Environmental Contracted Services Operations Senior Officer - ( Ref : 6359 )

Job summary

This position is based Nationally

Job description

Join us in shaping a future where nature and people thrive. Whether you're drawn to hands-on conservation or playing a vital part behind the scenes, your work at Natural England will support lasting benefits for the environment and society.

Our Role:

Natural England is the Government’s adviser for the natural environment and the Nature regulator with a wide range of statutory duties and powers. We provide the evidence, expertise and advice to recover Nature and shape better places for people to live. We do this working through and with others.

Our strategy is framed through four strategic outcomes. Each of these outcomes reinforces and amplifies the others, and together they address environmental, social and economic actions critical to thriving nature.

• Recovering Nature – Increased scale and quality of places where nature thrives.
• Building Better Places – Greener homes and infrastructure create healthier, more investable places, recognising we live better where nature thrives around us.
• Improving Health and Wellbeing – Build nature into everyday life so people can support, access and benefit from nature, wherever they live.
• Delivering Security through Nature – Nature helps us adapt to the threats of a changing climate and improves our national security, supporting more resilient food production, healthy soils, clean and plentiful water and clean air.

Find out more about the work of Natural England at Natural England’s Strategy: Recovering Nature for Growth, Health and Security - GOV.UK

The Environmental Training, Advice and Facilitation Framework (ETAFF) is a flexible procurement tool used by NE and other Defra family bodies to contract in farm and land management advice services from vetted and approved Suppliers. The Environmental Contracted Services (ECS) Team run the operation of the Framework and is comprised of Senior Contract Managers, Contract Managers, and a Claims Team, all supported by an Operations Senior Officer and the Framework Manager. They work closely with the commissioning team’s key staff, Defra Group Commercial (Procurement) and the Suppliers themselves.

Following the procurement process, Mini contracts are awarded to the successful Suppliers which provide free, impartial, targeted advice, training and information to farmers, land managers and their advisers so they are better informed to make business decisions that maximise outcomes for the natural environment. The mini contracts contribute to support the Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) Programme and the uptake of Agri-Environmental Schemes. There is however, growing interest from Natural England and Defra-family bodies to utilise the Framework to procure advice, facilitation & training services covering a wider range of topics. The Operations Senior Officer will play a significant role in working with potential new commissioners to develop these new areas of work.

The current ETAF Framework runs from August 2023 to July 2027 and we are now in the process of designing the next framework which will run directly on from this. The Operations Senior Officer will play a key role in creating and launching the new framework and therefore prior experience of working with a procurement framework is key.

Job description

The Operations Senior Officer will support the management of our Framework Contracts and be a key contact for our own staff and strategic delivery partners including CSF, Defra and potential new commissioners. You will support the Framework Manager in giving sound advice on Framework interpretation and actively promoting take up both within Natural England and other Authorities who may wish to utilise the Framework to procure support for their projects and programmes. You will also support the Framework Contract Management team in delivering best practice, provide technical and operational guidance and ensuring effective governance and framework management, quickly developing excellent relationships internally and externally. You will also play a key role in the design and creation of the new procurement Framework which will be launched in summer 2027, identifying lessons learnt from the current Framework and ensuring the new Framework will meet the changing requirements of existing and potential new commissioners.

Key Tasks/Principal Accountabilities

The Senior Officer will be expected to:

• Develop a detailed knowledge of the procurement Framework to ensure all contracts and delivery meet the standards and requirements as set out in the ETAF Framework and providing technical support to the ETAF Framework Manager on its application.
• Provide technical and operational support and training to the wider Framework Delivery team (Senior Contract Managers, Contract Managers and Claims Team).
• Act as the main contact with the CSF national team on the development and management of advice specifications/reports/guidance.
• Work with the Framework Delivery team and the external Suppliers to support the delivery of the mini contracts ensuring that the training/advice is delivered to the contracted quality, timescales and volumes whilst encouraging innovation & continuous improvement.
• Ensure the Framework documentation is up to date and meets current legislation/guidance, updating and developing new guidance when required.

Finance and reporting:

• Provide functional management of the Claims team including large claim authorisation.
• Provide an oversight of Framework claim processing, providing guidance and support and be able to handle data responsibly and understand delegations, governance and follow policies and procedures.
• Have oversight of budgets for tendered work, providing updates as requested to the Framework Manager, Finance team, Defra, CSF Programme team and the Rural Payments Agency (RPA).
• Oversee the programme of National Audit Office (NAO) audits and inspections in relation to Framework contracts, acting accordingly on the outcomes of these.

Project planning and delivery:

• Lead on the design, development and launch of a new Framework (to launch in summer 2027), working with Defra Group Commercial (DGC) and the Framework Manager to obtain the necessary NE Senior Management and Cabinet approval.
• Oversee the project plan (pipeline) for delivery and work with the Framework Delivery Team to ensure progress against delivery requirements.
• Work with contract commissioners to understand their advice requirements in support of their programmes and schemes.
• Work with the Framework Manager, GFF Programme and Area Teams to advocate the use of the Framework and horizon scan for future work and new opportunities.
• Support and work with NE and DGC to ensure the timely procurement of mini contracts.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Knowledge and experience of procurement, including contract and contractor/supplier management tools and techniques including risk management and benefits realisation (Essential)
• Experience of working within a procurement framework to let and manage contracts (Essential)
• Experience of finance and budget management (Essential)
• Strong written and verbal skills to be able to communicate with a range of stakeholders, both internal and external, including some conversations which may be challenging. (Essential)
• Ability to analyse and present findings succinctly and confidently to different audiences. On occasions you may be asked to provide outputs quickly and robustly to defend NE positions. (Essential)
• Ability to identify, understand and address the needs of key stakeholders, including internal and external customers or senior Defra/NE Management, providing rapid and effective responses (Essential)
• Knowledge of Agri-environment Schemes, Catchment Sensitive Farming and the agricultural/land management sectors would be useful but not essential (Desirable)

Benefits

At Natural England, we support a healthy work-life balance by offering full-time, part-time, and flexible working arrangements.

We provide excellent opportunities for career progression, training, and development tailored to your role. This includes ten days annually for personal learning and development, plus three additional days for volunteering. You’ll receive a generous leave allowance of 33 days per year (pro rata), access to the Civil Service Pension scheme with a 28.97% employer contribution, and a range of benefits such as shopping discounts and a cycle-to-work scheme. Staff can also join the Civil Service Sport club for discounts on sports, leisure activities, and social events.

We are committed to fairness, equality, and inclusivity. Our employee-led diversity networks help foster a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

Locations

Natural England has adopted hybrid working – which means our staff work from a flexible range of locations, encompassing home, offices (ours and our partners) and relevant sites. All new staff will be formally linked to one of our 25 offices across England, and the expectation is that all new staff will be able to access their local office to be part of the

community of staff in their geographical area. Staff are expected to attend their associated office for 20% of their contractual hours.

Staff members are required to carry out all their duties working in this way and cannot do

so from an overseas location at any time. Travel expenses will be paid if work-related

travel is required but does not apply to travel between home and your associated office.

National team roles can be linked with any Natural England office. View a map of our office locations here: online map of Natural England office locations

Competencies

Competence 1

Professional competency

Detail

Technical Skills

Description

The STAR format is not required for this competency but please give evidence to demonstrate your skills and knowledge.

Description:
• Knowledge and experience of finance, procurement, and using a procurement framework
(Essential)
• Experience of contract management (Essential)
• Experience of communicating with a range of stakeholders (Essential)
• Knowledge & awareness of farm and land management advice (Desirable)
• Basis qualified (Desirable)

Competence 2

Professional competency

Detail

Personal Effectiveness

Description

Please give your answers using the STAR format to evidence your skills and experience.

Description
• Make and explain objective decisions which combine your professional judgement and evidence (Expert)
• Act with integrity, addressing challenging issues and managing conflict through being open and objective. (Practitioner)
• Share expertise and knowledge with people and networks so that you can develop together (Practitioner)
• Be ambitious, identify and adopt ways to make improvements in your team and Natural England and inspire others to act (Practitioner)

Competence 3

Professional competency

Detail

Leading and Managing People

Description

Please give your answers using the STAR format to evidence your skills and experience.

Description
• Set clear plans and expectations for your team, explain reasons behind decisions, be clear on the outcomes to be achieved, and make things happen by sharing and delegating work to the right people. (Practitioner)
• Lead by example, engage and support your team through change. (Practitioner)
• Encourage, inspire and support people to be ambitious, creative and innovative, and to reflect, celebrate and learn lessons from their work. (Practitioner)

Competence 4

Professional competency

Detail

Work Delivery

Description

Please give your answers using the STAR format to evidence your skills and experience.

Description
• Manage and deliver your work to meet agreed targets and deadlines (Expert)
• Show strong financial awareness by understanding your team's financial position, highlighting risks and opportunities and taking management action if a material variance is likely to occur (Practitioner)
• See the big picture so you can set your work within the context of the organisation’s vision, mission and aims. (Practitioner)
• Understand and apply relevant policy, legislation, governance frameworks and strategies to your work (Practitioner)

Person specification

Please refer to Job Description

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £37,950, Natural England contributes £10,994 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• 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

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

Please refer to Job Description

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.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.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil 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

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 : Robert Gaster-Ward
• Email : Robert.Gaster-Ward@naturalengland.org.uk
• Telephone : 02087200291

Recruitment team

• Email : defra-recruitment-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Further information

https://networkrecruitment.tal.net/vx/appcentre-7/brand-4/spa-1/candidate/so/pm/1/pl/8/opp/6359-6359-Environmental-Contracted-Services-Operations-Senior-Officer/en-GB

Attachments

DEF-001h - Candidate Pack Natural England v2.3 Opens in new window (docx, 1325kB)