58531 - Senior Data Scientist - Data Science Hub, Data & Analytical Services Directorate, Ministry of Justice

The national salary range is £36,049 - £41,095 pro rata, London salary range is £41,747 - £47,591 pro rata. Your salary will be dependent on your base location
1
12 Months
National
National
NATIONAL
SEO
SEO
Permanent
Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working
Economics, Information Technology, Operational Research, Science, Statistics, Analytical, Architecture and Data, Social Research

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.

Overview

We have an exciting permanent opportunity in our data linking team, working with our award-winning team behind the Splink software.  This is based within the Data Science Hub within the MoJ Data & Analytical Services Directorate at Band B (SEO) and working on the cross government 'Better Outcomes through Linked Data' Programme (BOLD).

The salary will be negotiable within the Band B (SEO) pay range depending on your skills and expertise as assessed in the selection process. We welcome applications from candidates based across the UK. Candidates will have the option of being based in the Leeds or London HQ offices (with flexible working arrangements available) or your nearest Justice Collaboration Centre (JCC) or Justice Satellite Office (JSO). JCCs are based in Liverpool, Leeds, South Tyneside, Nottingham, Cardiff, Ipswich and Brighton. JSOs are based in Stafford, Sheffield and Manchester. Periodic travel may be required for collaboration with the wider programme team.

Interviews are likely to take place in late June/early July 2022. We will keep a merit list for a year for those who successfully pass the interview board but who are not offered a post immediately as similar posts will become available during 2022.

The Ministry of Justice

The Ministry of Justice is a major government department, at the heart of the justice system. We work to protect and advance the principles of justice. Our vision is to deliver a world-class justice system that works for everyone in society. A key priority is to become strongly data and evidence driven by ensuring it is used to improve our business performance and the justice system for our citizens.

The Data Science Hub

The Data Science Hub sits at the heart of MoJ’s push to use data to bear on some of the Ministry’s thorniest problems. We are a multi-disciplinary team of 90+ people from a range of professions and backgrounds. We most commonly use Python, R and Spark in our AWS Analytical Platform through our Macbooks, with data from the business that’s extracted, transformed and loaded by our data engineering teams.

We have delivered high impact data products that have been productionised and widely used across the business and adhoc insight that directly influences corporate, operational and policy decisions. These span the data science spectrum including automation, advanced visualisation, machine learning, data linking, natural language processing and optimisation. We are now collaborating with MoJ Digital with the aim of getting live data pipelines as new services are being built, with the plan to deliver data science products through these services.

You can find more examples of our work and ways of working in the appendix section at the end of this document.

BOLD

BOLD is a large and complex programme that consists of sharing data across government, building a linked dataset, and delivering 4 'demonstrator pilot projects' that will use the linked dataset to tackle specific policy challenges across substance misuse, homelessness, victims of crime and reoffending. BOLD is an exciting cross-departmental programme funded by the Treasury’s Shared Outcomes Fund. This gives us the opportunity to truly work collaboratively across departmental boundaries, working as a single team with a single vision: deliver better outcomes for vulnerable populations through the use of linked data. If you like challenging problems with real-world impact and have always hoped government could learn to use data better, apply for this role and help us transform the use of data to drive outcomes and decision-making across government.

What you’ll do

You will work as part of multi-disciplinary teams consisting of data scientists and data engineers as well as interacting with other data roles. The majority of projects will be conducted on the MoJ Analytical Platform using Github for version control and effective collaboration, and projects will include working to achieve data linking across the Ministry of Justice and partner government departments.

Specific responsibilities will be tailored to reflect your strengths and development needs, but you will also contribute to:

  • The vision for data linking, recommending and implementing ways to improve the quality of our in house software, data, quality assurance and outputs;
  • Building best practices such as version control, unit testing, code review, and well documented applications;
  • Working across Spark, SQL and Python to undertake linking tasks, such as data set linking, developing ways to understand link quality and implementing improvement to the Splink library (https://github.com/moj-analytical-services/splink).
  • A strong collaborative working environment within the team, and interacting positively with a variety of stakeholders to build community, capability and credibility in both Ministry of Justice and across other government departments;
  • The team’s awareness of the wider data linking landscape and emerging technologies.

Who you are

We’re interested in people who have:

  • experience of applying data linking or data science techniques to messy datasets;
  • experience in writing clear and concise code, and working with scripting/programming and database programming languages, specifically Python and SQL. Use of Spark is an advantage;
  • a track record of using quality assurance and automated testing in analytical work, including producing robust and reproducible analysis using modern version control software;
  • strategic thinking and problem solving aligned with organisational goals, with ability to identify preventative measures and opportunities for data innovation and promoting adoption and learning of new tools and techniques;
  • experience of working with diverse stakeholder groups to deliver data products and explaining data concepts and practices to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

How to apply

You’ll need to submit an anonymised CV and Statement of Suitability as part of your application. You will not be considered if you do not provide both.

Your CV should be no more than 2 pages long and should show us your work history and previous experience. It should be well structured, succinct and written in clear language. Try to avoid just listing technology keywords; we are interested in how you have used different tools to solve problems.

Your Statement of Suitability should be no more than 750 words and should give us examples of how your skills and experience match those needed for this role. Consider giving an example for each bullet point, in the skills requirements ‘Who you are’ section and use work you have completed to demonstrate how you meet each one.

All these requirements are important for the job, however we do not expect candidates to be expert in all of them. Just give as much evidence as you can for each and make sure you cover ‘how’ you demonstrated the requirements and the impact of your work, as well as ‘what’ you did. Again, if you are interested in applying but are not sure you have all the skills listed, please do apply and give us the opportunity to consider you as a candidate.

Selection process

There will be an initial sift of applicants through comparing submitted evidence against the ‘Who you are’ bullets. This usually takes two weeks, depending on the number of applications.

Those who make it through the initial sift will be invited to a Civil Service Success Profile interview. In the Civil Service we use Success Profiles to help us find the right person for the job. We will be using a mixture of methods to assess your abilities, strengths, experience, technical skills and behaviours. We highly recommend learning about Success Profiles and using the Situation, Task, Action, Result and Reflection (STARR) framework when structuring your answers.

The highest scoring candidates that pass the interview will be offered the roles. The whole process can take a month. Other candidates that pass the interview will be kept on a merit list for 12 months.

Presentation

At the interview we will be asked to give a five-minute presentation on a data science project you have delivered. Details of this will be sent to candidates before the interview.

Behaviours

The following behaviours will be tested at interview:

  • Managing a Quality Service
  • Changing and Improving

In your examples you should include evidence on ‘how’ you demonstrated the requirements and the impact of your work, as well as ‘what’ you did.

Technical – Data science skills

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

  • data science expertise and technical leadership
  • working practices
  • programming and coding skills

Technical – Analytical Competency

If you are an existing profession analyst (GORS/GSS/GSR/GES) and applying on promotion you will be asked for evidence of how you meet the requirements of the relevant professional competency framework, with particular focus on communicating analysis and achieving impact.

Please refer to the analytical profession frameworks in the appendix section for more information.

For Further Information

If you have any queries about the role or application process, or wish to discuss, please contact Ross Wyatt (ross.wyatt@justice.gov.uk) or Robin Linacre (robin.linacre@digital.justice.gov.uk)

Appendix

Examples of our work and ways of working:

Civil Service Success Profiles used for selection process:

Analytical profession frameworks used for assessing the technical analytical competency at interview:

Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.

For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre-employment checks.

Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.

Flexible working hours

The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices.

Benefits

The MoJ offers a range of benefits:

Annual Leave

Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service.

There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.

Pension

The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.

Training

The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.

Networks

The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

Support

  • A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
  • Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
  • For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on UKor Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
  • Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
  • Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

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. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.

You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team.

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.

Interviews are likely to take place in late June/early July 2022.

30/05/2022, 23:55 hours.

If you require any assistance please call 0845 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com Please quote the job reference - 58531.

If you have any queries about the role or application process, or wish to discuss, please contact Ross Wyatt (ross.wyatt@justice.gov.uk) or Robin Linacre (robin.linacre@digital.justice.gov.uk)

Security Clearance (SC)

To apply for roles in MOJ you will need to confirm your employment history for at least 3 years prior to the date of application so that pre-employment checks (BPSS) can be undertaken. If you have spent significant time abroad (a total of 6 months in the past 3 years) you would be required to give a reasonable account of the reasons why. 

For some roles you will be required to successfully complete National Security Vetting at Counter Terrorism (CTC), Security Clearance (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV) level as a condition of appointment. To meet CTC/SC/DV requirements you will normally need to have been resident in the UK for at least 3/5/10 years prior to the date of application (The level of checks that are required are stated in the advert).

If you do not meet the above requirements, you may still be considered if, for example:

  • You've been serving overseas with HM Forces or in some other official capacity as a representative of HM Government
  • You were studying abroad
  • You were living overseas with parents

In such cases you will need to be able to provide referee cover for the period(s) of residence overseas. The duration of overseas residence and the country of abode will also be taken into account.

Success Profiles will enable a fairer and more inclusive method of recruitment by enabling us to assess the range of experiences, abilities, strengths, behaviours and technical/professional skills required for different roles. This flexible approach to recruitment focuses more on finding the right candidate for the specific role. To find out more about Success Profiles to support your application please click here for further guidance.

if you feel that your application has not been treated in line with the Civil Service Recruitment Principles, please contact SSCL (Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com) in the first instance

We have provided detail of the assessment stages and areas being assessed to help you prepare for completing your application form, and to advise of what will be assessed following this, if you successfully pass the application stage.


Application form stage assessments

Experience
CV
Statement of Suitability - 750 word limit

Interview stage assessments

There is 1 interview stage for this vacancy.
Behaviours
Managing a Quality Service
Changing and Improving
Technical Skills
Technical – Data science skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
● data science expertise and technical leadership
● working practices
● programming and coding skills
Technical – Analytical Competency
- Communicating analysis
Technical – Analytical Competency
- Achieving impact.
Additional Assessment(s)
Presentation

A Great Place to Work for Veterans

The "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans" initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs. Allowing veterans to continue to serve their country, and to bring highly skilled individuals with a broad range of experience into the Civil Service in an environment, which recognises and values your previous service in the Armed Forces.
For further details about the initiative and eligibility requirements visit : https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans

Redeployment Interview Scheme

Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ are committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.

MoJ are able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidate's will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.

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) (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families

· 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 (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules

This Vacancy is closed to applications.