Chief Inspector, Marine Accident Investigation Branch

This is a challenging, varied and responsible role, accountable to the Secretary of State for Transport on all matters related to marine accident investigation. The MAIB makes a vital contribution to the safe operation of the UK's maritime interests, domestically and around the world. You will need to be comfortable working in fast-moving and complex environments, but also demonstrate commitment to continuous improvement and professional standards. You will require the ability to communicate at all levels - from providing expert advice into senior levels of government through to the sensitive handling of people directly impacted by accidents. As a leader, you will need the confidence and judgement to operate independently and impartially, and the management skills to get the most from an outstanding team. In return, this hugely engaging role also offers a competitive package, including generous paid annual leave, pension scheme, extensive training opportunities and work-life balance.

The Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents is the head of the MAIB and is personally responsible for the conduct of accident investigations. All accident reports are published on his or her authority. The Chief Inspector reports directly to the Secretary of State for Transport on safety matters; administrative functions are handled through
the DfT's Maritime Directorate as part of the International, Security and Environment Group.

The Chief Inspector is tasked with improving safety at sea, discharging the UK's responsibility for the independent safety investigation of marine accidents, and satisfying all stakeholders that marine accidents are investigated in an exemplary manner. To deliver those outcomes, the postholder's objectives include:

• Ensuring that all accident investigations are conducted thoroughly and effectively and that they meet the requirements and expectations of national and international regulations, including providing direction
for the conduct of the investigations;

• Developing and promulgating appropriate recommendations, and publishing high quality and timely
reports;

• Acting as professional head of the Branch, providing expert advice to the Department for Transport as required,
being the principal public voice for the Branch and exercising technical oversight of the most complex cases;

• Leading a team of 40 staff and budget of c. GBP4m, managing prioritisation, the work programme and building long-term technical and professional capacity;

• Maintaining a strong relationship with maritime industry bodies, including ship owners/managers, professional
bodies, seafarers' representatives, classification societies, port authorities,insurers and others, whilst ensuring sufficient detached objectivity to carry out the MAIB's task;

• Representing the Branch and the UK in international forums such as the International Maritime Organisation,
the European Maritime Safety Agency and the Marine Accident Investigators' International Forum;

• Supporting transport and maritime safety collaboration, through joint working with other domestic accident
investigation branches and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency;

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate capability in the following areas.

Essential:

• A professional background at a senior level within the maritime sector, ideally supported by a professional qualification in a recognised maritime discipline and/ or substantial senior level experience at sea;

• Strong leadership skills demonstrated through significant experience of motivating and developing professional teams, and the ability to understand the strategic picture;

• Excellent communication skills and high personal impact, including the ability and credibility to establish and maintain trusting relationships - with Ministers and senior officials, with stakeholders in the shipping industry, and with the media;

• A track record of driving high professional standards through staff development, embracing new technology, and effective performance management;

• Ability to use judgement and negotiation to resolve difficult situations and achieve sensible, practical outcomes without compromising standards or integrity;

• Excellent interpersonal skills in sensitive situations, sufficient to indicate a capability to work with the bereaved and others affected by a marine accident, and to support a team which necessarily deals with often difficult situations;

• Proven ability to manage budgets and risk in organisations at senior management level.

Desirable

• Shore management experience within the commercial shipping industry, or a comparable role elsewhere within the maritime sector;

• Knowledge and experience of safety management or accident investigation, including relevant techniques and technologies;

• Familiarity with working with international organisations, and a track record of being able to influence decision making.

Benefits

Pensions
Civil Service pension schemes may be available for successful candidates.

Things you need to know

Security

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check .

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
To apply for this post, you will need to complete the online application process on CS Jobs which includes uploading the two documents outlined below.

This should be completed no later than 23:59, 28th May 2018.

1. A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years;

2. A Statement of Suitability (no longer than two pages) explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with particular reference to the criteria in the person specification Failure to submit both documents (CV and Statement of Suitability) will mean the panel only have limited information on which to assess your application against the criteria in the person specification. Please ensure that both documents contain your full name. Should you encounter any issues with your online application please get in touch with us on: Please include the vacancy reference number and job title in the subject line.
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 .

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.