Lowestoft
Job Summary
Cefas is an internationally recognised scientific research institute, an executive agency of the United Kingdom Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), with emphasis on the provision of applied marine advice and evidence. This post offers an exciting opportunity to join Cefas' Ecosystem Science team, as a Principal scientist for Blue Carbon (BC) systems.
This leadership role will identify priority needs and deliver evidence to UK and overseas governments, supporting decision-making on blue carbon habitat (primarily seabed / intertidal) inventories, impacts, management, protection, conservation, restoration and sustainability. The postholder will contribute their knowledge to national plans for climate action including National Determined Contributions (NDCs); United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the UK's Green House Gas (GHG) inventory. The postholder will explore trade-offs between BC and nature / biodiversity functions in the marine environment including food provision. They will determine the extent to which protection and recovery initiatives may interact or conflict with sustainable use or management across multiple policy areas.
The postholder will provide pastoral care and leadership for a broad range of Cefas colleagues working on Blue Carbon topics. The postholder will exemplify a systems- approach in BC science through close engagement with biogeochemists, chemists, ecologist, modellers, economists and social scientists across a national and international network of collaborators. The postholder will lead on publications such as high-profile peer reviewed papers, advice and policy briefings, and other communications across the Blue Carbon work area.
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
Welcome to Cefas )
Job Description
This is a unique opportunity to build our current knowledge and shape future research plans and strategy in a rapidly developing science and policy area. Working both with the overall Blue Carbon topic lead, and independently, you will apply your significant experience in emerging Blue Carbon habitats and draw on your wider networks to develop and deliver complex interdisciplinary research programmes on 'emerging' ecosystems (subtidal sediment mainly but also intertidal and potentially macroalgae).
You will provide Blue Carbon policy advice to Defra across multiple policy areas (Climate, HPMA, Fisheries, Natural Capital, Net Zero) engaging with the Devolved Administrations and government agencies through the UK Blue Carbon Evidence Partnership and other BC fora, in relation to emerging area carbon inventories, impact and management. You will also contribute your knowledge of national plans for climate action (including NDCs); United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the UK's Green House Gas (GHG) inventory where needed. Understanding of carbon accounting, credits and financing approaches, BC project accreditation criteria and associated evidence needs would be helpful.
Main Duties Will Include:
* Leading the scientific development and delivery of projects, across diverse delivery teams, within the emerging habitats Blue Carbon topic for a range of customers such as Defra, NERC, EU, The Crown Estate and NGOs
* Contributing to delivery at a principal scientist level on large and complex seabed intertidal projects on Blue Carbon, and linking to Natural Capital, biodiversity, and MPA/HPMA work areas.
* Providing advice and responses to Ministerial and Parliamentary questions on the topic of Blue Carbon in emerging habitats (seabed, intertidal, macroalgae) and providing support across the BC topic as needed.
* Identifying the most appropriate management measures for emerging BC habitats, in the context of seeking innovative nature-based solutions to climate change, including considerations of the applicability of international carbon crediting mechanisms and methodologies.
* Shaping development of predictive tools and their applications to support observational evidence interpretation and understanding of human impact on Blue Carbon habitats and management.
* Leading on and support publications such as peer reviewed papers, policy briefings, and other communications across the Blue Carbon work area.
* Actively participating in UK and international forums, e.g. UK Blue Carbon Forum, UK BC Evidence Partnership, ICES working groups on fisheries and benthic impacts; carbon and trawling and special international conference or programme sessions
* Maintaining and expanding a research and advice network, including collaborating with other government agencies (e.g. arms-length bodies) and scientific institutes in the UK and internationally to develop research proposals and provide influence for Cefas.
In addition, Cefas reserves the right to ask staff to take on additional duties and responsibilities which are commensurate with their grade. Management will have a discussion with staff to explain the changes that are to be made. A new job description will be issued if required.
This is a unique opportunity to build our current knowledge and shape future research plans and strategy in a rapidly developing science and policy area. Working both with the overall Blue Carbon topic lead, and independently, you will apply your significant experience in emerging Blue Carbon habitats and draw on your wider networks to develop and deliver complex interdisciplinary research programmes on 'emerging' ecosystems (subtidal sediment mainly but also intertidal and potentially macroalgae).
You will provide Blue Carbon policy advice to Defra across multiple policy areas (Climate, HPMA, Fisheries, Natural Capital, Net Zero) engaging with the Devolved Administrations and government agencies through the UK Blue Carbon Evidence Partnership and other BC fora, in relation to emerging area carbon inventories, impact and management. You will also contribute your knowledge of national plans for climate action (including NDCs); United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the UK's Green House Gas (GHG) inventory where needed. Understanding of carbon accounting, credits and financing approaches, BC project accreditation criteria and associated evidence needs would be helpful.
Main Duties Will Include:
* Leading the scientific development and delivery of projects, across diverse delivery teams, within the emerging habitats Blue Carbon topic for a range of customers such as Defra, NERC, EU, The Crown Estate and NGOs
* Contributing to delivery at a principal scientist level on large and complex seabed intertidal projects on Blue Carbon, and linking to Natural Capital, biodiversity, and MPA/HPMA work areas.
* Providing advice and responses to Ministerial and Parliamentary questions on the topic of Blue Carbon in emerging habitats (seabed, intertidal, macroalgae) and providing support across the BC topic as needed.
* Identifying the most appropriate management measures for emerging BC habitats, in the context of seeking innovative nature-based solutions to climate change, including considerations of the applicability of international carbon crediting mechanisms and methodologies.
* Shaping development of predictive tools and their applications to support observational evidence interpretation and understanding of human impact on Blue Carbon habitats and management.
* Leading on and support publications such as peer reviewed papers, policy briefings, and other communications across the Blue Carbon work area.
* Actively participating in UK and international forums, e.g. UK Blue Carbon Forum, UK BC Evidence Partnership, ICES working groups on fisheries and benthic impacts; carbon and trawling and special international conference or programme sessions
* Maintaining and expanding a research and advice network, including collaborating with other government agencies (e.g. arms-length bodies) and scientific institutes in the UK and internationally to develop research proposals and provide influence for Cefas.
In addition, Cefas reserves the right to ask staff to take on additional duties and responsibilities which are commensurate with their grade. Management will have a discussion with staff to explain the changes that are to be made. A new job description will be issued if required.
Person specification
*Person Specification And Essential Criteria Section*
The following are essential criteria required for this role and you must be able to demonstrate your skills and experience in the following areas:
The successful applicant will have an excellent understanding of Blue Carbon framing for emerging habitats, an established scientific profile and track-record in a related discipline, UK and international networks and relevant policy understanding, including the implementation of UNFCCC mechanisms for climate change mitigation.
In addition to the above, further essential criteria for this role are:
* Proven track-record in delivering clear Blue Carbon advice to a range of stakeholders (e.g. Government policy teams, NGOs and the wider scientific community) with an ability to quickly understand and assimilate new evidence, assess uncertainty and identify potential implications in liaison with external bodies and networks.
* Proven technical expertise (as evidenced by publication record, positions of influence) and established networks in Blue Carbon, climate sciences or carbon cycles, with a solid understanding of the Blue Carbon framing.
* Track record in developing and maintaining collaborative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to deliver agreed goals.
* Capability to communicate complex scientific and technical concepts and messages to a range of audiences including expert/non-expert, and to prepare clear and concise written material.
* Ability to work in a fast-paced and changing environment, be flexible, proactive and self-motivated.
* Excellent technical lead project delivery skills (including team leadership), and the ability to deliver to tight timescales and identify risks and opportunities.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
* Leadership
* Seeing the Big Picture
* Communicating and Influencing
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
* Leadership
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
* Technical understanding of carbon processing and policy framing in emerging Blue Carbon habitats, including observational and predictive tools for GHG stocks and fluxes, impacts and management options (including protection, restoration/loss).
* Track record in successful science leadership and development of complex and multidisciplinary BC projects.
* Demonstrable ability to foster existing strategic and scientific partnerships and develop new relationships with key organisations/individuals, both nationally and internationally.
Alongside your salary of £54,470, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science contributes £15,779 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
* Generous annual leave entitlement – Cefas offers 25 days' annual leave on entry (rising to 30 days over first 5yrs) for full-time new entrants to the Civil Service Employees receive 8 public holidays a year, plus an additional day to mark the King's birthday.
* Access to learning and development tailored to your role.
* A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options.
* A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity.
* Eligible to join the Civil Service Pension scheme – more information can be found on the CSP website
* Skills and Personal Effectiveness Allowances (SPEA) to recognise the development of capability and enhanced responsibility that it is possible to build up over time spent working at a particular grade (minimum of two years). These are non-consolidated.
* Biannual Personal Performance Payments (non-consolidated) linked to individual performance.
* Spot Performance Payments (non-consolidated) linked to outstanding work delivered, outstanding results achieved or outstanding contribution.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Salary
New entrants are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.
Application Process
As part of the application process you are asked to provide a CV (job history, qualifications, past skills and experience), a maximum 750-word personal statement on how you meet the essential criteria as stated in the person specification section, and a maximum 250-word statement on how you meet the advertised lead behaviour – Leadership.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
* For guidance on Civil Service Success Profiles, this video tells you what you'll need to provide throughout the assessment process with supporting guidance on each step. Link – Success Profiles - GOV.UK )
* For guidance on how to construct your CV, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link - CV
* For guidance on how to construct your personal statement, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link – Statement
* For guidance on how to construct your lead behaviour statement, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link – Behaviours
Use the STAR method to plan your answers to questions and to show your skills and experience to answer questions linked to the advertised success profiles.
*What STAR Stands For*
* Situation - the situation you had to deal with
* Task - the task you were given to do
* Action - the action you took
* Result - what happened as a result of your action and what you learned from the experience
*How To Use STAR*
You can use the STAR method to structure the examples you give to questions. You can use it to highlight particular skills and qualities you have that the employer is looking for.
When Using STAR, Remember:
* you can use examples from work, home or volunteering
* keep examples short and to the point
* if shortlisted be prepared to answer follow-up questions about the examples you give at the interview stage
Sift
The sift panel will use the information in your CV and personal statement to assess your experience and how you meet the essential criteria as stated in the person specification section. The sift panel will also assess the lead behaviour statement.
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead behaviour – Leadership. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or, progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Interview schedule and details will be confirmed on release of the sift results.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on the Behaviours, Technical Skills, Experience and a Presentation. Name of the presentation will be "My experience in developing and leading emerging Blue Carbon science" Your presentation should last no longer than 5 minutes.
Please be aware that interviews will take place via teams.
If scores are equal following interview, an assessment of the lead behaviour – Leadership will be used by the panel.
A date has not yet been confirmed for the interviews to take place.
Location
Please be aware that this role will be contractually based at Lowestoft. 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.
Successful candidates are expected to work from one of the laboratory or office locations listed in this advert in order to connect with their colleagues, as required by their role and business needs.
Office Attendance
As part of the pre-employment process, successful candidate(s) will be able to agree a contractual workplace from those locations listed in this advert. The agreed contractual workplace is then the substantive and permanent place of work for the successful candidate(s)
Where the location is 'National' the successful appointee should discuss an appropriate contractual location in line with both Defra's location policy and site capacity, prior to proceeding with pre-employment processes.
Successful applicants currently employed by the hiring Defra organisation for this post may chose to remain in their current contractual location or may choose to change location to one of those listed above. This should be discussed and agreed prior to proceeding with pre-employment processes.
Please note this vacancy is a lab-based role and therefore there is a requirement for the post holder to be on-site on a daily basis. Working time spent at a workplace may include time spent at other organisational locations including field-based operational locations, together with supplier, customer or partner locations. This is a non-contractual agreement which is consistent with common Civil Service expectations.
The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location, and cannot do so from an oversees location at any time.
Defra includes the core department, APHA, RPA, Cefas and VMD.
Travel costs to non-contractual workplaces will be subject to departmental travel and subsistence policies. Travel costs to contractual workplaces are the responsibility of the employee.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
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 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 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- 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.
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
Please provide a maximum 750-word personal statement on how you meet the essential criteria as stated in the person specification section
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
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.
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.
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.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact :
* Name : The resourcing team
* Email :
Recruitment team
* Email :
Further information
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact Government Recruitment Services via email:
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: here