About the job

Job summary

Are you interested in how changes to land use practices can deliver environmental benefits in England? Are you interested in applying behavioural insight and a rich blend of different research methods to inform environmental policies? If so, now is a great time to join the Environmental Land Management Strategic Science and Modelling Team at The Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs' (Defra) Farming and Countryside Programme (FCP).

The ELM Strategic Science and Modelling team are looking to recruit an experienced Senior Behavioural Analyst ( SEO Senior Research Officer) to lead projects that de-risk policy assumptions around service design and payment rates by overseeing pre-launch experimental testing of scheme features under controlled conditions (e.g. A/B testing, DCEs). They need a specialist skillset to draw out key behavioural theories underpinning policy development, and then design, commission, analyse, and disseminate the results of experiments that verify these theories by tracking observed behavioural change at scale.

They will work closely with other analytical professions, including economists, natural scientists and data scientists to ensure we have a strong evidence base to support our policy goals, in particular by generating robust assumptions for modelling and developing the business case. Contributing to the overall culture and effective working practice of the ELM Strategic Science and Modelling, the FCP analysis division as a whole, by participating actively in ELM and FCP analysis activities, contributing to wider divisional learning and development.

Job description

You will join a team that provides specialist behavioural insight and analytics, in helping civil servants design, build, and launch services that will fund and support farmers and other land managers in meeting the government's ambitious environmental targets.

This includes testing and analysis to explore:

• How cognitive biases and other behavioural factors are influenced by the broader cultural context in which our users operate.
• Ways in which ELM policy could better take behavioural considerations into account, when forecasting the likely performance of our schemes.
• How different design choices will influence the behaviour of both farmers and internal users of our services at scale.
• The impact of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and other agricultural extension activities on systemic cultural change.
• Exploring speculative improvements in scheme design features and choice architecture,

You will work to:

1. Lead high quality analysis and insight projects to the development and delivery of our schemes. The post holder will report to the Head of Behavioural Science and Analytics in the Strategic Science and Modelling Team and take responsibility for delivering detailed analytical products that are relevant to current policy and design questions. This may involve conducting in-house primary research (e.g., interviewing, experiments, ethnographic research); conducting evidence reviews and secondary analysis of academic and grey literature; and internal consultancy to provide a behavioural perspective on key policy topics and managing the procurement and delivery of research undertaken by external contractors on the Department's behalf.
2. Work to embed evidence-based policy across ELM, through building positive and effective relationships with internal colleagues within the division and with external stakeholders. The post-holder will be required to work closely with other analysts in different specialisms, including Data Scientists and Statisticians, in order to provide effective forecasting of the uptake and delivery of our schemes. 
3. Contribute to the overall culture and effective working practice of the ELM Strategic Science and Modelling team, the Farming and Countryside Programme (FCP) analysis division, by participating actively in ELM and FCP analytical activities, contributing to wider divisional Learning and development.
4. Contribute to the behavioural science community in Defra and share your analytical expertise and understanding with others.
5. Contribute to corporate initiatives in the wider FCP directorate, for example to increase equality, diversity, and inclusion.

As further roles may arise in the future, we are looking to maintain a reserve list of candidates. Therefore, if you demonstrate the required skills at interview but are not successful for the posts, you will be kept on the reserve list for up to twelve months.

Person specification

The following skills and experience are essential:

• Excellent analytical skills – with the ability to identify, champion, and use both qualitative and quantitative social scientific approaches to explore and answer policy questions. Examples of relevant fields include in psychology, anthropology, behavioural economics, sociology, or human geography, with expertise gained either in an academic (e.g. PhD or Masters-level experience) or professional (e.g. GSR, market research, consultancy) context, or a combination of both.
• Experience of leading primary research into human behaviour – this could be qualitative (e.g. ethnography) or quantitative (e.g. experimental or quasi-experimental methods). 
• The proven ability to synthesise a range of evidence and information to provide written and verbal advice and briefing to a range of audiences.
• The ability to both manage and work closely with a mixed team of analysts and non-analysts, to collaborate and build positive working partnerships with colleagues at different levels of seniority, and to explain specialist activities effectively to non-specialist colleagues.
• The ability to coordinate and work effectively within a larger team of internal and external stakeholders.
• The ability to take personal responsibility for shaping, planning and driving forward work, delivering at pace and managing deadlines across a broad portfolio of work.
• A readiness to explore and promote innovative research approaches as well as keeping in touch with new research findings and methods in your field and accessibly interpreting and sharing these with colleagues.
• A thorough knowledge of research methodology, and the latest techniques (using qualitative and quantitative data).

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £37,295, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs contributes £10,069 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, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.

Application Process

As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV, Personal Statement, Behaviour and Technical statements.

Please tailor your application to evidence your experience and skills according to those stated in this job advert.

Your personal statement should show, in no more than 500 words, how you meet the essential criteria of the post.

Please complete statements on the specified Behaviours. (250 word max per statement)

Please complete statements on the specified Technical Skills. (250 word max per statement)

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, and the Lead Behaviour: Making Effective Decisions.

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

Sift and interview dates as well as the interview location to be confirmed.

Interview

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

A presentation or additional scenario exercise may also be assessed.

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.

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.

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

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 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.