JNCC will be adopting a more flexible approach to working options and, once we are able to return to working in our office locations, our people will have more flexibility about where they choose to work. The expectation is that we will be expected to work from our office base for 1–2 days a month as a minimum.  We can provide more details at the interview and offer stages.

Who are JNCC?

Established in 1991, we’re the UK’s statutory adviser on issues affecting the natural environment across the UK and internationally. Our primary role is advising all four governments of the UK. We also work with private sector organisations to support decision making on the sustainable use of marine waters and natural resources around the UK. JNCC is led by the Joint Committee, which brings together members from the nature conservation bodies for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland with independent members appointed by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs under an independent Chair. Support is provided to the Committee by around 200 people who bring together scientific and technical expertise, extensive knowledge of policy at global, European and national levels, and skills in working with other organisations. Staff are based in two main offices in Peterborough and Aberdeen.

Why JNCC?

We’re small enough (c.200 staff) that your voice is heard by everyone including the CEO, but big enough that we have all the skills, resources and people you’ll need to get the job done. All our staff are passionate about conservation and making a difference to the world we live in. We have a very flexible, inclusive and welcoming organisational culture. Our Executive Management will provide you with the freedom and tools you will need, and our friendly team will assist you in your role. You will benefit from our supportive workplace culture, excellent holiday and pension benefits, as well as an exciting job in a unique environment.

Hours of work:                     Full-time

Normal minimum hours of attendance for the post are 36 hours per week over a 5-day period, Monday to Friday.

Flexi time is available. This post may also be suitable for job share.

Annual Leave:

The annual leave allowance is 25 days per year, rising to 30 days per year after 5 years’ service. There are also 12 days public and privilege leave. Part-time staff will receive this on a pro rata basis.                      

Post background

The Digital and Data Solutions Team supports teams across the breadth of JNCC’s work, creating innovative solutions for all digital development, data engineering and IT-related work, in addition to advice and guidance on information management.

The postholder will guide the work of the data engineering teamlet, lead some projects and contribute to others, through advice, technical recommendations, requirements gathering, business analysis and project management. You could be managing the delivery of satellite data processed on a supercomputer; developing systems to manage species and habitat information or evaluating business systems to help the organisation work more efficiently.  In the team are IT and Information Management specialists, data engineers and software developers, but you’ll also work with marine, terrestrial and air quality experts across the organisation and beyond on projects that deliverconservation advice and evidence to governments and specialists in the UK, Overseas Territories and elsewhere.

You don’t need to be a conservation scientist but will need to build a broad understanding of JNCC’s work and be able to integrate technical delivery with the broader business. A key part of the role will be to help staff across the organisation to turn their digital aspirations into deliverable solutions. The successful candidate must be a good communicator with strong project management and technical skills. Scripting and programming experience would be an advantage. An interest in nature conservation would help to put your work in context but is not a necessity.

Job Description:

Post Duties

The main duties of the Technical Project Manager post are to: 

·         Lead a small team of data engineers who provide data and scripting expertise to create innovative automated solutions for teams across JNCC

·         Assist staff across the organisation to identify and develop appropriate digital solutions for particular pieces of work, including through requirements’ gathering, business analysis, contractor evaluation, and technical liaison.

·         Manage all aspects of a broad range of projects, from conception to successful delivery, both internally and through external contracts, often at short notice, or to meet deadlines.

·         Undertake day-to-day management of project teams, encouraging good data practice and the development of a broad range of technical skills.

·         Oversee the technical support for ongoing work such as European reporting (Bern Convention).

·         Maintain a broad understanding of JNCC’s work, including keeping up to date with the adoption of new approaches and priorities.

·         Maintain an overview of existing and emerging methods and research in technological approaches.

·         Support colleagues within JNCC more broadly where technical expertise is required, coaching and sharing knowledge where appropriate.

·         Liaise between internal/external project partners and the team.  

Technical

To be a successful candidate you will be/have:

·         A good understanding of spatial (geographic) and non-spatial data; their applications, management and lifecycle from discovery to archive.

·         A good understanding of web technologies, software/systems development, and the use of data analytics.

Experience (Responsibilities)

To be a successful candidate you will have:

• Experience in project management for digital project delivery including Agile methodologies. 

• Experience in business analysis principles and techniques, with particular reference to effective liaison between technical experts and customers to define, prioritise and articulate requirements as technical specifications.
• Experience of contractor and contract management and processes; including writing an invitation to tender, evaluating tenders and managing an effective delivery.
• Experience of managing a project budget within financial systems.
• Demonstrable ability to create and apply innovative technical or digital solutions to support specific areas of business.

Behaviours

• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace
• Managing a Quality Service

In the event that we receive a large volume of applications we reserve the right to conduct the sift based on the Lead Behaviour of Communicating and Influencing

Please see the CS Behaviours framework for more details at this grade:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/717275/CS_Behaviours_2018.pdf

Closing date and interview date

The closing date for this post is 23:55 on Monday, 25 October 2021

The anticipated interview date is week commencing Monday, 01 November 2021

Click here to apply.