Internal Programme Director (Sustainable Blue Economies)
Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science
Apply before 11:55 pm on Thursday 7th November 2024
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About the job
Job summary
The Sustainable Blue Economies (SBE) programme is part of the UK’s £500m Blue Planet Fund launched at the G7 Leaders' Summit in 2021. SBE was announced at the UN Ocean Conference 2022 and is a £36 million, five-year programme providing expertise and support to small islands governments as they develop a climate-resilient ocean economy, including through protecting biodiversity, better ocean management and greater use of nature-based solutions. Of this £36m the UK has committed £10 million over four years to support a Scientific and Technical Delivery Platform of the Sustainable Blue Economies programme. The Platform consists of JNCC, MMO, NOC and the Met Office and draws together the combined expertise of the partnership and their networks. It will provide demand-led scientific and technical support to Small Island Developing States to sustainably manage their precious marine resources for the benefit of present and future generations.
Cefas is the Tier 1 (Lead) partner overseeing the Platform and a Tier 2 (collaborator) delivery partner along with the other Platform partners implementing projects within the programme. This opportunity is to fill the role of the Cefas Programme Director, acting as both the overall Tier 1 Programme Director and as Cefas’ Tier 2 Programme Director.
Working within the International Funding and Partnerships Directorate the candidate will report to the Head of IFPD and senior IFPD staff. The Cefas SBE Programme Director (SBEPD) will be responsible for managing the Tier 1 role within SBE, outward facing engagement with the FCDO and the Programme Directors of Tier 2 partner organisations. Key aspects of the role will include oversight of, and setting strategic direction for the Platform, oversight of projects delivered throughout SBE and working across stakeholders internationally and in the UK. The Cefas SBEPD will oversee project delivery for Cefas and ensure joined up programme delivery across thematic and organisational boundaries. This includes oversight of funding, programme and project design, quality of science outputs and impact. Working with the Cefas ODA Unit they will also be responsible for ensuring ODA compliance across the Platform.
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 and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
Job description
The Cefas SBEPD will have a central role in representing Cefas’ delivery and engagement with external stakeholders within SBE, including the FCDO and with overseas governments in SBE eligible countries. As a senior role within Cefas, representing both Cefas and wider UK Government, it is expected that the post holder has established experience in these areas.
The Cefas SBEPD will be expected to be able to work autonomously across HMG, in particular with other Arm’s Length Bodies involved in the delivery of SBE.
In conjunction with other regional leads within IFPD It is also anticipated that the SBEPD will support IFPD’s wider objectives and work and build relationships with partner governments, develop wider opportunities, and create exceptional narratives with supporting evidence that will underpin FCDO’s strategic objectives.
The role offers a unique and varied opportunity within Cefas involving both science delivery and international engagement to achieve applied outcomes. Whilst the split in activities is likely to be roughly even the post holder will be expected to manage their time to prioritise and align with the requirements of the SBE Programme throughout the programme cycle.
Provide scientific oversight and leadership for the SBE project portfolio.
- Deliver the Tier 1 role within the SBE programme on behalf of Cefas.
- Provide scientific direction, oversight, and leadership to the portfolio of projects across SBE.
- Manage, mentor, and provide leadership to scientists working across the SBEP.
- Projects delivered through effective collaborative partnerships, communication, and regional scientific knowledge, building relationships with key local stakeholders, UK-based Cefas staff and HMG colleagues:
- Oversight and scientific direction of operational delivery.
- Quarterly reporting to the SBE Programme Board.
- Effective communication with FCDO and other HMG departments to coordinate the promotion of programme activity and outputs.
- Ensure compliance of the SBE Platform with ODA programme rules, including requirements for GESI, SEAH, Aid diversion and EDI.
- Identify opportunities to demonstrate Cefas science expertise alongside international partners to promote UK science.
Lead strategic engagements across the SBE Programme to develop and maintain effective partnerships and programme pipeline.
- Support the development and implementation of a cross-HMG strategy to support Cefas and stakeholder ambitions in regions where SBE is dynamic.
- Develop and maintain X-HMG strategic partnerships with HMG staff based in the UK and the countries within the SBE.
- Support the IFPD regional leads when building partnerships or above with key regional Government Ministries.
Represent and support the UK Science Diplomacy strategy across those regions where the SBE Programme is dynamic.
- Work across the diplomatic network to promote Gov – Gov stakeholder engagement and UK based science / evidence to support local Embassy country business plans (CBPs):
- Support bilateral strategic partnerships summits on Science and Environment where appropriate.
- Support post-based engagement on issues related to Global Ocean Alliance and One Health lobbying and relationships with Defra/HMG leads for these programmes.
- Support providing briefing to Ministers (UK and regionally based) and other associated VVIPs when requested.
Working across Cefas
- Identify opportunities to develop parallel projects working across the organisation. This would be dependent on delivering the core SBE Programme.
- Develop understanding of the breadth of Cefas’ scientific capability and its ability to support development outcomes.
In addition, Cefas reserves the right to ask staff to take on additional duties and responsibilities which are commensurate with their grade. Team Leaders and management will have a discussion with staff to explain the changes that are to be made. A new job description will be issued if required.
Person specification
The following are essential criteria required for this role:
- Proven leadership skills demonstrated through previous programme delivery experience;
- Ability to define and articulate a strategic vision and working across organisations;
- Experience in managing and leading international programmes or projects, providing direction and oversight for the delivery of successful outcomes;
- Broad technical expertise related to the marine environment and the impact of key issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss;
- Working with communication teams to develop a communications strategy and confidence in communicating to a range of audiences;
- Experience in working with, and managing, ODA funds;
- Experience in originating and maintaining effective working relationships across stakeholder groups, including senior people in UK and foreign government bodies;
- Experience in opportunity development with UK and overseas partners;
- Confidence in working with a high degree of autonomy and of working with teams remotely;
- Experience of working overseas and the ability to travel to support the SBE programme and the wider objectives of IFPD when required; and
- BSc or higher degree in Marine or Environmental Science, or previous demonstrable relevant experience that meets the criteria as stated in this person specification will also be considered.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Leadership
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
- Seeing the Big Picture
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
- Leadership
Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement – Cefas offers 25 days' annual leave on entry (rising to 30 days over first 5yrs) for full-time new entrants to the Civil Service Employees receive 8 public holidays a year, plus an additional day to mark the King's birthday.
- Access to learning and development tailored to your role.
- A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options.
- A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity.
- Eligible to join the Civil Service Pension scheme – more information can be found on the CSP website http://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/
- Staff recognition vouchers.
- In-year award scheme.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Application Process
As part of the application process you are asked to provide a CV (job history, qualifications, past skills and experience), a maximum 1000-word Personal Statement on how you meet the essential criteria as stated in the person specification section, and a maximum 250-word statement on how you meet the advertised lead behaviour – Leadership.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
- For guidance on Civil Service Success Profiles, this video tells you what you’ll need to provide throughout the assessment process with supporting guidance on each step. Link – Success Profiles
- For guidance on how to construct your CV, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link - CV
- For guidance on how to construct your personal statement, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link – Statement
- For guidance on how to construct your lead behaviour statement, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link – Behaviours
Sift
The sift panel will use the information in your CV and Personal Statement to assess your experience and how you meet the essential criteria as stated in the person specification section. The sift panel will also assess the lead behaviour statement – Leadership.
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead behaviour – Leadership. 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 the four advertised behaviours, and your experience (as stated in the person specification section).
As part of the interview process, you will be asked to undertake a presentation.
Please be aware that at this time, interviews will be held remotely via Microsoft Teams.
If scores are equal following interview, an assessment of the lead behaviour – Leadership will be used by the panel.
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.
Please be aware that this role is based at our main location in Lowestoft.
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.
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.
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.
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
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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 : Clare Avieson or Alec Wilson
- Email : resourcing@cefas.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 Commission.
