Biological Hazards

Vacancy Description

The permanent location of this post will be Stafford from autumn 2006. Until then there will be a need for alternative working arrangements such as home working and attendance at the GDS Project team office in London. The cost of travel will be met

Government Decontamination Service Higher Scientific Officer HSO (Biological Hazards) - RCTR 1660

Eligibility

Because of the nature of the work to be undertaken, the postholder must either hold a current security clearance at the Security Cleared level, or be willing to undergo clearance at this level, and be a British National

In accordance with the principles for resettlement set out in Office Notice 04/208, of 8 April 2004, preference for Defra posts will, wherever possible, be given to suitably qualified applicants for whom, as a result of reorganisation in the context of this office notice, redeployment is needed.

Applicants can apply for posts if they feel they can demonstrate the skills/competence requirements for the post being advertised. All applicants will need to obtain a suitability assessment from their line manager.

All permanent Defra staff are eligible to apply for internally advertised jobs.

Casual or fixed term contract staff will not normally be considered because of the limited duration of their employment. However, those recruited under fair and open competition, and where the possibility of a permanent appointment was part of the advertising/recruitment process, may apply on the basis that, if successful, they will be expected to accept the offer of a permanent appointment made on the appropriate terms.

Otherwise, casuals and fixed term appointees can be considered only if the duration of the job fits with the time limited period of their employment.

Where the job is also being advertised inter-departmentally those on inward loan to Defra from other Departments can apply.

The Human Resources contact can advise further on eligibility if needed.

External competitions are open to all employees irrespective of their current employment status.

Unless stated otherwise, the assumption is that flexible working patterns should be able to be accommodated.

Candidates with disabilities will automatically be put forward to the assessment stage provided they satisfy the minimum eligibility criteria for the job.

Permanent and assisted transfer terms (including excess fares) will not normally be available. Exceptions to this will normally be considered only on the basis of management need.

This post would be suitable for (minimum 2 years) loan from OGDs and government agencies. Progression in the post to SSO may be possible.

Job purpose: As a member of the GDS’s Science Team you will be responsible to the G7 head of section for ensuring that the Agency’s outputs are based on sound science. You will help support the agency’s Framework of specialist decontamination suppliers, help develop and provide advice and guidance to central government and responsible authorities on biological hazard decontamination, assess relevant knowledge and capability gaps, monitor scientific and technological developments and develop, assess and sponsor research proposals where appropriate to enhance the Agency’s capabilities. You will also represent the agency as required at scientific conferences and meetings in the UK and abroad.

Job description: This is a new job in a new organisation. The Government Decontamination Service (GDS) became an Executive Agency within the Defra family from 1 October 2005. The GDS supports the UK Government’s wider resilience and capability targets and contributes to Defra’s overall aim of sustainable development. More specifically it helps to deliver Defra’s objective to "Protect the public’s interest in relation to environmental impacts and health and ensure high standards and animal health and welfare".

By delivering a robust decontamination service the GDS will be working to prepare for and assist recovery from the consequences of both accidental and deliberate release of chemical, biological and radiological materials (CBRN and HAZMAT).

GDS will be a small Agency, based at Stafford and employing around 26 people. The Agency will be led by a Chief Executive who will be supported by a Deputy Chief Executive with specific responsibility for finance and other corporate service functions but with the ability to assist the CEO with operational matters.

GDS teams are likely to have a significant role in the event of a CBRN incident following which GDS services are required, perhaps working on a shift basis.

The precise focus of your responsibilities will depend upon the nature of both your expertise and interests and the capabilities of the specialist companies that join the Framework. However, it is currently envisaged that you would focus on the area of biological hazard decontamination and with the companies that are able to provide such services.

For the Agency’s Head of Science, you will:· Be, or become, a recognised authority on scientific and technical (S&T) aspects of biological hazard decontamination;· Provide S&T support to the GDS’s Specialist Supplier Framework contractor procurement process, which will continually recruit, validate, exercise and develop the capabilities of specialist decontamination companies.

Provide S&T support to GDS operations at local command locations, working with other expert organisations to provide considered and coordinated advice on decontamination options and issues;

Provide support to other GDS work streams as appropriate, including the preparation of advice to Ministers and senior officials, the preparation of Strategic National Guidance on CBRN resilience for which the GDS is responsible, and dealing with requests for information under FOI legislation.

Monitor, assess and report S&T developments in biological hazard decontamination; ·

Identify and assess knowledge gaps and seek to address them, through the Home Office CBRN S&T programme and/or utilising the GDS’s research funding – working with, sponsoring and managing research contractors as appropriate; · Assist with independent S&T oversight of the Agency through the GDS Science Group;

Liaise and develop effective relationships with expert organizations such as Dstl, HPA, HSESpecialist Expertise – you should have a good relevant university degree with a significant component from the physical or biological sciences. Research or other experience in the field of biological hazard decontamination is desirable.

Skills required:

Teamworking– you will work in a small team (with two or three other specialist staff), and will need to operate effectively within and across all other sections of the GDS to ensure continuity and coherence of outputs, and with specialist and non-specialist colleagues in Defra and other government departments and agencies.

Leadership in a small team (with two or three other specialist staff), and will need to operate effectively within and across all other sections of the GDS to ensure continuity and coherence of outputs, and with specialist and non-specialist colleagues in Defra and other government departments and agencies.

Building relationships you will build effective relationships with a wide range of people and bodies across government and outside, including contractors and your counterparts in other countries and in international organisations.

Communicating you will be able to communicate clearly to both specialists and non-specialists about scientific aspects of the decontamination of biological hazards and other materials, both orally and in writing, and be able to contribute to Agency documentation, guidance and briefing materials.

Delivering a quality service you will be able to produce timely high quality work, even when under pressure, in a novel, rapidly developing area of government activity and when faced with scientific uncertainty.

Developing and applying expertise you will develop and apply your specialist skills and expertise in a field which is scientifically and technically complex, with many unknowns, in support of the current and future needs of the GDS.

Thinking and decision making you will develop an understanding of the key issues in relevant areas to guide the direction of relevant scientific research and Agency advice

Development opportunities and training The post offers an exceptional opportunity to make a valuable contribution in a high profile new area of government activity, gaining an insight into the workings of different government departments and the government’s contingency management arrangements. The CBRN field is scientifically challenging and the progress you make in addressing those challenges will be appropriately rewarding.Training will be provided to help you make the most of your talents and experience.

How To Apply

For an application form (EP316) call 01905 768818 (24 hour answer phone) or email ResourceCentre@defra.gsi.gov.uk

Quoting reference number RCTR 1660

Please note, application forms will only be sent by post until 23rd December , after then applications will only be sent by email. This is to take into account the delay in the post during the Christmas period

For further information on this post please contact Sandra Totterdell on 0207 2766160.

Vacancy Managers, candidates and their managers are recommended to refer to the guidance documentation listed on the HR website.

Posts outside of London will attract the national pay rates unless prior written agreement has been obtained to the contrary.· Applicants for jobs who (usually after interview) are judged by the Selection Panel to have been suitable for the job(s) but to a lesser degree than the selected candidate - may be nominated as reserves and can be considered for other similar posts at the same level which arise within 6 months of the selection and need to be filled urgently.

There is no guarantee that reserve candidates will be offered jobs in this way and they need to continue to apply as normal.· Successful applicants are expected to be released within 6 weeks of being offered the job (Office Notice 02/472 dated 1 August 2002 refers).

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