Head of Strategic Data and Intelligence Analysis
Rural Payments Agency
Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 7th October 2024
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About the job
Job summary
The Head of Strategic Data and Intelligence Analysis is a brand-new role for RPA and will be based in our Data, Insight & Outcomes Business Area. This is a multidisciplinary team including Geospatial Analysts, Data Engineers and Architects, Data and Intelligence Analysts and a national Field Team. Together, we’re in a unique position to use our specialist skills to work with the agricultural community to deliver big, impactful change, supporting high level environmental and animal welfare outcomes and support national biosecurity and the move towards net zero. This is a really exciting time to join our team as we grow and develop our ability to continuously analyse nationwide agricultural activity and provide agile, directed data and evidence-driven support to the farming community.
This is a huge opportunity to grow and develop a team that will make a real difference to the lives of people throughout England’s countryside by driving RPA’s data and intelligence strategy, helping to support businesses, make communities more sustainable and protect and enhance the environment.
If you’re unsure whether you fully meet the criteria for the role, please get in touch: we’re happy to talk it through.
Job description
With access to big, complex data from across the agricultural sector, this is a new, major role in creating strategic system-level insight and analysis to support operational delivery of high-level environmental outcomes, national biosecurity and net zero. Leading teams of data analysts and intelligence analysts in locations across the country, you will need to work closely with colleagues across RPA, Defra and wider government. You will drive strategic change in how RPA uses data and evidence to monitor the state of the agricultural sector, to administer the payment of over £2.4 billion in public funds each year to enable the Government’s environmental and economic outcomes and to support customers in meeting those outcomes.
In this role you will:
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Person specification
We are looking for a passionate, energetic individual who can build and lead high performing multi-disciplinary teams, develop strong stakeholder working relationships and deliver challenging data-centric strategies and initiatives. You should have a background in a relevant scientific, data or intelligence field. However, of equal importance will be your ability to step back from technical detail, see the big picture and communicate complex concepts to non-technical audiences, including ministers and senior stakeholders.
You should have the following essential criteria:
- Strong analytical and communication skills with the ability to use data and intelligence strategically to support operational delivery and high-level outcomes.
- Outstanding leadership skills, with the ability to articulate an inspiring vision and build, engage and motivate the team to deliver in line with RPA’s objectives and perform at their best.
- Experience in using and improving data and/or intelligence analysis to drive quality decision making and achieving organisational outcomes.
- Successful track record in designing and developing data and/or intelligence-led insight tools, products and data-visualisation for non-technical audiences, applying a range of analytical skills and techniques.
- Proven ability to build productive networks across government departments, delivering through those highly effective and collaborative relationships.
- Being comfortable and flexible in working with ambiguity, resilient under pressure and able to work effectively in a complex change environment.
- Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to work across multiple teams and build collaborations.
- Inclusive leader with proven ability to lead, manage and organise teams, creating a good working culture in a fast-paced environment across multiple locations.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Communicating and Influencing
- Changing and Improving
- Making Effective Decisions
- Leadership
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Communicating and Influencing
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 employer contribution of 28.97%
Things you need to know
Selection process details
After submission of the first stage of your application, you will be invited to complete a Civil Service Work Strengths 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 7th October 2024. 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 7th October.
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
As part of the application process, you will also be asked to complete the following:
- A CV (This will not be scored)
- A 1.000-word personal statement demonstrating how you meet the essential skills and experience detailed in the advertisement;
- 2 behaviour statements assessing Seeing the Big Picture and Communicating and Influencing.
Further details can be found on the application form.
Sift
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift will be conducted using the Personal Statement. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Sift and interview dates can be found in the attached candidate pack.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on Experience, Strengths and the following behaviours:
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Communicating & Influencing
- Changing & Improving
- Making Effective Decisions
- Leadership
You will be required to give a pre-prepared 10-minute verbal presentation, assessing your experience and the "Seeing the Big Picture" behaviour. Details of the presentation topic and further instructions will be provided once you have booked your interview, should you pass the sift stage.
Interviews will be conducted in person or via Teams.
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.
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.
Near miss
Candidates who are judged to be a near miss at interview may be considered for other positions in the RPA which may be at a lower grade, but have a potential skills match.
Salary
New entrants are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.
Visa Sponsorship Statement
Please take note that the RPA 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 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 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 Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk 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.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to the RPA 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
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 : HR Resourcing Support
- Email : HRResourcingSupport@defra.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: Click https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/contact-us/ to visit Civil Service
