Details Reference number 348856 Salary £38,860 - £42,765 A Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27% GBP Job grade Senior Executive Officer Contract type Fixed term Length of employment to 31/3/25 Type of role Policy Working pattern Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time Number of jobs available 1 Contents Location About the job Benefits Things you need to know Apply and further information Location Cardiff, Wales, CF10 1EP : Edinburgh, Scotland, EH8 8FT : Leicester, East Midlands (England), LE4 5SP : Didcot, South East England, OX11 0QR About the job Job summary Background: The UK Space Agency: The UK Space Agency (UKSA) is an executive agency of the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT) and provides technical advice on the governments space strategy, supporting the UK space sector to deliver the governments vision. Space is a part of everyday life. Satellites underpin our national economy, from agriculture and banking to aviation and shipping, and support our national security. Space science provides critical data to understand and address global challenges such as climate change, while missions to explore our solar system unite nations and advance humanitys horizons. We support a thriving space sector in the UK, which generates an annual income of £16.5 billion and employs 47,000 people across the country. Through our portfolio of programmes and projects, we encourage the development of national space capabilities and are an early-stage investor in space research and development. We also promote the UK space sectors interests and achievements; make connections to join up industry and academia; and represent the UK in international space programmes. We have a powerful global voice, partnering with institutions across the world, including the European Space Agency. More information about the Agency is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-space-agency To discover more please watch this film https://www.youtube.com/watch?vZbZZ-o0IkVU Our Inclusive Environment We have an inclusive culture to make UK Space Agency a brilliant place to work where our people feel valued, have a voice and can be their authentic selves. We value difference and diversity, not only because we believe it is the right thing to do, but because it will help us be more innovative and make better decisions. We offer first-class flexible working benefits, excellent employee well-being support and a great pension. We are fortunate to have a range of excellent staff networks and are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader employer. We will support talented people from all backgrounds to build a career and thrive. We actively welcome applications from anyone who shares our commitment to inclusion. The Earth Observation Investment Programme (EOIP) Monitoring and Evaluation Lead sits within Earth Observation and Climate Team in the Earth Observation, Low Earth Orbit, and Space Security and Resilience (EO, LEO & SSR) directorate. Earth observation (EO) science is fundamental to humanitys understanding of our planet, its climate and natural processes. EO capabilities enable a wide range of public services, including meteorology, Earth imagery, climate monitoring, environmental management & agriculture, urban planning, and intelligence, surveillance & reconnaissance. These services are all underpinned by the instruments and technologies which enable satellites to gather data, which can take decades to design, build and mature. In recognition of its strategic importance, Earth observation has been named in the 2022-2025 UK Space Agency Corporate Plan as one of the Agencys eight Priorities. The 2021 National Space Strategy pledges that we will strive to remain at the forefront of Earth observation technology and know-how. The UK has a vibrant landscape of world leading EO academic and industrial organisations and a well-founded reputation for excellence in EO. For example, in climate science, leading UK research institutions have been measuring Sea and Land Surface Temperature from space for over three decades (Oxford University, RAL Space, Reading University and Leicester University); this data is used by meteorological agencies around the world to improve weather forecast accuracy helping to save lives, infrastructure and crops. Earth Observation Investment Programme announced in 2022 forms a package of up to £200m funding to invest in the UK Earth Observation sector to protect the future of UK talent and industry in earth observation. The funding is spread across 17 projects delivered through the following government partner organisations: £137.6m UK Space Agency (UKSA) £19.3m Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) £14.7m Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) £11.7m Met Office £4.2m Innovate UK The successful candidate will be responsible for collating and analysing the Monitoring and Evaluation data across the programme. They will also be responsible for managing the contractual relationship with the external company being appointed to conduct the formal Evaluation of the EOIP. There will also be opportunities to review and establish improved Monitoring and Evaluation across other work streams in the Earth Observation and Climate team. This role entails: Represent the UK to Earth Observation industry ensuring that key messages and policies are communicated effectively between UK Space Agency, DSIT and the science community. Contribute to preparations for the EOIP governance forums, ensuring that the relevant UK Space Agency colleagues are aware of developments; briefing SROs on the impact and outcomes from the package. Participate in discussions and negotiations with the Industry and UK Space Agency Analyst teams to establish and collate evidence for Monitoring and Evaluation Lead on the achievement of M&E goals as set out in EOIP Business Case ensuring VfM for the UKs investment in the EOIP Projects, likely to include the opportunity to lead on drafting and engage with UK Space Agency Financial, Commercial and Analytical colleagues. This will involve: Developing and maintaining key performance indicators at the programme level. Conducting results collection rounds, analysing returns, and producing assessments of performance against programme KPIs. Reviewing project-level M&E products (e.g. Theories of Change and KPIs). Establish a presence as the main point of contact for management of the external evaluation of the EOIP including establishing an oversight group. Lean on relationships developed with the EOIP project leads to ensure delivery stakeholders are able to provide thorough information against KPIs and influence leads to provide alternative information to demonstrate VfM where needed. Working with analyst teams to assess expected and actual economic return and value for money of projects. The post holder will likely have the opportunity to support the wider Earth Observation and Climate Team on other activities as the work progresses and priorities develop; for example contributing to the business case for European Space Agency as well which would utilise work done on EOIP M&E. Person specification Essential Criteria: We are looking for a candidate who is comfortable with operating in ambiguity and working at pace. The successful candidate will: Be experienced in building positive and productive relationships and making links with stakeholders in other organisations. Have the ability to communicate monitoring outcomes and KPI analysis to senior stakeholders. Be experienced in Monitoring and Evaluation including use of log frames and other evaluation tools. Be self-motivated, flexible, and proactive in tracking a range of different tasks and projects, anticipating risks and issues. Prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment, including raising issues early and keeping partners informed of progress. Have experience in engagement with industry and/or other external stakeholders. Desirable Criteria: Experience of change control. Experience of working in one or more of the following areas: Space or satellite technology, Climate Sciences, Innovation, Growth or Technology development. Behaviours We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: Communicating and Influencing Seeing the Big Picture Delivering at Pace Making Effective Decisions We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form: Communicating and Influencing Seeing the Big Picture Benefits Alongside your salary of £38,860, UK Space Agency contributes £10,492 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides. UK Space Agency offers a competitive mix of benefits including: A culture of flexible working, such as job sharing, homeworking and compressed hours. Automatic enrolment into the Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27% A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 30. An extensive range of learning & professional development opportunities, which all staff are actively encouraged to pursue. Access to a range of retail, travel, and lifestyle employee discounts. A generous maternity/paternity and adoption leave package. This job role may be suitable for hybrid working, which is an informal, non-contractual and voluntary arrangement, blending a balance of attendance in the workplace (your permanent duty station which is based on business assessment of where the work is best done) and working from home, or elsewhere, as a personal choice (if the role is suitable for this). If you are successful, any opportunities for hybrid working will be discussed with you prior to you taking up your post. 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. Things you need to know Selection process details This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience. UK Space Agency is undergoing a transformation programme which may impact your role, line manager and/or location in the future. We will share more details with you as they become known. As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete a CV and behaviour examples (maximum 250 words each). Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form. The CV is for information purposes only and will not be scored. The Sift will be assessed on behaviours. Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead behaviour - Communicating and Influencing. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview. The Interview will be assessed on behaviours. Sift and interview dates Expected Timeline subject to change The sift is expected to take place week commencing 06/05/24. Interviews are expected to take place week commencing 27/05/24. The Interview location will be MS Teams Candidates are asked to note the above timetable, exercising flexibility through the recruitment and selection process. Further Information Civil Servants: This post is advertised as a Fixed term or Loan contract until 31/3/25. 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. UK Space Agency Employees: You must seek approval from your substantive manager before applying for any non-permanent vacancy, this includes applying for a new post during an existing temporary posting. Please note that if applying for a temporary post within UK Space Agency or elsewhere on promotion, successful appointment will not automatically result in a permanent promotion - you will revert to your current substantive grade at the end of the Fixed Term or Loan period (unless funding has been approved to make the post permanent). 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 uksarecruitment.grscabinetoffice.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 youre deaf, a Language Service Professional. If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section. If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check maybe carried out. Any move to UK Space 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 https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/ A reserve list will be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made. Please note terms and conditions are attached. Please take time to read the document to determine how these may affect you. New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band. 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 directly. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-Employment.Checkscabinetoffice.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 Infodisclosurescotland.co.uk. 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 applicants 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. Feedback 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