Principal Environmental Analyst (Interim OEP)

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Full-time, permanent contract (with the potential for flexible working)

Here in Defra, we deal with a vast range of issues that have a profound impact on people's lives. We are responsible for the environment, our countryside and rural economy, as well as the food and farming sectors. We also provide protection against a wide range of natural threats and hazards.

To support this work, Defra are currently establishing the new Office for Environmental Protection, a public body with the principal objective of contributing to environmental protection and improving the natural environment.

Initially., the Interim OEP will be set up as a division within Defra to provide independent oversight of the government's environmental progress on a non-statutory basis. The OEP will then be legally established and gain its full powers through the Environment Bill in late 2021.

This influential role is about providing quality, independent analysis on the Government's 25 Year Environment Plan (25 YEP), which sets out how it will deliver on its ambition for this generation to ‘leave our environment in a better state than we found it.' You'll assess progress towards the plan's goals as well as contributing to the OEP's annual environmental assessment.

On a day-to-day level, you can expect to lead a multidisciplinary team in the delivery of multiple high quality and robust analytical projects. You'll also work closely with experts both within and outside of government to develop a strong evidence base. We'll need you to communicate the conclusions of these projects to stakeholders across the organisation to inform the development of policy recommendations. Throughout, you'll maintain a big picture overview of the 25 YEP by keeping abreast of relevant data and analysis both in the UK and globally. Your role will also involve representing the OEP at external forums.

A proactive team player with excellent analytical skills, you'll need either a degree in a quantitative subject or the equivalent experience. You'll certainly have led an analytical team or work programme, setting a clear direction to rapidly develop the evidence base and ensuring that competing priorities are handled effectively. We'll also want to see proven skills in independently drafting technical reports to a high standard at pace, in developing policy recommendations and in communicating complex concepts clearly.

This is a role for an accomplished decision maker and communicator with the flexibility and organisational skills it takes to manage changing demands, a large case load and a wide range of high profile projects.

Successful candidates will initially be employed by Defra in the Interim OEP until the OEP is legally established. Once the OEP is legally established, we intend that the successful candidate's employment will be transferred over to the OEP on their existing T&Cs and they will become public servants.

The OEP will be a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra. This means it will operate independently from Defra and will not be part of the UK Civil Service. 

Defra values equality and diversity in employment. We are committed to being an organisation in which fairness and equality of opportunity is central to the approach in business and working relationships, and where the organisational culture reflects and supports these values. In Defra you have the right to a working environment free from discrimination, harassment, bullying and victimisation regardless of race, ethnic or national origin, age, religion, sex, gender identity, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, working hours, trade union membership or trade union activity.

Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria in the job specification are guaranteed an interview.

Closing date: 19^th April 2021