Pandemic Preparedness Senior Policy Advisor

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.

Ministerial, Growth and Resilience Directorate

The Ministerial, Growth and Resilience Directorate includes Defra’s briefing, parliamentary and ministerial support functions as well as Defra’s Ministerial and Permanent Secretary Private Offices. It is also the centre of Defra’s resilience oversight function, which this role sits within.

Policy Response and Resilience Unit

The Policy Response and Resilience Unit’s (PRRU) overarching role is to provide strategic oversight and co-ordination for cross-cutting and emerging risks across Defra’s policy landscape – allowing Ministers and the department to consistently manage complex and urgent issues.

The Biosecurity and Pandemic Preparedness team

The Biosecurity and Pandemic Preparedness (BioPP) team exists to protect the UK from biological risks and threats, and strengthen preparedness for future pandemics by coordinating delivery of Defra’s contributions to the UK Biological Security Strategy and the Pandemic Preparedness Strategy; maintaining oversight of key workstreams across the Defra group; and working with cross-government partners to enhance integration, capability, and response—including in managing zoonotic risks across animal and human health systems.

Location

This role can be based at any Main Defra Policy Hub. You will be expected work in the office at least 60% of the time.

Job description

Defra has a unique role in preparing the UK for future pandemics. It is likely that the next pandemic will be zoonotic in origin, and in any plausible scenario there would be widespread, significant impacts on Defra sectors (including food and water supply). This high‑profile, multidisciplinary role is key to delivering Defra’s cross-cutting pandemic preparedness work area. It encompasses policy development, scientific advice, operational planning and capability development for Defra group. The successful candidate will use robust evidence to underpin their decisions and be comfortable in engaging with technical specialists.

They will build and maintain an in-depth understanding of Defra’s role and interests in preparing for future pandemics, and ensure that this is appropriately embedded within cross-government work, leveraging any opportunities for joint working that arise.

The role will continue ongoing engagement with relevant Arm’s Length Bodies (including APHA, the VMD and Environment Agency) and ensure they are integrated within wider cross-Defra and cross-government work to prepare for future pandemics. This builds on relationships established in the planning and delivery of Exercise PEGASUS (a Tier 1 pandemic response exercise) and ensures that all of Defra group play their part in delivering the One Health commitments within the newly published Pandemic Preparedness Strategy.

Whilst this post focuses primarily on pandemic preparedness it also offers the opportunity to engage in wider work around biological security, and has potential to support Defra’s crisis response capability.

The post‑holder will need to have an understanding of the Government’s approach and priorities for pandemic preparedness, the biological security community, and One Health principles.

They must be able to access and handle sensitive material confidently and autonomously, brief senior officials and ministers on highly sensitive topics, work effectively through periods of rapid change, and credibly represent the department in cross‑government fora.

Person specification

Key Responsibilities:

· Lead Defra's delivery on its obligations and commitments under the UK Pandemic Preparedness Strategy, establishing frameworks for oversight, reporting, and risk management across the department and its Arm's Length Bodies.

· Coordinating senior governance boards, managing secretariat functions, and driving follow-up actions to support effective decision-making and oversight of the Pandemic Preparedness Strategy and Biological Security Strategy.

· Provide high-quality briefing, advice and recommendations to senior officials and Defra leadership ahead of governance meetings related to Pandemic Preparedness including the Pandemic Disease Capability Board.

· Use lessons identified from COVID-19, Exercise Pegasus and other preparedness activity to strengthen Defra's approach to pandemic preparedness, resilience and biosecurity.

· Coordinate pandemic preparedness-related commissions to ensure Defra equities are reflected in wider cross-government work.

· Coordinate ad-hoc commissions and projects as needed.

Essential criteria

• Knowledge and experience of biosecurity, resilience and pandemic preparedness.
• A strong ability to assess and apply scientific evidence, lessons learned, and expert advice to inform policy and strategy.
• Experience in establishing and delivering cross-government governance arrangements.
• Proven ability to build relationships across organisations, including with scientists, policy teams, academia and external partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience providing high-quality briefing, advice and recommendations to senior decision makers (e.g. Ministers and senior officials).
• Ability to align work with departmental and cross-government priorities, anticipate emerging issues and ensure delivery against strategic objectives.
• Security Check (SC) Clearance.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £44,052, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs contributes £12,761 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• A career in the Civil Service is like no other. If you’re 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, “what’s in it for me”? Take a look below at some of the benefits available to you as a civil servant in Defra.
  
  Ministerial, Growth and Resilience 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, we’re 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

  
  We’re a firm believer in agile and flexible working. When you join Defra, we’ll 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 King’s 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

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

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

Application Process

As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV, personal statement and 2 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 Personal Statement Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.

Sifting is likely to be occur w/c 16th November , with interviews likely to take place 10-14days after. 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 Written Briefing Exercise.

Interviews are expected to last no longer than 45 minutes.

Reserve List

A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.

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.

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 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.Checks@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 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.

Higher Security Clearance:

Job offers are made on the basis of merit. Security vetting will only take place after the receipt of a job offer.

If you are successful at interview, we will ask you to undertake basic security clearance before the role is confirmed. For this role you must already hold SC prior to applying and will be expected to obtain Developed vetting clearance once in role.

This is a permanent role as aa Grade SEO in the Policy Response and Resilience Unit.

All of these posts require the successful candidate to hold basic security clearance. Candidates posted to London may be subject to a higher level of clearance because of the security requirements for that location. Job offers to these posts are made on the basis of merit. Security vetting will only take place after the receipt of a job offer.

For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the Demystifying Vetting website.

Please be aware the levels of national security clearance are changing which may impact on the level needed for this role by the time of appointment. All efforts will be made to keep candidates informed of any changes and what that will mean in terms of vetting criteria. For more information please See our vetting charter

Childcare Vouchers

Any move to DEFRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare; for further information visit the Childcare Choices website.

Working Pattern

This role is full time only. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying.

Merit Lists

Where more than one location is advertised, candidates will be appointed in merit order for each location. You will be asked to state your location preference on your application.

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.

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

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) 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 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

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 and Change Resourcing
• Email : sandc.resourcing@defra.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.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.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: here