Principal Intelligence Analyst

Job summary

Do you enjoy reading around subjects/topics and always have one eye on the horizon?

Can you distil complex information down and apply strategic thinking to understand and explain what it means for your organisation?

Do you have a passion for the environment and the protection and improvement of the natural environment?

If you answered yes, we would love to hear from you.

Our mission at the Office for Environmental Protection is to protect and improve the natural environment. We are a relatively new body, created by the Environment Act 2021, our role is to hold Government and public bodies to account. We do this in several ways including reporting on progress against environmental targets, advising on changes to environmental law and receiving complaints from the public and where necessary taking enforcement action.

This role is based in the OEP’s award winning Intelligence team. Our team aims to inform better, evidence-led, decision making. We do this by constantly striving to improve the OEP’s situational awareness, identifying emerging issues through our horizon scanning and improving corporate memory and the flow of information across the organisation. This includes weekly briefings to all OEP staff including the Board, plus issue based ad hoc commissions.

With a total staff of just over 90, we are a dynamic, friendly and flexible organisation covering both England, Northern Ireland, and environmental matters reserved to the UK government. We offer flexible working arrangements, high profile, dynamic work and the chance to have an impact on improving the state of the environment.

To find out more about the OEP, what we do, who we are and our current work, visit the OEP website .

The OEP is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra in England and DAERA in Northern Ireland which means it operates independently from Defra and DAERA. Our employees are public servants and as part of the benefits package, employees have the opportunity to enroll in the Civil Service Pension Scheme.

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity to lead on the delivery and further develop the OEP’s horizon scanning function, cumulating in an annual report to the Board to support annual business planning.

You will work alongside the Head of Intelligence to scan the world around us and facilitate colleagues to collate intelligence relevant to the OEP’s remit in our Intelligence Management System. You will support the OEP to embed an issue-based approach, facilitating regular cross organisational forums and produce regular issue-based briefings.

Much of the work of the OEP is project based. As part of your role, you may be asked to be a project lead for critical projects relating to the OEP’s mission. This is a leadership role, within and outside the OEP, working with others across the organisation and beyond to make sure our projects deliver the outcomes we intend.

The role holder will;

• Conduct regular horizon scanning, by reading and analysing a broad range of intelligence sources each week. Sources cover Government and Parliamentary publications, third sector, think tank and academic outputs. Maintain a log of emerging issues relevant to the OEP’s remit by analysing the most recent intelligence.
• Deliver a quarterly intelligence report to senior leadership and an annual horizon scanning report to the OEP Board.
• Lead the OEP to conduct a Delphi survey including insights from our College of Experts.
• Lead OEP colleagues to discuss and scope new issues by coordinating a 6-weekly senior cross organisational forum.
• Further develop the horizon scanning approach by taking a continuous learning approach and via engagement with external networks for example the Go Science heads of horizon scanning network.
• Improve the flow of information across the OEP by maintaining an up-to-date picture of current OEP programmes and projects, drafting briefings, including a weekly intelligence update directly to the Board and inputting to working groups.
• Administer the OEP’s Intelligence Management System, supporting colleagues to use it, reviewing and approving posts and seeking to continuously improve the system and the processes around it.
• Work flexibly across the OEP, seeking to embed the intelligence function by identifying opportunities to support the delivery of priorities. For example, being proactive about monitoring a new Bill through Parliament and feeding related intelligence to project leads or providing briefing to support Select Committee hearings.

The above list of job duties is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Person specification

• Strategic thinking skills. The ability to see things from different perspectives and understand and communicate what they mean for the delivery of the organisational mission. This is further described by the success profile behaviour: Seeing the bigger picture.
• Analytical skills in an analytic, economic or social science with experience of applying models such as the Government Futures Toolkit, for example, conducting PESTLE analysis.
• A degree, qualification or significant equivalent experience in an analytical subject such as economics. Membership of the analyst or economist profession would be desirable but not essential.
• Communication skills. The ability to distil complex information into succinct points at pace. Drafting to high standards without letting perfection get in the way of delivery.
• The confidence and personal resilience to work flexibly and independently, make connections across the organisation and pull clarity from ambiguity.
• A proven track record of applying a continuous improvement mindset.
• A good working knowledge of the environment and environmental sector stakeholders and an appetite to learn and develop your knowledge.
• Experience of working with diverse multi-disciplinary teams and/or stakeholders to achieve common outcomes

Behaviours

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

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace
• Changing and Improving

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

• Seeing the Big Picture

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £56,375, Office for Environmental Protection contributes £16,331 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Leave and Flexible Working

The OEP offers 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days over 5 years for all new entrants.

Additional paid leave is available where necessary to cater for a variety of situations including, but not limited to, family-related leave, volunteering days, exam and study leave, public duties and trade union activities. In addition, we offer a generous enhanced maternity leave, parental leave and shared parental leave policy.

The OEP is supportive of flexible working and has a flexible working policy to allow for variations in individuals working hours where this is compatible with business need.

Performance Management and In Year Bonus Scheme

The OEP is committed to promoting a high-performing culture for all employees. Performance and development management is key to developing trusting relationships between managers and employees so that they can be their best and thrive at work. Every individual will have a performance management plan which will be reviewed on a regular basis.

The OEP has a quarterly ‘In-year Bonus Scheme’ where individuals and/ or teams can be recognised for outstanding one-off contributions and achievements.

Learning and Development

The OEP is a learning organisation and strongly supports the continuous professional development of all employees through both personal and work related study. The OEP will pay for one relevant profession membership per employee to support continuous professional development.

Every employee has access to five days learning and development each year to support professional development. This could be through Civil Service Learning mandatory and voluntary learning, corporate inductions, staff events and welcome days as well as relevant professional qualifications and specific courses.

Staff Wellbeing

Staff wellbeing is extremely important and the OEP strives to provide access to numerous resources to aid the wellbeing of its employees. Current initiatives include:

• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providing free and confidential 24/7 telephone advice and guidance to support employees with both personal and employment issues. This may include personal wellbeing, career development or legal matters such as landlord / tenant disputes.
• Access to an Occupational Health Service to provide a range of support service to help with the way you feel at work.
• Access to trained Mental Health First Aiders and wider Defra Group mental health first aid network and resources.
• Free access to Headspace, a mindfulness, meditation and sleep app.
• Access to a Financial Wellbeing Portal.
• Free eye tests and a contribution to glasses/ lenses if required for VDU use.

Salary Sacrifice, Discounts and SmartTech Benefits

All employees have access to the STaR, Reward Gateway an online platform providing access to hundreds of discounts, offers and cashback options with well-known retailers. They offer a SmartTech scheme, a Cash Healthcare plan and numerous other benefits and services.

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.

Contract

This role is being offered on a permanent basis.

Application Process

The OEP uses the Civil Service Success Profile framework which is made up of five elements: Behaviours, Ability, Experience, Technical and Strengths. It is strongly recommend you have a look at the Success Profiles to enable you to make the best application possible.

When writing or presenting behaviours, the OEP recommends you use the STAR format to present your answers (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete a CV detailing qualifications and work history, a 500 word statement and a 250 word statement on the lead behaviour, Seeing the Big Picture.

The personal statement is a very important part of your application. Review the person specification and essential experience and skills criteria on the job description and outline how you meet it providing specific and relevant examples. These could be from work, volunteering, training or education.

Further details are provided on the application form.

Sift

After the closing date, your application will be reviewed against the essential sift criteria outlined for the role.

Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift will focus onthe lead behaviour, Seeing the Big Picture. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.

The sift will be conducted and applicants will be notified of the outcome shortly after the closing date. Please note that feedback will not be given to applications at sift stage.

We expect to release sift results week commencing 1st June 2026.

Interview and ID Verification

If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on your experience and behaviours.

At interview, you may be required to complete an additional exercise. If this is required, details will be sent alongside your invite to interview.

Interviews will be held online using MS Teams.

Appointments

All appointments will be made in merit order.

Identification

Candidates will need to bring ID to interview for verification in person. Human Resources will contact you to advise what ID you need to bring.

Following interview, ID will need to be checked for Right to Work and BPSS security clearance. This will be done by secure online platforms via the Government Recruitment Service.

Reserve List

A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made. All appointments will be made in merit order.

Near Miss Appointments

On occasion candidates may attend interview for the advertised post but will narrowly miss the standard required at interview. The OEP may, where appropriate, consider such candidates for alternative, similar posts at a lower grade.

Salary

New entrants are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.

Location and Office Attendance

All OEP roles are based in Worcester and/ or Northern Ireland. This role is based in either Northern Ireland or Worcester.

All GB employees will be contractually based at the Worcester office. The OEP embraces a blended working model and supports a combination of office and home working which will be dependent on business need and individual circumstances. Our current office attendance approach requires 40% attendance in one of the OEP offices or on official OEP business at offsite meetings with partners and customers. This approach enables thriving workplaces to connect with colleagues, as required by their role and business team needs balanced with personal flexibility and choice.

If GB based, travel and subsistence will not be paid for travel to the Worcester office.

Employees based in Northern Ireland will be contractually home based. There will be an expectation of travel to Worcester but this will be dependent on business need and individual circumstances. As a guideline, it’s envisaged that travel to Worcester would be between 4 and 6 times a year, fully funded by the OEP. However, travel will be a 2-way commitment, with other OEP staff members being expected to travel to NI at a similar frequency. Northern Ireland based staff currently have access to a touch down space in Belfast to enable collaborative working.

If the candidate is an internal candidate, they will be applying for the role at the advertised location. TUPE restrictions may apply.

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 the OEP at recruitment@theoep.org.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

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service or Access NI 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.

Visa Sponsorship Statement

Please note that the OEP is not a UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License Sponsor and is unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Childcare Vouchers

Any move to the OEP 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

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

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.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 : OEP Human Resources
• Email : recruitment@theoep.org.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : recruitment@theoep.org.uk

Further information

Complaints 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 the OEP via email: recruitment@theoep.org.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the OEP, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: click here to visit the Civil Service Commission.

Attachments

OEP Candidate Pack Mar26 Opens in new window (pdf, 2249kB)