IT Strategy & Governance Senior Analyst
Animal and Plant Health Agency
Apply before 11:55 pm on Thursday 21st November 2024
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About the job
Job summary
APHA is a brilliant place to work where our people feel valued, have a voice and can be their authentic selves. We value difference and diversity, because it will help us be more innovative and make better decisions.
Do you enjoy exploring data to uncover insights that empower strategic decisions and service improvements?
Are you someone who can lead and manage change in a challenging and dynamic environment?
Can you build strong, influential relationships with a broad range of stakeholders?
If so, we would love to hear from you!
Job description
As a Senior Executive Officer (SEO) within IT Strategy & Governance Senior Analyst you will play a pivotal role in promoting and supporting the delivery of the Agency’s Vision, Mission and strategic objectives, by providing high-level oversight of and support for the delivery of services and projects within your area of responsibility, ensuring the implementation of policies and operational procedures and the effective management of team.
Specifically, you will play a pivotal role in supporting APHA’s IT strategy and governance approach, including its execution and engagement with Defra Digital Data, Technology and Security (DDTS).
The role provides an opportunity to take a strategic view for how IT can support APHA in the delivery of its outcomes and business objectives and will support setting out how the strategy needs to be delivered and resourced. You will work closely with APHA suppliers (largely DDTS), ensuring the products and architecture offered meet requirements and the services delivered are effective.
You will support the management and mitigation of IT risk and ensure IT is compliant with any changes in legislation, policies or other requirements.
You will carry out duties commensurate with the grade and purpose of the role including, but not limited to, the following:
Strategy and Planning
- Assist in the development and implementation of APHA's IT strategy to define and deliver the IT services needed to meet APHA business needs and deliver APHA’s business plan. Ongoing Strategy Management must demonstrate alignment to APHA’s strategic ambitions and priorities, while being fit for purpose and value for money within challenging funding constraints. This role will support the G7 IT Strategy and Governance lead in specific strategy activities such as developing suitable metrics for tracking IT strategy implementation progress and gathering and sorting Subject Matter Expert (SME) and stakeholder feedback needed to build, refine and review the strategy.
- Work with Delivery and Operational Managers, Heads of Business Units and Finance to manage IT demand and strategic IT requirements and develop appropriate solutions or delivery routes for achieving these. Analyse and gather requirements across the agency to enable the G7 IT Strategy and Governance lead to build a complete picture of APHA’s strategic IT needs.
Architecture and Governance
- Support to setup and run APHA’s IT Services ‘Design Authority’ role to influence DDTS’ architectural (technology and product) roadmap to meet APHA’s future needs over a longer horizon, e.g. 3 – 5 years. This will require capturing trends and directions of priorities and assessing impacts for IT Services, as well as measuring and assessing the alignment of individual projects to APHA’s IT strategy and target architecture.
- Support and operate effective governance and relationships within APHA and with Defra DDTS in order to make effective decisions for on IT: strategy, delivery, service levels and management of IT: compliance, risks, issues, critical incidents, escalations, opportunities and potentially more areas.
Stakeholder Engagement and Management
- Build strong and collaborative relationships across the agency and Defra DDTS to define and deliver an effective IT strategy, influence the DDTS architecture (technology and product) roadmap - all with strong governance.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and alignment with APHA’s objectives.
- Work collaboratively with team members and other departments to achieve common goals. Proactively manage customer and stakeholder expectations throughout IT Strategy, Planning, Architecture and Governance areas.
- Align with the closely related APHA Data and APHA Projects and Change functions on strategic intent and manage dependencies / overlaps between these areas.
- Support the G7 IT Strategy and Governance lead with building materials, content and hosting engagement sessions that communicate the impact expected from the IT strategy with business areas across APHA to raise awareness and gather feedback in driving improvements to services.
Data Analysis and Reporting
- Play a key role in the development, production and analysis of high quality, accurate and timely data, intelligence, and management information regarding IT strategy, planning, architecture and governance that informs decision making and drives great outcomes for APHA’s business services.
- Analyse and constructively critique management information and other forms of service data provided internally or by external partners to help inform service reviews and other governance meetings that ensure APHA is getting the correct level of IT service.
Continuous Improvement
- Review existing and embrace / promote new systems, processes and ways of working, ensuring harmonisation across APHA and the wider Defra group, where appropriate.
- Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement changes to enhance the way services are delivered through better use of IT tools and services.
- Utilise continuous improvement working practices to continually evolve and improve IT services across all relevant areas but especially so in IT strategy, planning, architecture and governance.
Person specification
We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate the following skills and experience:
Experience
- Experience of working in an IT service environment, managing or planning the delivery of a business’ IT requirements.
- Experience using stakeholder management skills in an IT environment (directly or functionally) and technical expertise to ensure sound and balanced decisions are made and progress is made on risks and issue management.
- Experience operating or maintaining existing governance boards or meetings, ensuring risks or issues are being thoroughly and transparently managed.
- Experience of developing, producing and analysing data, intelligence, and management information to inform decision making and drive great outcomes.
Skills and Ability
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with a wide range of colleagues and stakeholders.
- Ability to persuade and influence senior grades and stakeholders, and to advise and guide more junior employees on complex or contentious issues.
- Excellent planning and organisational abilities, with a keen attention to detail.
- Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to address and resolve issues proactively.
- Adaptable with ability / willingness to embrace change and learn about new tools and technologies so constructive and progressive conversations can be had.
- Ability to deliver results efficiently in a fast-paced and complex work environment.
Technical
- Understanding of IT Project and Programme delivery including a range of delivery methods such as Agile and Waterfall.
- Understanding of IT Service Management (ITSM) best practice, such as ITIL or other similar methodologies.
- Understanding of some IT platforms, products or services covering core business applications or capabilities (e.g. workflow/case management, customer portals).
- Understanding of current and future trends in provision of IT Services such as Automation and Artificial Intelligence.
Learning and Development
Everyone in APHA 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, 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.
In return for your dedication, we will support your ongoing personal development through appropriate training. Inclusion, support and the development of our people matter to us. We aim to support the career and personal wellbeing of everyone in APHA.
Workplace arrangements
Our Worcester County Hall office is temporarily closed. Candidates based at this location may be asked to work from home until further notice.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Changing and Improving
- Delivering at Pace
- Making Effective Decisions
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
- Communicating and Influencing
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Understanding of how to leverage existing or emerging technology to drive cost efficiencies and improve services.
Benefits
Further benefits offered also include:
- A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 30.
- An extensive range of learning & professional development opportunities tailored to your role.
- Access to a range of retail, travel and lifestyle employee discounts.
- Staff bonuses and recognition, salary sacrifice benefit options, and an employee discount scheme.
- Making it work for you - With so many flexible options, most people can find a work schedule to suit their circumstances.
These are just a few of our benefits we offer. To find out the full range of what we offer refer to the Information Pack attached for more detail.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Application Process
As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete:
- A full CV.
- A 750 word Personal Statement.
- A 250 word Behaviour Statement for the lead Behaviour, Communicating and Influencing.
- A 250 word Technical Statement concerning the topic 'Understanding of how to leverage existing or emerging technology to drive cost efficiencies and improve services'.
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 only. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on your experience, behaviours and technical skills.
A presentation or additional exercise may also be assessed.
For the purposes of the selection process, the Lead Behaviour will be Communicating and Influencing.
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.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Salary
New entrants are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.
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.
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 Defra’s 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.
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.grs@cabinetoffice.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 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 maybe carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service/ Disclosure Scotland 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 Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
For further information on the Disclosure Scotland confidential checking service telephone: the Disclosure Scotland Helpline on 0870 609 6006 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email Info@disclosurescotland.co.uk
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 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
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Medical
Nationality requirements
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).
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Recruitment Hub Team - Kay Edwards
- Email : recruitment.sdd@apha.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
Government Recruitment Services via email: defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/contact-us/ to visit Civil Service Commission.
