Surveillance Information & Data Coordinator (ID4576)

Job summary

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, and works on behalf of the Scottish Government and Welsh Government. Our diverse teams of over 3,000 skilled and committed professionals come together to provide research, advice and support to UK Government for safeguarding animal, public and plant health for benefit of the environment and economy.

You will be a part of the Surveillance, Epidemiology & Data Analysis team (SEDA), which sits at the heart of APHA’s veterinary surveillance team. Our job is to collect disease and pathogen data from Defra, other government departments and the livestock industry, to create a rich picture of the health of the nation’s farm animals and wildlife. We do this in support of livestock and public health, the natural environment, and increasingly to support international trade.

This is an exciting time in the world of surveillance data collection & analytics, with the formation of a Data Hub within Defra’s wider scientific community, and funding available to progress some ambitious data projects. These include bringing data together from veterinary laboratories, veterinary practices, abattoirs and other government agencies. The goal is to create a sophisticated analytics environment, where everyone in the veterinary surveillance world can see trends for their sector of interest and can sign up for automated alerts. Some is already in place, using tools such as Tableau, but much more needs to be developed over the next few years.

The Surveillance Data team work across all areas of Science in APHA, as well as across the wider Defra organisation. The Surveillance Intelligence Unit (SIU) and SEDA are both geographically dispersed teams. We are able to work effectively at a distance using tools such as Microsoft Teams. However, it will be necessary to travel occasionally to Weybridge (or other locations) for training sessions and workshops where face-to-face participation is beneficial for both the individual and the team. There will be opportunities to build relationships across government, academia and wider communities.

More information about the work of these teams is available at Animal disease scanning surveillance at APHA - GOV.UK and APHA animal surveillance reports, publications and dashboards - GOV.UK

Job description

You will be responsible for surveillance data and information related tasks and activities within the SEDA team within APHA’s SIU and science departments.

Main duties include, but are not restricted to the following:

• Responsible for administration, co-ordination and production of datasets and reports, and associated process documents.
• To explore and implement creative methods of sourcing, integrating, analysing and presenting data from multiple and diverse data sources.
• To contribute to the design and implementation of new reports, dashboards and other approaches to share surveillance information with a variety of stakeholders through a range of reporting channels. Currently, the primary software tool for dashboard develop is Tableau but experience of other software tools will also be valuable.
• To develop and maintain relevant platforms and collaborative environments to support surveillance information and data management and reporting, including SharePoint, web and social media.
• Maintaining existing and building new working relationships with members of multidisciplinary project teams and with internal and external customers and stakeholders.
• Line management of up to two EO posts.

Person specification

Experience and skills:

You will need to demonstrate the following:

• Experience in the use of analytical tools and data management and governance for science (for example, use of relevant software tools such as Excel, SharePoint, Tableau, Power BI, web-based software/tools, R, Python, GIS tools etc.)
• A knowledge of veterinary surveillance and animal health surveillance systems in England and Wales, with an understanding of the processes and systems relating to scanning surveillance data analysis, capture, data sharing and management used for animal or public health, or other scientific data.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage conflicting and changing priorities whist maintaining a quality standard.
• The ability to quickly and carefully explore and assess key information from scientific and geographical data to meet customer requirements.
• Good written and oral communications skills with the ability to collaborate and build relationships across teams and organisations to deliver shared goals.
• Good team working skills with the ability or willingness to line manage staff.

Security clearance

The Weybridge site is a strategically important national asset due to its role as a reference laboratory supporting the Government’s response to national emergencies including disease outbreaks. For this reason all postholders based on the APHA Weybridge site must hold a valid Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) security clearance or above. It is up to each person applying for a post at APHA Weybridge to ensure they meet the residency criteria. Applicantsmust be currently resident in the UKhave at least three years continuous UK residency as this is a requirement to work at the Weybridge site where the team and work is situated.

Ways of Working

Periodic travel within the UK and Europe may be required to attend training courses, conferences and scientific meetings. If not based at the Weybridge site, regular visits to the site will be required e.g. minimum one visit per month (travel costs will be covered by the department).

The successful candidate will need to comply with a number of health protocols and wear protective clothing and Respiratory Personal Protective Equipment (RPPE) as required. The work involved in this post can be physically demanding, therefore a level of physical fitness is required.

The successful candidate may have to ensure that no contact is made with farmed animals for a period of 1-2 days or more before visiting livestock premises.

The post will require Health clearance. You will be expected to complete a questionnaire on your general health. This will be arranged by the Health Team, Weybridge

A valid full driving licence is necessary or access to an alternative means of transport.

Behaviours

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

• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Making Effective Decisions

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

• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills

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

• Presentation - Explain how you managed and analysed a dataset to benefit the business.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £34,765, Animal and Plant Health Agency contributes £10,071 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

In return for your dedication and hard work, we will support your ongoing personal development through appropriate training as inclusion, support and the development of our people matter to us. We aim to support the career and personal wellbeing of everyone in APHA. Our benefits include generous annual leave, a generous employer contributory pension, staff bonuses and recognition, salary sacrifice benefit options, and an employee discount scheme, reward vouchers and in-year bonuses. We also offer additional days off if accrued extra hours (flexi-time –if accumulated), three paid volunteering days per year. We also have a social committee who run team building and fun events at the Weybridge site. Further details can be found in the Candidate Information Pack.

Everyone in APHA 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, 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.

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, Experience and Technical skills.

Application Process
You will be required to complete the following as part of your application:

• A CV-style application submitted through an online tool accessed through the Civil Service Jobs website. There is no requirement to upload your personal CV.
• A 750-word Personal Statement of how you match the details in the Personal Specification – the written evidence you provide must relate to your own experiences. We encourage you to use the full word allowance of the Personal Statement but not to exceed it
• A 250-word Behaviour Statement for the following Behaviours: Leadership, Communicating and Influencing. Please use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide evidence of the Behaviours in your application. The Behaviour criteria is outlined in theSuccess Profiles: Civil Service behaviours - GOV.UKframework for HEO positions.

CV Guidance
Your CV should consist of your career history, including any key achievements and your main responsibilities in each role and be no longer than 2 pages. Your CV will be used to provide further context on your Personal Statement and scored against the essential criteria.

Personal Statement Guidance
When completing your Personal Statement, please read and understand the Person Specification thoroughly, as this is what your written evidence will be assessed against. Please ensure you evidence the key personal qualities and experiences that align with the criteria. Consider the Job Description and look to demonstrate how your previous experience may align with the expectations and be applicable to the role. The written evidence you provide must relate to your own experiences. Your layout is entirely your preference; you may choose narrative, bullets, etc.

Scoring for all criteria of the application is from 1 to 7 – A score of 4 and above in each area will progress to interview unless there is a large number of applications. In this instance, an initial sift will be conducted using the Personal Statement. The panel may agree a benchmark score higher than 4 with a rationale for the decision. Any candidates applying under the Disability Confident Scheme who scores 4 or above on all of the criteria will be offered an interview. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to interview.

For further guidance and information on how to construct your application (CV style application, Personal Statement and Behaviours), you are encouraged to visit the Civil Service Careers website. How to write your CV , Civil Service Careers

Eligibility
Please take extra care to tick the correct boxes in the eligibility sections of your application form. We understand mistakes sometimes happen but if you contact us later than two working days (Monday-Friday) before the vacancy closes, we will not be able to reopen your application for you. If you do make a mistake, please contact us via Science.DirectorateHR@apha.gov.uk with the vacancy reference number, your applicant reference number, and the closing date.

Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on

• Experience as detailed in the Person Specification section - Success Profiles: Experience - GOV.UK
• Behaviours (Leadership, Working Together, Communicating and Influencing, Making Effective Decisions) The Behaviour criteria outlined in the Success Profiles: Civil Service behaviours - GOV.UKframework for HEO positions. Please use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide evidence of the Behaviours in your interview.
• You will also be required to give 8-minute presentation, with slides, followed by 2-minute questions and answers. This will be assessed under technical criteria. You will Explain how you managed and analysed a dataset to benefit the business. The Technical Skill outlined in the advert following theSuccess Profiles: Technical - GOV.UK

Your interview will be conducted online. Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.

Reserve List

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

Near Miss

Candidates who are judged to be a near miss at interview may be considered for other positions in Defra which may be at a lower grade but have a potential skills match.

After the interview

Once all the interviews have been conducted, candidates will be notified of the outcome by email. If you are successful at the interview stage, we will be in touch to offer you a role. Offers will be made in merit order.

Location

Please be aware that this role(s) will be contractually based in a Defra group workplace/office. The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location (excluding Northern Ireland) and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.

Where multiple locations are listed, 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. Please note that all listed locations are subject to desk availability.

Candidates intending to be based at Weybridge must undergo additional criminal record checks. The level of security needed to be based at Weybridge is Counter-Terrorist Check (CTC). Please note that these checks can take up to 6 months to complete and may delay your start date. See our vetting charter (opens in a new window)

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. For most candidates your hours of work will be a blend of working from an APHA workplace (specific to the team location) with working at home.

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.

Defra includes the core department, APHA, RPA, Cefas and VMD.

Salary

New entrants to the Civil Service 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/Disclosure Scotland 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.

For further information on the Disclosure Scotland confidential checking service telephone: the Disclosure Scotland Helpline on 0870 609 6006 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email Info@disclosurescotland.co.uk

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.

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. We may consider two part-time staff on a job share basis if continuity can be arranged.

NSV

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

Higher Security Clearance

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

The Weybridge site is a strategically important national asset due to its role as a reference laboratory supporting the Governments response to national emergencies including disease outbreaks. For this reason, all staff based on the APHA Weybridge site must hold a valid Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) security clearance. Applicants must be currently resident in the UK and have at least three years continuous UK residency in order to start the mandatory Counter Terrorist Check security checks that are required to work at APHA Weybridge. If you cannot meet this criterion, CTC clearance will not be possible as this is part of pre-employment checks before taking up the post. CTC is only required if based at Weybridge.

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.

Feedback

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.

Medical

Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.

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 : Science Directorate Recruitment Team
• Email : Science.DirectorateHR@apha.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

Attachments

SEDA HEO _JD Edited Opens in new window (docx, 80kB)APHA Information Pack Opens in new window (pdf, 1882kB)