Skip to main contentEconomist - Food Chain Analysis
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 1st October 2023
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Economist
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About the job
Job summary
Job description
Person specification
The candidate will need to be able to demonstrate skills as both a technically proficient and forward-thinking analyst and as a leader to perform the role effectively.
We are looking for sufficient leadership experience to carry out the role. This could potentially include evidence of a combination of line management, activity management, mentoring or other activities alongside evidence of having designed and effectively-delivered a number of analytical projects.
The successful candidate will be expected to regularly brief and liaise with senior members of staff (primarily G6 and DD) so experience of disseminating analysis to senior colleagues is important.
We are also looking for individuals who relish the opportunity to evaluate and challenge economic analysis across the team – acting as a critical friend for all of the analysts in the Food Chain Analysis Team.
As a Senior Executive Office (SEO) grade economist you should be able to demonstrate your abilities against the GES technical framework: GES Technical Framework 2022 - GOV.UK at SEO/Level 2 Practitioner grade.
GES Technical Competencies
- Application of knowledge: Strong knowledge of economic theory and analytical skills to be applied within a policy setting to assist decision making.
- Analysis of data: Leading economic analysis, including advanced econometric modelling, in a fast-paced environment while ensuring effective process governance and quality of outcomes.
- Effective Communication: Ability to communicate economic analysis and theory in an engaging, clear and useable manner to non-specialists, ranging from stakeholders to senior policy leaders and ministers.
Essential Criteria
Leading and contributing to project teams by applying economics to real-world issues and communicating the complex results of that analysis to non-specialists
Experience of delivering analysis and analytical projects to a high standard under challenging timescales
Quality assurance of analytical outputs
Evidence of having produced a consistent flow of novel and thought-provoking analysis
Experience of using at least two types of economic and/or econometric analytical techniques
Evidence of leadership experience to potentially include a combination of line management, activity management, mentoring or other activities.
We are also looking for individuals who relish the opportunity to evaluate and challenge economic analysis in the branch and wider team – acting as a critical friend for all of the economists in the Food Chain Analysis Team.
Qualifications
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Leadership
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
- Delivering at Pace
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Government Economic Service - Application of knowledge
- Government Economic Service - Analysis of data
- Government Economic Service - Effective communication
Benefits
- 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 average employer contribution of 27%
- 25 days annual leave, with 1 day per year annual increases to a maximum of 30 days
- Employee discounts and rewards
- Season ticket, cycle to work, bicycle and tenancy deposit loans
- Tax-free Childcare scheme
- Enhanced parental leave
Blended Working
Defra operates a blended working policy subject to business need, giving people the flexibility to choose when and where they work and collaborate with others.
Individuals are expected to work from one of the office locations stated in the advert to connect with their colleagues, as required by their role and business team needs. There is flexibility to split the working week, spending minimum of 40-60% in the workplace, unless exceptional circumstances apply and/or you are a contractual home worker.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Online tests
After submission of the first stage of your application, you will be invited to complete a Civil Service Judgement Test. If you successfully pass the test, you will be invited to complete the final stage of the application.
Please complete the online tests as soon as possible (within 24-48 hours is recommended), the closing date for the tests and application is 23:55 on 01/10/2023 If you fail to complete the online test before the deadline your application will be withdrawn. Guidance for the test will be available when you are invited to take the test. The tests are administered online and accessed via the CS Jobs website.
Do not leave completing the tests until the last minute in case you experience any access or technical issues. There may not be technical support available after business hours and after 2pm on the closing date of 01/10/2023.
While the tests should work on most operating systems and modern browsers with a good internet connection, we cannot guarantee that every combination will work. At the beginning, the test will check which browser you are using, and alert you if it is likely to be incompatible.
It is highly recommended that you complete the online tests on a desktop computer, not a mobile phone or tablet.
Please note that online tests associated with this vacancy are not subject to time limits. Click https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reasonable-adjustments-for-online-tests-a-candidate-guide for test guidance
Application Process
As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a 750 word personal statement.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Sift
Sift and interview dates as well as the interview location to be confirmed.
Interview
At interview candidates will be asked a range of questions covering the behaviours, strengths and technical skills required for this post alongside giving a technical presentation on a topic to be announced on invitation to interview. Candidates are strongly advised to refer to the Civil Service Success Profiles behaviour and strengths descriptors and Government Economic Service technical framework at Senior Executive Officer (SEO)/Level 2 practitioner grade for clear guidance around what behaviours and technical knowledge is expected (both documents are attached with this advert). Strength based questions will also be assessed.
Candidates performance at interview will be scored on a standard scale and the candidate meeting the benchmark with the highest score will be offered the post. Candidates scoring at or above the benchmark for the grade but not being highest ranked will be added to our reserve list for 12 months.
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, and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.
Candidates applying for these roles will be based at one of the Defra hubs as advertised.
For information, our core Defra hub locations are:
- York – the Kings Pool
- Newcastle – Lancaster House
- Bristol – Horizon House (Please note that space at this office is limited and it may not be possible for all Policy roles to be recruited to this location)
- London – 2 Marsham Street
Internal (core Defra) employees can apply for this role and choose to remain in their current location or to be based in one of the advertised locations.
All other applicants will be based in one of the advertised locations.
Defra continues to support a blended working model and candidates are currently expected to attend their office base for 40-60% of the week.
Travel and subsistence will not be paid for travel to a base office location.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Merit Lists
Where more than one location is advertised, candidates will be posted in merit order by location. You will be asked to state your location preference on your application.
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.
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.
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.
Please note tests on this vacancy are timed, therefore if due to the need for a reasonable adjustment such as additional time contact us as below.
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
Defra’s Agri-Food Chain directorate is a friendly and collaborative group, working on some of Defra’s highest priority objectives. The group benefits from an inclusive culture and we are looking for candidates who can contribute to making this a welcoming and positive place to work. We want our recruitment to be inclusive too, so if you have any reasonable adjustments to request at interview, please read the guidance further down the advert about how to notify us of these. This can include asking for the questions to be written down to accommodate neurodiverse candidates, extra time within the interview, making the panel aware of the need to schedule breaks for candidates with epilepsy, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional. Everyone’s needs are different, and any requests will be reviewed discreetly and treated on a case by case basis, taking into consideration your own unique personal circumstances and the facts provided. Anything you tell us will not affect how your application proceeds.
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 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.
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
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.
All of these posts require the successful candidate to hold basic security clearance. Candidates posted to 2 Marsham Street 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.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to Defra 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
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
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).
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Michael Archer
- Email : michael.archer@defra.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
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: Click here to visit Civil Service Commission.
