Adviser - Programme Implementation: Providers

The Programme Implementation: Providers team sits within the Funding Programme Assurance area of the Funding and Programmes (adults and apprenticeships) directorate. This is an opportunity to make a significant contribution to a high profile area of ESFA programme implementation and work as part of a dynamic and results focused team that often has to work at pace to meet its objectives.

The team is responsible for defining and implementing delivery approaches and processes relating to funding assurance aspects of adult skills and apprenticeships. This includes provider registers, where we determine the baseline criteria that providers need to meet to be eligible to be funded by ESFA, as well as contracting and subcontracting.

To do this, we work closely with other teams across the ESFA as well as wider teams within DFE, including the Apprenticeships Group. We also interact with key stakeholders such as the Institute for Apprenticeships and provider representative organisations.

The team is advertising one HEO role, which will support the development and delivery of key reforms to adult skills and apprenticeships funding as well as continue to embed established processes. The role by its very nature will be diverse, dynamic and wide ranging. At one moment, you may be supporting the development and implementation of our assurance processes. Alongside this, you could be analysing the impact of our subcontracting policy or recommending new provider delivery rules to protect public funds.

The post will require travel on a regular basis to Leeds.

Essential

• Innovative, challenging and solutions focused in your approach to work

• Motivation, being a self-starter and able to work with limited supervision once delegated activities to carry out and deliver

• Personal organisation and time management, with an ability to prioritise work in a pressurised environment and adjust this as the directorates priorities evolve

• Attention to detail, accuracy and an ability to see work through to completion

• Able to articulate complex ideas verbally and in writing

• Strong administrative skills and proficiency in using Microsoft Office packages including Word and PowerPoint

• Sound analytical skills and good judgement to inform their decisions, with advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience of analysing large volumes of data

• Experience of working cross-functionally

• Experience of evaluating either procurement bids, grant applications or other applications for funding. This is from organisations rather than individual people.

Desirable

• The role does not require a formal procurement qualification although experience of working on procurement or commercial activities in the public sector is desirable. Applicants will need to demonstrate a range of examples providing good evidence of essential skills, and any qualifications held may assist this.

• Knowledge of the adult skills and apprenticeships system would also be desirable.

Competencies

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

• Making effective decisions
• Delivering at pace
• Changing and improving
• Managing a quality service

Civil Service Competency Framework

Benefits

Pensions

Civil Service pension schemes may be available for successful candidates.

Things you need to know

Security

Successful candidates must pass basic security checks.

Nationality statement

Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules.

If you're applying for a role requiring security clearance please be aware that foreign or dual nationality is not an automatic bar. However certain posts may have restrictions which could affect those who do not have sole British nationality or who have personal connections with certain countries outside the UK.

Selection process details

An initial sift based on compentencies 1 and 2 may be held if a large number of applicantions is received. If your application progresses to a full sift all competencies will then be considered. As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV and should include details of your personal information, your education and qualifications, your work experience, your interests and achievements, your skills, and references. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview.

After submission of your application you will be invited to complete a Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning. You must be successful at each stage to progress to the next test. Please complete the online tests as soon as possible (within 24-48 hours is recommended), the closing date for the tests is Midnight on 16th March 2018. If you fail to complete the online test before the deadline your application will be withdrawn.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK, Commonwealth and European Economic Area (EEA) and certain non EEA nationals. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here.

Eligibility

Candidates in their probationary period are eligible to apply for vacancies within this department.

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 equality of opportunity. There is a guaranteed interview scheme (GIS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.