Job Description

Details

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Reference number

434356

Salary

41,983 - 48,128
per annum, pro rata
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP

Job grade

Senior Executive Officer

Contract type

Permanent

Type of role

Science

Working pattern

Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time

Number of jobs available

2

Contents

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

Location

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UKHSA Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG

About the job

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Job summary

UKHSA's Centre for Climate and Health Security (the 'CCHS') provides scientific advice and support to local, national and international partners to ensure that the impacts of climate change on public health are considered and embedded in system design. Possessing multi-disciplinary teams, scientific infrastructure, and a broad network of partners, UKHSA will speak with an authoritative voice that will aid the design of local, national and international policies, as well as the organisations responsible for delivering them.


The Medical Entomology & Zoonoses Ecology (MEZE) group assess, prepare, and respond to current and emerging vector-borne disease threats in the UK. The team provide entomological expertise on vector issues through research and surveillance activities (e.g. ticks, mosquitoes, midges and sandflies). The team also work internationally on vectors and vector-borne diseases to deliver European funded projects and to support the development and delivery of surveillance systems in the UK Overseas Territories. Research and surveillance activities are translated into expert advice for UKHSA, the Department of Health and related sister agencies and departments, contributing to policy, contingency planning, and public health preparedness on vector-borne diseases.

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Working for your organisation

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.


UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.


Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers

Job description

Working as part of a multidisciplinary team and with external and internal collaborators within and outside UKHSA, the post holder will provide medical entomological and vector-borne disease expertise within a team responsible for the delivery of the scientific and technical activities of the Medical Entomology & Zoonoses Ecology group. Any vector group expertise will be relevant (e.g. ticks, mosquitoes, midges etc), and ability/willingness to work across different groups will be highly valued. The successful candidate will develop, design and deliver specific projects and resources such as UKHSA's National vector surveillance programmes, and will contribute to the wider team's business plan and work programme.


The postholder will have highly developed communication skills, be able to work with the minimum of supervision, to prioritise tasks independently, to liaise effectively and develop excellent working relationships with a wide range of senior and high-profile individuals, partners, and organisations.


There will be regular UK-wide travel as part of this role, and the post holder may also be required to travel overseas. The post holder will be required to hold a valid driving licence for use in the UK.

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Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Scientific research and surveillance

Support programme managers to deliver a programme of work as set out in the teams/divisions business plan. Investigate worldwide entomological and infectious disease literature and other sources on emerging and re-emerging vector-borne diseases, to identify vector-borne disease risks that might be relevant to UK public health. Further develop vector research and surveillance activities for human vector-borne diseases, leading on specific projects and utilising a range of research methods (desk/lab/field-based), statistical analyses and entomological research techniques to identify risks that might be relevant to UK public health as specified in the business plan. Critically analyse and interpret data and information on complex, sensitive or contentious issues from internally and externally funded contract work, drawing conclusions and making recommendations for the way forward, including the production of reports, presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and funding applications where appropriate. Take responsibility for the supervision, training and mentoring of staff allocated to the projects you lead. Deputise for the Principal Medical Entomologist as required and represent Medical Entomology & Zoonoses Ecology at key cross-government (or equivalent) meetings when necessary. Lead projects and mentor staff on vector-borne disease related surveillance and research in the UK and overseas, ensuring timely delivery of reports to funders and stakeholders.

Publication and communication

Liaise with colleagues in UKHSA and other Government Departments to ensure robust reporting lines for emerging VBD events and establish and maintain links/collaborations with other national and international experts to obtain relevant technical information, discuss ideas, describe work developments and progress. Act as a point of contact to provide expert advice on vector-borne disease issues, providing assistance to UKHSA staff, programme managers and other stakeholders. Assist in developing responses to internal correspondence and parliamentary questions. Supporting or leading the delivery of reports / risk assessments to Government.

Health Protection

To produce advice and guidance materials on vector-borne disease risks for dissemination to local authorities or other government agencies responsible for health and wellbeing in their area. To provide written and verbal advice on the protection of the public from vector-borne disease issues where appropriate, including providing training and support to PHE centres, and local authorities on tick and mosquito related issues.

Professional Development

Identify, discuss, and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e., fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.

Key Working Relationships

The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal, and external to UKHSA. This will include:



Internal


MEZE group members and the wider CCHS Department UKHSA colleagues when relevant/necessary, including UKHSA regional and sub-regional teams, and UKHSA centres



External

External suppliers, contractors, and commercial stakeholders Academic partners, government agencies and departments Members of the public

Please note that this list is not exhaustive.

Person specification

PhD in medical entomology or MSc and postgraduate experience or degree and substantial relevant experience in medical entomology including identification of arthropods, field and laboratory-based techniques, public health communication, risk assessment and statistical analyses Experience of contributing to large scale vector surveillance programmes with experience of developing and co-ordinating complex field-based research projects in potentially challenging environments with potentially changing priorities/tight deadlines Demonstration of an active research profile through peer review publication record and knowledge of the key public health issues surrounding vector-borne diseases Experience of drafting briefing papers, presentations and correspondence for internal and external stakeholders for project meetings and/or training purposes and evidence of continuing professional development with high degree of self-motivation Ability to prepare and produce evidence based scientific material for dissemination to a broad range of stakeholders, including non-specialists, as required with ability to identify scientific issues drawn from multiple sources, undertake comprehensive literature reviews, assess materials with conflicting states and interpret detailed documents that may include legislation Demonstrated capability to act upon incomplete information, using experience to make inferences and decisions Demonstrated capability to plan over short, medium and long-term timeframes and adjust plans and resource requirements, accordingly, including flexibility in unpredictable situations e.g. response to global public health threats Excellent communication skills, team player and ability to work constructively with people across a wide range of settings and levels with an understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships. A full UK driving licence

Benefits

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Alongside your salary of 41,983, UK Health Security Agency contributes 12,162 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.Learning and development tailored to your role An environment with flexible working options A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Things you need to know

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Selection process details

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

Stage 1: Application & Sift


You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed essential criteria, and this will be in the form of:

an application form ('Employer/ Activity history' section on the application) a 1250 word supporting statement

This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.


Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.


The Application form and supporting statement will be marked together.


Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

Meets all essential criteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria

Only those meeting all essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting.



Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:

A valid UK driving licence

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment.


Please do not exceed 1250 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.


Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview


You will be invited to a face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.


Knowledge, experience, skills and abilities will be tested at interview.


You will be required to prepare 5 - 10 minute presentation on Medical Entomology as part of the interview.


Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Location

This role is lab based at our scientific campus in Porton Down. Please note that hybrid working is not available with this role.

Future location

UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK.


The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.


Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter Terrorism Check clearance.


For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder / Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

Reasonable Adjustments

The Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone. To help you during the recruitment process, we will consider any reasonable adjustments that could help you. An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work. This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme. If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs.


You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here: https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments/

International Police check

If you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and it could be time accrued over that period.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.


Link below:


Artificial intelligence and recruitment , Civil Service Careers

Internal Fraud check

If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant's personal details - name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for External candidates to the Civil Service.

Careers website

Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers



Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check .



See our vetting charter .
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) 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

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code 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 .
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.

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 and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy .

Apply and further information

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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

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Job contact :

Name : Jon Payne Email : jonathan.payne@ukhsa.gov.uk
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Recruitment team

Email : recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk

Further information

The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. 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 UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: Complaints@ukhsa.gov.uk If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk


http://www.healthjobsuk.com/vacancy/7563917