Operational Research Analyst
Food Standards Agency
Apply before 11:55 pm on Tuesday 15th October 2024
Details
Reference number
Salary
Salary will be pro rata for if working as part of a job share partnership. If applying on a job-share basis, the expectation is that you are already in an established job-share partnership.
Applicants who wish to work compressed hours are welcome to apply - however your preferred working pattern may not be available, and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying.
Job grade
Contract type
Business area
Type of role
Operational Research
Working pattern
Number of jobs available
Contents
Location
Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not overseas.
Travel within the UK will be required on an occasional basis, possibly with overnight stays.
About the job
Job summary
As an Operational Research Analyst at the Food Standards Agency (FSA), you will be a key player in a small, dynamic team, working on a project basis to provide critical support and advice across all areas of the Agency. Your role will involve applying a diverse range of operational research and analytical techniques to address key issues faced by the FSA.
This position offers a unique opportunity to work flexibly on a variety of projects, from developing foodborne disease estimation models to clustering Local Authorities by key characteristics. Your ability to think through problems from first principles, coupled with your experience in a wide range of analytic techniques, will be essential in delivering high-quality, impactful work.
Job description
You’ll be at the heart of a small, dynamic team, tackling a variety of fascinating projects that directly impact food safety and standards. Your analytical skills will help the FSA better understand and mitigate these risks, making a real difference in public health.
You’ll also have the opportunity to work on clustering Local Authorities by key characteristics, providing insights that can shape policy and improve local food safety practices. Your role will involve collaborating closely with customers to understand their issues, identifying the right analytical approaches, and delivering findings that lead to actionable recommendations. This means you’ll be constantly engaging with different stakeholders, from policy leads to scientific experts, building strong relationships and ensuring your work has a tangible impact.
In addition to these exciting projects, you’ll play a crucial role in analysing the next phase of the National Level Regulation Your quantitative evaluation skills will be put to the test as you help assess and refine this innovative approach to regulation. Throughout all your projects, you’ll be expected to deliver high-quality analytical work, ensuring accuracy, relevance, and excellent presentation.
Your day-to-day activities will be varied and stimulating. You’ll assist colleagues, engage in idea exchanges, and keep work plans up to date. You’ll also have the chance to suggest improvements to the operation of the branch, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement. Working in multi-disciplinary teams, you’ll bring your problem-solving skills to the fore, thinking through issues from first principles and applying a wide range of analytic techniques.
This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and is passionate about making a difference. If you’re ready to take on diverse challenges and contribute to the FSA’s mission of ensuring food safety and standards, this is the opportunity for you. Join us and be part of a team that’s making a real impact on public health and safety.
Person specification
Please read the attached Candidate Pack to discover further details about the role, our organisation, who we are looking for and the criteria we will assess against during the selection process.
We look forward to receiving your application and wish you every success.
Qualifications
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Working Together
- Managing a Quality Service
- Seeing the Big Picture
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Knowledge and application of a range of OR skills and techniques – GORS level 2
- Achieving impact with analysis – GORS level 2
Benefits
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Full details of the selection process are detailed in the attached candidate pack.
Application and shortlisting
You will be asked to provide personal details (not seen by the Panel) and to confirm your eligibility to apply for the role.
Technical: You will be asked a question to confirm that you meet the Technical requirements of the role.
- You have, or expect to have, a 2:1 or higher degree or degree apprenticeship in a highly numerate degree subject; or you have, or expect to have, a 2:2 or higher degree and a highly numerate postgraduate degree
If you cannot answer yes to this question – you will not be able to proceed further with your application.
You will then be asked to complete an application which will be used to assess you against the following essential criteria.
Essential criteria
Experience
- Lead criteria: Proven experience of designing and producing analysis that answers client questions and helps them make effective decisions
- Proven experience of communicating analysis to a variety of audiences
Lead Criteria An initial sift will take place on the Lead Criteria.
In the event that we receive a large number of applications, the minimum pass mark for the Lead Criteria may be raised at shortlisting stage. Candidates who apply under the DCS, GPTW or RIS schemes and meet the minimum requirements will be unaffected by the pass mark raise.
Interview
If successful at shortlisting stage, you will be invited to a final interview in which we will assess you against the following Technical requirements of the role and Civil Service Behaviours Level 3.
Behaviours
- Working Together
- Managing a Quality Service
- Seeing the bigger picture
Full details of the positive indicators being assessed for each Behaviour can be found in the Candidate Pack.
Technical
During the interview, you will be assessed against the following areas of the GORS Framework:
- Knowledge and application of a range of OR skills and techniques – GORS level 2
- Achieving impact with analysis – GORS level 2
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
You must ensure that any evidence submitted as part of your application or used during interview, including your CV and any statements or examples, are truthful and factually accurate. Please note that plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own.
Expected Timeline
Advert closes: 15th October
Sift: Expected to take place 16th October
Final panel interview: Expected to take place from 31st October
Interviews will be held remotely via MS Teams. (If you do not have the Microsoft Teams application installed on your computer, you can join on the web without installing the application).
Please note that indicated dates may be subject to change.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to the Food Standards Agency 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.
Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Reserve List
A reserve list will be held for a period of up to 12 months from which further appointment may be made.
Visa Sponsorship
Please note that the FSA does not hold a licence to sponsor any visa applications and we are unable to provide any advice about visas.
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).
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Darren Holland
- Email : Darren.Holland@food.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : hr.recruitment.campaigns@food.gov.uk
Further information
