.uk Recruitment team Email : defrarecruitment.grscabinetoffice.gov.uk Further information If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact Government Recruitment Services via email: defrarecruitment.grscabinetoffice.gov.uk If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: here Share this page Print Email Gmail Facebook LinkedIn