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Job summary

Do you enjoy working with scientific evidence, experts, universities, and research centres to understand environmental processes, changes and trends?
Can you summarise that information into clear, accessible reports for Ministers, Parliament and the public?

If so, then we want to hear from you.

The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) mission is to protect and improve the natural environment. Established by the Environment Act 2021, our role is to hold government and public bodies in England and Northern Ireland to account. We do this in several ways including reporting on progress towards environmental commitments, advising on changes to environmental laws and receiving complaints from the public, which can lead to us investigations and taking enforcement action.

This role is based within the OEP’s Insights Directorate which leads on progressing our strategic objective of holding governments to account for delivery of environmental goals and targets, in accordance with Environmental Improvement Plans.

With a total staff of just over 80, 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, including part time and job share 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

The scope of our work is broad and the OEP’s priority areas over the next three years are improving nature on land and at sea, clean water and effective governance; as well as developing our work on the circular economy and waste, chemical regulation, and soil health. Alongside analysing and commissioning scientific evidence on the natural environment, understanding policy is a key aspect of assessing how government is addressing its commitments and meeting its targets.

Through our Environmental Improvement Plan monitoring and reporting, we analyse and comment on government’s progress. We make recommendations on how progress could be improved across environmental goals, targets and plans. We also provide commentary and advice on the adequacy of environmental monitoring.

In addition to reporting on Government’s progress, Insights Directorate supports other OEP Directorates to deliver their specialist functions.

The successful candidate will be expected to work flexibly and contribute to analysis across a range of themes or subjects. Insights is a small team and there is ample opportunity to take on responsibility in a range of work areas.

Key areas we expect the role-holder will support include:

• Development of analysis across the range of policy areas in Environmental Improvement Plans, in order to provide an independent assessment of progress.

• Development of annual progress reports and methodological statements including authorship and review and quality assurance processes.

• Analysis and commissioning of evidence relating to science and policy to develop a robust basis for our scrutiny and reporting functions.

• Translation of science into policy relevant recommendations.

• Support the OEP’s finance, business planning and budget management activities, including helping Insights to plan and monitor resources, maintain clear forecasts, support proportionate reporting, and identify opportunities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of financial and planning processes.

• Support wider specialist functions such as providing advice to Government and analytical support towards the monitoring of environmental law, reviewing complaints and when undertaking investigations.

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

• Degree level qualification in a relevant scientific or environmental discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Experience in the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of evidence from a range of science and policy sources.
• Ability to think and operate at the science-policy interface, using the best available evidence to inform decision-making and recommendations.
• Experience in commissioning and managing external research projects to support science and policy analysis.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate complex analysis clearly and confidently, verbally and in writing for multiple audiences. In particular developing concise non-technical summaries.
• Experience of working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders, including coordinating inputs from external technical experts.
• Ability to identify risks to the delivery of key activities, and work with the wider team to manage and resolve them.
• Experience of supporting finance, business planning or budget management activities, including monitoring resources, maintaining forecasts, supporting reporting, and identifying practical improvements to planning and financial processes.
• Be a strong team player, with a flexible and adaptable mindset, able to work across a wide range of projects and change direction quickly in response to changing demands.
• Ability to take initiative and be highly proactive in progressing work as well as seeking review and steer on a regular basis.

In addition to the above, experience in the following areas is desirable though not essential.

• Integrated and cross-cutting assessments that analyse issues within and across the different areas of the environment and over past, present and future timescales.
• Synthesis of policy relevant science particularly in the areas of nature conservation, planning and engagement with the natural environment.

Behaviours

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

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills

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

• Collection, interpretation and presentation of evidence.
• Developing independent research and insights to inform analysis.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £42,665, Office for Environmental Protection contributes £12,360 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).

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, Experience and Technical skills.

Application Process

The OEP uses the Civil Service Success Profile framework which is made up of five elements: Behaviours, Strengths, Ability, Experience and Technical. 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).

For application, you will be asked to complete a CV detailing qualifications and work history and a 750 word statement of suitability answering the question:

"In your personal statement, please provide details of how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification providing examples to demonstrate your experience. We would like your statement to specifically focus on the following areas:
• Ability to think and operate at the science-policy interface, using the best available evidence to inform decision-making and recommendations including the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of evidence from a range of science and policy sources.
• Experience of working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders, including commissioning and managing external research projects and inputs from technical experts."

Your examples may come from work, volunteering, training or education.

Should a large number of applications be received, the sift will specifically focus on the areas specified in the personal statement question.

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 may be conducted using the specific focus criteria outlined in the personal statement question.

Once the sift has concluded, 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.

Interview and ID Verification

If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on experience, behaviours and technical criteria outlined in the job description.

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. 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.

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 Recruitment
• 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 July26 Opens in new window (pdf, 1912kB)