Contents

  • Location
  • About the job
  • Benefits
  • Things you need to know
  • Apply and further information

About the job

Job summary

Digital, Data and Technology Services (DDTS) is the trusted team for digital across the entire Defra Group.

We have around 1,200 colleagues across DDTS and our ambition is to make it easier and faster than ever for people to interact with Defra. To achieve this, we are continuously designing, building and supporting innovative user-centered digital technology.

Fundamentally, we are transforming and improving the way information and services are accessed by our staff, as well as members of the public and businesses.

If you share our vision, and you are ready to drive innovation and push boundaries, we want to hear from you. Join us and together we will create a great place for living, and a green and healthy future for all.

For further information on DDTS, see the candidate information pack attached at the bottom of the advert and visit Defra Jobs.

Follow our Defra Digital blog for all the latest news and insights.

Check out the video below from our DDTS Chief Operating Officer, Stella Power, on why DDTS is a great place to work.

Job description

We are looking for a Portfolio Analyst to join the Major Projects & Digital Delivery area within Digital Data & Technology (DDTS) on a permanent basis. 

Portfolio analysts help ensure optimal delivery of departmental/business strategic objectives in line with government priorities through the analysis of a range of information sources and engagement with programme and project stakeholders, converting this into informed insights using appropriate reporting and visualisation methods. 

The successful candidate will work in Defra's Digital Delivery (DD) function and will be responsible for the oversight of a collection of programmes or projects that contribute to the delivery of departmental or business area objectives.

You will focus primarily on providing insight, information and support that strengthens portfolio and Programme Management Office (PMO) governance and enables prioritisation decisions, effective allocation of resources and reporting & escalatory production and management across the DD portfolio. 

You will be required to work across all disciplines managed by the Programme Management Office, including (where needed) the effective line-management of other roles within the function.

We will be running a candidate drop-in session to give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about this role or the recruitment process. The session will be held on Wednesday 11th January 12.00-13.00. If you would like to join us, then please register using the following link:

https://bit.ly/3v8MS0v 

Person specification

Responsibilities

  • Work with the business areas to identify, categorise and initiate appropriate governance methods and processes for new projects.
  • Co-ordinate reporting from projects and provide analysis of performance.
  • Maintaining programme and portfolio delivery map(s) and critical path(s) to monitor project progress. Recognise and track interdependencies across projects.
  • Leading the timely and accurate reporting of integrated plans and milestones to support departmental or board level governance activities.
  • Identifying and monitoring programme/portfolio risks and issues escalating as appropriate.
  • Managing and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders. Draft and sign-off correspondence.

Skills and Experience

  • Portfolio/Programme/Project management qualification at either foundation or practitioner level or equivalent experience and commitment to work towards qualification.
  • Experience of governing or managing projects and programmes and the use of portfolio management as a tool for managing organisational change.
  • A good understanding of Managing Cost/Benefits methodology and its implementation at the programme and portfolio level.
  • Excellent people skills with an ability to work in a dispersed environment and build effective working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
  • A good understanding of organisational budgeting approaches on medium to high complex programmes.
  • Highly organised, attention to detail with experience of organisational planning & scheduling approaches and techniques.

Application Process

As part of the application process you will be asked to complete:

  • A CV
  • A 750-word Statement of Suitability: Referring to the 'Responsibilities and Skills and Experience' sections, please demonstrate how you are suitable for the role by providing relevant examples.

Sift

Sift will begin shortly after the advert closes.

Should there be a large number of applications, an initial sift will be conducted using your suitability statement.

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

Interview

If successful at sift stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on the listed Behaviours, Strengths and Technical Skill.

As part of the recruitment process you will be required to do a presentation on the Technical Skill listed below. Full details will be provided later within the process. 

The following Behaviours will be assessed at interview:

  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Delivering at Pace
  • Working Together
  • Making Effective Decisions

The following Technical skills will be assessed at interview:

  • Knowledge of Governance in organisations delivering via Agile methods. 

Interviews dates are to be confirmed. Please note that these may be subject to change.

Interviews will be held virtually.

For further information on Success Profiles, visit Defra Jobs and watch the following videos:

Behaviours

Experience

Technical

Strengths 

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.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Delivering at Pace
  • Working Together
  • Making Effective Decisions

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

  • Knowledge of Governance in organisations delivering via Agile methods

Benefits

The Institute for Fiscal Studies recently said that “the biggest difference between public and private sectors remains the value of employer contributions to public service pensions. These are much more generous in the public sector than in the private sector”

  • You will be entitled to join the highly competitive Civil Service Pension Scheme, which many experts agree is one of the most generous in the UK - Contributory pension (worth 26.6 - 27.9% of salary)
  • If you have accrued pension rights in another pension scheme, you may be eligible to transfer these rights into the Civil Service Pension Scheme
  • Learning and development tailored to your role
  • An environment with flexible working options
  • A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity

For a full list of the benefits of working for Defra, please view the attached Candidate Information Pack at the bottom of this job advert.

Blended Working

Defra operates a blended working policy subject to business need, giving people the flexibility to choose when and where they work and collaborate with others.

Individuals are expected to work from one of the office locations stated in the advert to connect with their colleagues, as required by their role and business team needs. There is flexibility to split the working week, spending minimum of 40-60% in the workplace, unless exceptional circumstances apply and/or you are a contractual home worker.

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment.

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 : DDTS Recruitment Hub
  • Email : ddtsonpayrollrecruitment@defra.gov.uk

Recruitment team :

  • Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

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: defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Click here to visit Civil Service Commission

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