About the job

Job summary

Air quality is a high profile policy area and we have an exciting opportunity to join the DfT and Defra Joint Air Quality Unit (JAQU) to lead the Finance and Resourcing team for the NO2 programme.

JAQU is responsible for delivering the NO2 programme – the key objective is to reduce roadside nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations to within legal limits in the shortest possible time. This involves working closely with Local Authorities to develop, implement and evaluate a range of local measures to clean up the air (including Clean Air Zones), and using evidence to track progress towards achieving legal NO2 limits. The programme is part of the Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP) and is complex and high risk in nature.

As Finance and Resourcing Lead you will play a key part in delivery of this programme. You will oversee effective management of budgets and forecasting across the programme and work within a supportive and motivated team to provide financial management, commercial and resourcing advice. You will lead on financial reporting in a number of areas including quarterly reporting for GMPP and have oversight of both DfT and Defra budgets (totalling £883m). You will lead on future Spending Review bids and ensuring effective stewardship of public funds.

This is an exciting role that involves collaborating with colleagues across the programme, within Defra and DfT finance teams and HMT. You will provide insightful financial analysis and provide robust challenge to inform business planning.

The JAQU team is friendly and collaborative, with a range of social, diversity and inclusion, learning and development groups that help make the team a great place to work.

Job description

As head of the JAQU finance and resourcing team you will lead a small team to manage finance tracking, reporting and issues relevant to the NO2 programme. 

You will contribute to successful delivery of the programme by providing strategic support to Deputy Directors and Directors on finance topics and ensuring high quality financial management and reporting.

You will work with the wider JAQU team to challenge the robustness of plans and drive effective decision making ensuring that issues, risks, and opportunities are clearly identified.

You will provide advice, challenge and scrutiny to senior colleagues ensuring that budgets and forecasts are well constructed, accurate, managed and monitored.

You will build trust with decision makers so that your advice is actively sought and work collaboratively with Defra and DfT Finance Business Partners (FBPs) to give sound financial advice and challenge existing assumptions.

You will lead on the commercial strategy for the NO2 programme including ensuring that there is a clear plan for the procurement of any goods and services, managing the strategic relationship with Defra and DfT commercial teams and promoting best practice contract management within the programme.

You will lead on resourcing for the programme, including being responsible for headcount and FTE reporting, workforce planning and managing resourcing risks.

You will be responsible for financial input to Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) assurance reviews, Government Internal Audit and Assurance (GIAA) reviews and National Audit Office reviews.

You do not need to be an accountant to undertake this role. We welcome applicants with a broad portfolio of programme management and problem solving skills and expertise who are experienced in financial management and controls.

You will be respected for your financial knowledge and skill, providing sound advice, and ensuring the business adheres to relevant finance policies.

Person specification

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

·         Manage programme budgets and forecasts with support from a small team

·         Lead and provide line management to a small team of finance colleagues

·         Lead on the production of programme forecast data and financial information to programme Directors, stakeholders and central finance teams

·         Lead on work to secure budget at annual Defra and DfT business planning cycles and future Spending Reviews. Ensure this is undertaken jointly across DfT and Defra and with relevant finance teams and stakeholders

·         Lead on the programme’s financial case and contribute to financial advice to Ministers and Accounting Officers relating to the NO2 programme

·         Lead on high quality, accurate financial reporting including for GMPP quarterly reports

·         Work with the JAQU analysis team to maintain the Clean Air Zone service cost recovery model and input to any further iterations / changes to this

·         Respond to finance and resourcing commissions relevant to the programme

·         Building and maintaining relationships with budget holders in two Departments (DfT and Defra), FBPs and key stakeholders

·         Providing financial advice on compliance with policy, standards, accountabilities, and controls

·         Develop and implement a commercial strategy for the NO2 programme, ensuring there is a clear pipeline and timetable for procurements for goods and services and that this adheres to Government Commercial Function standards. Provide commercial assurance for the programme and build relationships with the Commercial functions in both DfT and Defra

Skills/experience required:

• Leadership experience in a financial environment and commercial acumen
• Demonstrable experience of forecasting, in analysis and use of data and management accounting
• Excellent analytical and data management skills with the ability to provide insight to senior audiences
• Experience in the application of Managing Public Money and Consolidated Budgeting Guidance
• Experience in leading and managing a professional team with the ability to inspire and motivate at all levels
• Meeting targets and delivering quality outcomes within tight deadlines through effective prioritisation
• Excellent IT skills, particularly Microsoft Excel and experience in the use of a modern accounting system (preferably Oracle)
• Experience communicating finance topics/reports to non-finance colleagues

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £52,120, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs contributes £14,072 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Ability and Experience.

Online tests 

After submission of the first stage of your application, you will be invited to complete a Civil Service Numerical 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 26th January 2024. 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 26th January 2024. 

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 CV and personal statement.

Please complete a 500-word personal statement setting out how you meet the skills/experience required. Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

Sift 

Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the Personal Statement.

Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview. 

Sift like to be early February and interviews mid February onwards although dates are subject to possible change.

Interview

If successful at application stage you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on Experience and Behaviours.

You will be asked to prepare a 5-minute verbal  presentation, details will follow for those selected for interview.

Interviews will be conducted via MS Teams. 

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.

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.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should: 

• Contact Government Recruitment Service via grs@cabinetoffice.gov.ukas 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

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.

Loan and Fixed Term Appointments 

Existing Civil Servants and applicants from accredited NDPBs are eligible to apply but will only be considered on loan basis (Civil Servants) or secondment (accredited NDPBs). Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis must be obtained before commencing the application process. In the case of Civil Servants, the terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant. This includes grade on return.

This is a Fixed-term Appointment as a G7 Finance and Resourcing lead within the Joint Air Quality Unit Team.

The post is not permanent. It is time limited due to a fixed funding period or as part of a specific project. The fixed term will end when the funding or the project expires.  This post will therefore begin from candidate’s start date and end 2 years after.

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 post requires the successful candidate to hold basic security clearance. Candidates posted to London 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

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. 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.