57982 - Senior Modelling Analyst

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

The MoJ Operations group, comprised of the Legal Aid Agency, the Office of the Public Guardian, and the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, administers a combined operational scheme budget of approximately £1.6bn, and the effective forecasting and management of this budget ensures that these agencies, and hence the wider MoJ, maintain credible financial management.  This is key within the current environment of budgetary constraints. 

This role is an analytical role supporting the finance function. It is part of the Operations Group Forecasting Team providing a key function within Finance producing accurate estimates of future financial requirements.

Role Purpose

Reporting to the Forecast Modelling Manager, the right candidate will play a pivotal role in the development and maintenance of improved forecasting models to support the timely and accurate production of medium term (5 year) and in-year forecasts and the delivery of Work In Progress (WIP) provision estimates for published Statutory Accounts. The individual will engage with senior stakeholders across the MoJ and externally (National Audit Office) to drive forward improved modelling approaches to add insight into how wider system developments impact Operations Group expenditure, and will also be expected to engage with relevant policy/analytical groups to ensure that the team remains abreast of developments in all areas pertinent to its work. The individual will be comfortable with providing robust challenge to stakeholders of all levels where the priorities of the forecasting team require it. The current modelling portfolio is spread across Excel and R, however the individual will have the opportunity to use whichever tools are best suited to the task. 

Responsibilities

The job holder will be required to undertake the following duties and responsibilities; 

• Develop new and robust analytical models that provide valuable insights into future activity
• Maintain existing models by updating to reflect new drivers or trends identified from business intelligence
• Ensure work aligns to Civil Service AQA best practice
• Build relationships with key stakeholders to understand impacts of drivers from the wider justice system
• Engage with external stakeholders to explain the assumptions underlying estimates for external financial reporting
• Communicate the results of analysis to a non-technical audience
• Engage with the MoJ analytical community to ensure consistence practice and good standards of analysis

Key skills and knowledge

• Experience using a range of analytical techniques to model complex problems.
• Previous forecasting experience would be highly desirable
• Ability to analyse complex financial data to draw new insights
• Capacity to build up an understanding of the justice system, recognising the connections between other areas and the forecasts
• Ability to develop relationships with a range of stakeholders, ensuring that the forecasts and assumptions are sufficiently challenged
• Communication skills to convey complex analysis to a non-technical audience 

Success Profiles  

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.

Civil Service Behaviours

The following SEO Civil Service Behaviours are essential to this post and will be assessed upon application:

• Changing and Improving
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service 

Please refer to the Civil Service Behaviours Framework, which can be found here, to complete this application: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/717275/CS_Behaviours_2018.pdf

In the event that we receive a large volume of applications we reserve the right to conduct the sift based on one lead behaviour. The chosen lead behaviour for this campaign is changing and improving

Specific Technical Skills Required

A technical test will be administered at interview to test analytical and basic forecasting knowledge.

Professional Competencies / Requirements

Internal civil service applicants must be members of a government analytical profession. External applicants must evidence a relevant numerate degree and be willing to commit to membership of a government analytical profession. 

The Selection Process

To apply please complete the online application form. Applications will be sifted by a panel who will look at the Civil Service Behaviour framework and what is evidenced in your application. Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead behaviour, changing and improving. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to interview. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate the essential role requirements within the application behaviour responses. 

Candidates who are successful following the sift process will be invited to interview, where the behavioural elements, strengths and technical skills will be tested further alongside other elements of the post. Further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates in advance of the interviews.

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.

Interview dates: Expected mid-late June

Closing Date:   29/05/22, 23:55 hours.

For further information please feel free to contact Andrew Taylor at andrew.taylor10@justice.gov.uk