74585 - Centre of Excellence Support Officer

The national salary range is £31,265 - £34,446, London salary range is £35,405 - £39,000. Your salary will be dependent on your base location
2
12 Months
National
National
NATIONAL
Please note: Some of our MoJ Office locations, such as our Liverpool Justice Collaboration Centre, require higher levels of National Security Vetting. The MoJ is working to open more Justice Collaboration Centres and Justice Satellite Offices over time. Click here to learn more about where our currently open Justice Collaboration Centres and Justice Satellite Offices are, to identify where you may be based and understand National Security Vetting requirements of each location.
HEO
HEO
Permanent
Full Time
Administration / Corporate Support, Programme and Project Management

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.

Directorate: MoJ Project Delivery Function

Job title: Centre of Excellence Support Officer

Location: National

Pay Span or equivalent: HEO

Contract Type: Permanent

We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce and pride ourselves as being an employer of choice. To find out more about how we champion diversity and inclusion in the workplace, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity. 

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) priorities include improving public safety and reducing reoffending by reforming prisons, probation and youth justice, and building a justice system which makes access to justice swifter and more certain for all citizens whatever their background. Project professionals in the MoJ help to improve the government’s ability to protect the public and reduce reoffending, and to provide a more effective, transparent and responsive criminal justice system for victims and the public.

This role provides you with the unique opportunity to being central to the delivery of the Secretary of State’s priorities by being a member of the Ministry of Justice Project Delivery Function.  The MoJ Project Delivery Function sees the centralisation and coordination of all project delivery within the Ministry.  By joining the MoJ Project Delivery Function, you will be able to access professional development opportunities including an enhanced and tailored development plan, access world leading guidance, tools and support across and access to the unique Government Project Delivery Professional Network, not to mention your participation in some of the Countries most ambitious projects. 

Working as part of the Centre of Excellence provides a unique opportunity to help influence the wider development of the Project Delivery Profession for the MoJ and provides opportunities to get involved in initiatives to support that. The team’s role is to support the embedding of professional standards, design and manage learning solutions to improve capability and engagement with leadership communities and across government to improve the delivery of our major project portfolio.

The Centre of Excellence Support Officer is an important role in a growing team. You will engage with a variety of teams, colleagues, and senior project professionals, to understand their needs, obtain best practice, understand capability requirements and provide tailored solutions to create an environment that supports delivering to professional standards.

The role is varied, and you would be working in one of three workstreams focused on delivery of workstream level strategies that support our Centre of Excellence strategy.

The three workstream area:

People and Engagement Workstream: supports project delivery professionals to identify and progress the right learning for them, which would involve:

  • Supporting the promotion and administration of the Project Delivery Accreditation scheme and becoming a source of knowledge to support project delivery professionals to complete accreditation
  • Sourcing expertise and facilitating small learning events on a group and 1-2-1 basis, and working as part of a team to design and promote larger sessions
  • Leading on areas identified in the Capability Strategy to ensure learning or work packages are procured or designed in a timely manner
  • Analysing and reporting on learning statistics to identify trends and potential improvements for senior managers

Project Improvement Workstream: supports project delivery professionals in improving or developing best practice approaches to project delivery to achieve professional standards, which would involve:

  • Leading or supporting on some team-based projects which could include implementation of new systems, project processes or communications
  • Researching, stakeholder engagement, user testing and focus groups to understand best practices, challenges, or improvement ideas for example around risk management or project initiation
  • Supporting or maintaining team documentation such as project plans, progress reports, risk registers or analysing data on trends

Standards Workstream: provides project delivery professionals a platform to access frameworks, guidance, practice statements, tools, and templates to achieve project delivery standards, which would involve:

  • Working with project professionals of differing capability, along with subject matter experts to develop, test or improve a range of support guidance and tools, for example around benefits management or planning
  • Engage and research with stakeholders to understand the barriers and improvement ideas to ensure alignment of activities to standards compliance
  • Supporting the maintenance of the MoJ Project Delivery Hub, testing this with users, analysis usage data and providing ideas for future improvements

Further workstreams may be implemented in the future, that may require the candidate to work on, but the responsibilities listed above would be broadly similar.

The team has a collaborative ethos, and, in your role, you will work with other team members to input your ideas, experience and perspective in to supporting the design of solutions to work packages. At times, you may need to be flexible and support other workstreams in delivery of work packages, but similar support is anticipated back.

It also presents an opportunity to work with key stakeholders across government, including the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA), to help support on developing and shaping the future of the Government’s Project Delivery Profession.

MoJ expects its employees to show openness, honesty and commitment, and, of course, to deliver results.

Purpose of role

Key responsibilities of the role

These may be further shaped and adjusted dependent on business needs and team resources / skills.

  • Frameworks & Methodologies – Support the team by reviewing and updating project frameworks and methodologies to enable a consistent and efficient approach to delivery at all stages of the project lifecycle.
  • Stakeholder Management– Engage with key stakeholders from across the MoJ and develop effective relationships to support the successful delivery of work packages.
  • Delivery –Complete lead on the delivery of work packages.
  • Risks & Issues – Assist with the identification and monitoring of risks and contribute to the successful delivery of mitigating actions, escalating as appropriate.
  • Guidance & Support– Contribute to the identification, development, and sharing of best practice management processes, tools and templates and benchmarks against best practice and standards.
  • Planning – Help to shape and implement an achievable plan that supports team initiatives and increases adherence to professional standards.
  • Communication & Engagement - Communicate with a variety of audience groups using technology where appropriate, and build commitment to a shared vision, goals, and sense of purpose.
  • Governance– Support the Centre of Excellence Team with completing key reports and ensuring effective governance and decision making is in place for all team projects.
  • Solutions Development - Identify, document, and analyse various delivery options and select the optimal solution.
  • Working with Ambiguity - Work in an environment of uncertainty and continual change. Able to feel comfortable making decisions and setting direction without having the full picture and re-focus as details emerge. Can apply knowledge and techniques to reduce ambiguity.
  • Culture Change - Plan, lead and effect positive cultural change, securing commitment and buy-in and promoting a positive long-term vision with the team and stakeholders.
  • Cross government – identify and work with stakeholders from across government to share information and knowledge and to progress key products.
  • Line Management – There may be line management of members of the Centre of Excellence Team as part of this role, including the management of direct reports’ HR.

Desirable skills (but not essential)

  • Experience in working in a Project Delivery environment or role.
  • Ability to communicate effectively to a wide range of audiences
  • IT proficiency using Microsoft Office tools

Opportunities for You

  • Gain exposure to the priorities of a senior management team in the centre of the MoJ and support some of the largest public sector projects in Central Government
  • Increase your profile with colleagues of different levels of seniority from across our community
  • Learn about project management and access to a generous learning and development offering
  • Progress towards professional accreditation in the project delivery profession.
  • Become involved in a range of team projects and wider corporate initiatives to support to development of our function
  • Become involved in diversity and inclusion networks, employee experience networks or to be coached or mentored

Key Civil Service Technical Competencies

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

  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Planning
  • Risk and Issues Management
  • Knowledge Management

Location & Terms of appointment

This post is advertised nationally, but frequent travel will be required to locations where our Major Projects are based.

Your base office location at an MoJ HQ site, Justice Collaboration Centre, or Justice Satellite Office will be discussed if successful, as we do not offer home working contracts. All available sites can be found on this link.

Salary & Grade

HEO

New entrants to the Civil Service will be expected to join on the minimum of the pay range and this is non-negotiable.

Existing Civil Servants will have their salary calculated in accordance with the Department’s pay on transfer / pay on promotion rules.

Find Out More - Webinar

We will be holding find out more webinar session for all potential candidates to come and ask questions regarding the role. This will be held on

Selection and Recruitment Process

Where high volumes of applications are received the initial sift will be completed against the lead competency. If your application progresses to a full sift, all competencies will then be considered. Feedback is not available for those not invited to interview.

Merit List of successful candidates based on location will be retained after this campaign for 12 months.

Application Process

You will be required to complete an application form providing evidence of how you meet above key Civil Service behaviours competencies and provide a current CV.

Successful candidates will then be invited for interview and the interviews will take place virtually via MS Teams.

The interview will consist of a Civil Service behaviours and strength-based questions.

Project Delivery Competencies 

You will be required to provide evidence of the following key competencies at the indicated level:

Competencies  -  Description  -  Level required

Project Delivery Profession – Technical Competencies

Stakeholder engagement

Stakeholder Engagement is the ability to systematically identify, analyse and communicate with stakeholders, using appropriate channels, to ensure all those impacted by the change are engaged, taking account of their levels of influence and particular interests.    

(W) Working knowledge and practical experience
•    You have a good understanding of this competence
•    You have applied this independently in low complexity projects and/or under supervision in more complex projects.

Planning  

Planning is the ability to define the fundamental components of a project in terms of its scope, deliverables, time scales, resource requirements and budget. It also includes the production of broader plans incorporating risk and quality to provide a consolidated overview of a project.    

(W) Working knowledge and practical experience
•    You have a good understanding of this competence
•    You have applied this independently in low complexity projects and/or under supervision in more complex projects.

Risk & issue management    

Risk & Issue Management is the ability to systematically identify and monitor risks & issues, planning how to mitigate / respond to those risks and issues and implementing the responses.   

(W) Working knowledge and practical experience
•    You have a good understanding of this competence
•    You have applied this independently in low complexity projects and/or under supervision in more complex projects.

Knowledge management    

Knowledge Management is the ability identify, share and promote best practices and lessons learned to create a culture of learning and good practice that supports continuous improvement to optimise project delivery.    

(W) Working knowledge and practical experience
•    You have a good understanding of this competence
•    You have applied this independently in low complexity projects and/or under supervision in more complex projects.

Scheduling    

Scheduling is the ability to develop, produce and maintain schedules for activities that take account of dependencies, resource requirements and constraints in order to enable the efficient realisation of benefits.    

(W) Working knowledge and practical experience
•    You have a good understanding of this competence
•    You have applied this independently in low complexity projects and/or under supervision in more complex projects.

Governance  

Governance is the ability to clearly define roles, responsibilities and accountabilities and establish controls and approval routes appropriate to each stage of the project to monitor project progress and compliance.    

(W) Working knowledge and practical experience
•    You have a good understanding of this competence
•    You have applied this independently in low complexity projects and/or under supervision in more complex projects.

Frameworks & methodologies    

Frameworks & methodologies is the ability to identify and amend appropriate project frameworks and methodologies to enable a consistent and efficient approach to delivery at all stages of the project lifecycle.    

(W) Working knowledge and practical experience
•    You have a good understanding of this competence
•    You have applied this independently in low complexity projects and/or under supervision in more complex projects.

Assurance    

Assurance is the ability to establish, plan and manage reviews at appropriate points during all stages of the project life cycle to provide evaluations of progress against time, cost, quality, compliance and ongoing viability.    

(W) Working knowledge and practical experience
•    You have a good understanding of this competence
•    You have applied this independently in low complexity projects and/or under supervision in more complex projects.

Project Delivery Profession – Behavioural/Leadership Competencies

Visible leadership    

The ability to engage, motivate and coach others. To act as a role model and inspire and empower others.    

(W) Working knowledge and practical experience
•    You have a good understanding of this competence
•    You have applied this independently in low complexity projects and/or under supervision in more complex projects

Credible action    

The ability to promote the wider public good in all actions and to act in a morally, legally and socially appropriate manner at all times. Challenges unacceptable behaviour.    

(W) Working knowledge and practical experience
•    You have a good understanding of this competence
•    You have applied this independently in low complexity projects and/or under supervision in more complex projects

Working with ambiguity    

The ability to work in an environment of uncertainty and continual change. Able to feel comfortable making decisions and setting direction without having the full picture and re-focus as details emerge. Can apply knowledge and techniques to reduce ambiguity.    

(A) Basic knowledge and limited or no experience
•    You understand how it can be applied
•    You can describe the benefits and importance
•    You may have applied it in a low complexity project under supervision or assisted others in delivering it.

Collaboration    

The ability to establish and develop productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, bringing people together to benefit the project.    

(W) Working knowledge and practical experience
•    You have a good understanding of this competence
•    You have applied this independently in low complexity projects and/or under supervision in more complex projects.

Influencing    

The ability to influence, change and impact decisions with both internal and external stakeholders.    

(W) Working knowledge and practical experience
•    You have a good understanding of this competence
•    You have applied this independently in low complexity projects and/or under supervision in more complex projects

Conflict resolution   

The ability to recognize, anticipate and effectively deal with existing or potential conflicts at an individual, team or strategic level.    

(W) Working knowledge and practical experience
•    You have a good understanding of this competence
•    You have applied this independently in low complexity projects and/or under supervision in more complex projects.

Inspiring others    

The ability to create and present a compelling vision and set clear direction, that motivates others to work towards a common goal.    

(A) Basic knowledge and limited or no experience
•    You understand how it can be applied
•    You can describe the benefits and importance
•    You may have applied it in a low complexity project under supervision or assisted others in delivering it.

Resilience    

The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and adverse situations whilst remaining calm, reassuring others and maintaining performance.    

(W) Working knowledge and practical experience
•    You have a good understanding of this competence
•    You have applied this independently in low complexity projects and/or under supervision in more complex projects.

Innovation    

The ability to think of, research and apply new ideas and ways of doing things. Encourages and supports innovations from others, is willing to experiment and follow ideas through to implementation.    

(W) Working knowledge and practical experience
•    You have a good understanding of this competence
•    You have applied this independently in low complexity projects and/or under supervision in more complex projects

Culture change    

The ability to plan, lead and effect positive cultural change, securing commitment and buy-in and promoting a positive long term vision. Recognizes when broader culture change is necessary to deliver a project.    

(A) Basic knowledge and limited or no experience
•    You understand how it can be applied
•    You can describe the benefits and importance
•    You may have applied it in a low complexity project under supervision or assisted others in delivering it.

Travel

Frequent travel to other sites is required for this post.

Flexible working options

MoJ offers a flexible working system in many of its offices.

Job Sharing and Reduced Hours

All applications for job sharing or reduced hours will be treated fairly and on a case by case basis in accordance with the MoJ’s flexible working policy and equality policy.

Excess Fares and Relocation Allowances

This job is not eligible for relocation allowances, but excess fares may be considered in accordance with MoJ’s excess fares allowance policy.

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.

Eligibility

Staff on fixed term appointments must have been recruited through fair and open competition.

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 GOV.UK or 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.

To be confirmed

09/06/2023, 23:55 hours.

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com Please quote the job reference - 74585.

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
Technical Skills
Stakeholder Engagement - 500 word limit
Planning - 500 word limit
Risk and Issues Management - 500 word limit
Knowledge Management - 500 word limit

Interview stage assessments

There is 1 interview stage for this vacancy.
Technical Skills
Stakeholder Engagement
Planning
Risk and Issues Management
Knowledge Management
Strengths may also be assessed at interview but these are not shared in advance.

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.