Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Level 4
London including Greater London
G7/Band A
c.£60,000 per annum
Permanent and two year fixed term appointments
(with potential for extension or permanency)
Reference: 1587466
Closing date: 23:59 hours on Sunday 15th July 2018
Opportunities
Project professionals work within all Department for Environment, Food and
government departments delivering change Rural Affairs (Defra)
within their sectors and working across
Defra is responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading
organisational boundaries and professional
food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we
disciplines to deliver results. Current Level
play a major role in people’s day-to-day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to
4 Project Planner vacancies exist in London
the water we drink.
and the Greater London area in the following
departments: This is an important time to join Defra. Over the next few years, we will be at the heart of the
Government’s efforts to exit the EU. This is both a huge opportunity and a complex challenge.
With over a thousand pieces of EU and national legislation identified as Defra-owned and
which underpin 80% of our work, we have an unparalleled opportunity to devise and deliver
policies that best meet the future needs of the UK.
Working in a Project Delivery role in Defra will offer you the opportunity to help shape and
create a new organisation which will be at the heart of Britain’s food, farming, environment
and rural economy. You’ll be supported by our professional community which delivers a
breadth of ambitious projects and programmes. These include the building of large flood
defences, infrastructure to transform our digital capacity and a range of regulation, legal,
policy and other complex change work. This is an opportunity to develop your career in an
organisation that values diversity and inclusion and we will actively support you in doing this.
To deliver on these priorities, over the next 10 years we are Candidates successful at interview will be best matched in
embarking on an ambitious transformation agenda that will deliver accordance with their skills and experience to a Level 4 Project
a modern courts and justice system, create a prison and probation Planner post. Defra, HO, HMRC and MoJ are currently named
service that reforms offenders, promotes Global Britain and protects departments on this campaign, however, it’s also possible that you
the rule of law. could be matched to a department across the wider government.
i.e. not one of the departments listed. Salary and terms and
Project Planners in the MoJ are central to the delivery of the conditions may vary if a role is offered in an alternative department
Secretary of State’s priorities and you will be key to delivering a to the recruiting departments.
modern prison estate that supports the rehabilitation of the prison
population, building secure schools to improve education in the
Youth Justice System and modernising the Court service.
I’m a deputy Planning and Assurance My role in Human Resources (HR) drew on my profession and who knows where this will
Manager, working in the Department for Work project planning skills and I was able to utilise lead and what opportunities may arise in the
and Pensions on the Health Transformation my knowledge make significant changes to future but I would never rule anything out. I
Programme (HTP). The transformation of the ways of working in HR. This was the main have strong line management support, an
health services is currently delivered by DWP driving force for me applying for the project excellent mentor and I am also aware of the
and is looking at how transformation across planner role in Project Delivery as I felt this apprenticeship opportunities in both Project
all the health services DWP provides could suited my skill set. I had worked in projects for Delivery and leadership and management
be improved for the citizens and be more about 7 years then moved to HR. During my so I will be considering these for future
streamlined and efficient in its delivery. time in HR I realised that my passion was for development and to support me along my
project delivery and this was the profession career path.
My biggest challenge is quickly up-skilling I felt best met my skill set and what I most
myself in the requirements of my new role. I wanted to do. When I worked in Project Amanda Huddleston,
have made the most of sharing good practice Delivery I had experience of all aspects of the Level 4 Project Planner,
and knowledge from my colleagues and change lifecycle so I applied for various roles Department for Work
peers. I have a mentor who has provided in Project Delivery. and Pensions (DWP)
me project delivery literature which I use as
reference point. I am having regular one to I have been in my role for one month and
ones with my line manager and putting myself I am working as part of a team to plan
forward for relevant learning and development changes and see how it all comes together,
opportunities to increase my capabilities. collaborating with stakeholders to develop
Although the on the job learning should not be robust plans which I hope I will see come to
underestimated, being involved in meetings fruition is very rewarding.
from day one and ‘getting stuck in’, not being
afraid to ask others for help has made my first I aim to build my capability and confidence
month in the role exciting, challenging and a in this new role and grade, I do want to
positive experience. develop other skills within the Project Delivery
Job purpose:
A Project Planner
within the Government The role of the Level 4 Project Planner is to lead in the application of a structured approach
to planning across programmes and portfolios. They are responsible for embedding and
Project Delivery Profession maintaining planning frameworks. As well as providing senior leadership with advice to
enable forward looking strategic delivery decisions. They lead on the integration of multiple
sits at the heart of the levels of plans and dependencies and are accountable for all aspects of the project planning
Project/Programme and framework. The planner will be responsible for the application of planning standards through all
levels of plans and schedules and provide assurance that plans are robust and fit for purpose.
plays a critical role in They will oversee capability building in planning and scheduling, as well as being accountable
ensuring the outcomes can for the provision and function of planning tools such as scheduling software and enterprise
planning suites.
be achieved.
Delivery & Leadership Applying advanced knowledge in the Analysing performance data, looking at
discipline of planning and scheduling for trends to identify areas for improvement
Providing visible and effective leadership, the integration, analysis and successful and collaboration, and adopting appropriate
leading the planning team and working management of multiple levels of plans. methods and tools to resolve them.
with the leaders to deliver programme and Challenging and testing strategic delivery
portfolio objectives. Developing a clear vision assumptions. Identifying the threats Guidance & Support
and standards, championing the use of best and opportunities arising from complex
practice project planning standards, tools and Providing specialist advice and support
dependency relationships across multiple to ensure successful delivery of projects
processes. Building strong networks both projects and programmes, monitoring them
internally and externally. and programmes. Providing guidance and
and escalating impacts where necessary. advice to multiple levels of project leadership
Lead on integrated planning activity, ensuring Resources during project initiation on the selection of
that all planning controls e.g. delivery the planning approach, tools, processes
schedules, assumption logs, dependency are Identifying future capacity and capability and proportionality. Identifying and leading
integrated into the wider controls of complex needs of the project planning function and the introduction of best practice planning
programmes and portfolios and are in line putting in place strategies to meet them. processes, tools and templates, using
with the appropriate government standard appropriate government standards (e.g.
(e.g. Project Delivery or Digital). Ensuring that Stakeholder Management Project Delivery, Digital) as a benchmark and
the overall planning framework is robust and Building and maintaining strong internal and building planning capability.
fit for purpose. external networks to access both technical Please note: some business related travel will
and professional best practice. At this level be required.
you will be required to build consensus
across a large and often diverse range of
stakeholders.
7. Practical experience of creating and presenting a compelling vision and setting clear
direction, that motivates others to work towards a common goal.
8. Practical experience of adapting to changing circumstances and adverse situations whilst
remaining calm, reassuring others and maintaining performance.
9. Experience in thinking of research and applying new ideas and ways of doing things,
encouraging and supporting innovations from others. Has and is willing to experiment and
follow ideas through to implementation.
10. Working knowledge of how to plan, lead and effect positive cultural change, securing
commitment and buy-in promoting a positive long term vision. Skilled in recognising when
broader culture change is necessary to deliver a project and acting on it.
Does this sound like you?
alary enefits
Working arrangements: These roles are Pension: You will also been eligible for the
Joining the Civil Service available for full-time, part-time or flexible defined benefit Civil Service pension scheme.
opens up a whole world of working arrangements (including job share Membership of the pension scheme offers
arrangements). a range of benefits that will provide financial
career and development security both in the time up to retirement
Salary: These posts are Civil Service grade and beyond. It provides an income for
opportunities across 7 or equivalent, Project Planner Level 4. For you in retirement and benefits for your
government with a range of this role you can expect to be paid circa dependants after your death. It also provides
£60,000 in London, including Greater London. protection in the event of serious ill health.
support to help you meet The final amount offered may vary slightly Scheme details can be found at http://www.
by department, and may be offered as a
your full potential. combination of base salary and an additional
civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/.
In joining the Civil Service Project Delivery allowance to recognise your particular skills Leave allowance: Generous annual leave
Profession you will benefit from the fantastic and expertise relevant to this role. allowances, starting at a minimum of 22 days,
Civil Service offer which, whilst varying increasing with service, plus 8 days public/
Existing Civil Servants moving within the bank holidays dependent on where you live
between departments, includes:
same grade will retain their existing salary in the UK, as well as an additional privilege
Appointment terms: Permanent and two or move to the salary minimum in their new day. The allowance is pro-rated for part-time
year fixed term appointments (with potential department (whichever is higher). Existing Civil staff. Departments also offer a range of flexible
for extension or permanency). Servants applying on promotion will usually working options to accommodate your life
be appointed to the Departmental salary and interests.
Location: London including Greater London. minimum for the new grade or within 8-10%
Please note when submitting your location of existing salary (whichever is greater). Special leave for volunteering and reservists is
preference, we will only be considering these also commonly available.
specific locations. Pay awards are made in line with current Civil
Service pay arrangements.
alary enefits
Learning and Development: All Civil Health and wellbeing: some departments Nationality: To be eligible for employment
Servants are entitled to a minimum of 5 also offer subsidised onsite facilities including you must be a national from the following
days learning and development every fitness centres and staff canteens. countries:
year, supported by ongoing professional
development and opportunities for Modernised terms and conditions: Civil • The United Kingdom
professional accreditation. Servants taking up appointment on promotion
will adopt the modernised Civil Service terms • The Republic of Ireland
Performance and recognition: The and conditions which came in to effect from • The Commonwealth*
Civil Service encourages a positive high 1 July 2013. Existing Civil Servants appointed
performance culture with opportunities for on level transfer may also be expected to • A European Economic Area (EEA) Member
recognition and reward throughout the year. adopt the modernised terms if moving on a State
voluntary basis.
Childcare: The Civil Service recognises that • Switzerland
many staff balance working lives with the Eligibility: The post is advertised to suitably
demands of a family life and offer support qualified people in the external market, and to • Turkey
with childcare and holiday play scheme costs existing Civil Servants and those in accredited
Certain family members of EEA, Switzerland
by providing childcare vouchers for staff who Non Departmental Public Bodies.
and Turkish nationals are also eligible
meet the eligibility criteria.
to apply regardless of their nationality.
Season tickets and cycle to work (*Commonwealth citizens not yet in the UK,
schemes: many departments offer interest who have no right of abode in the UK and
free season ticket and bicycle loans. who do not have leave to enter the UK are
ineligible to apply.)
alary enefits
Security clearance: Before the appointment Individuals applying for security clearance Conflicts of interest: Candidates must note
of the successful candidate can be confirmed, should usually have been continuously the requirement to declare any interests they
the recruiting department will undertake resident in the UK for the following periods may have that might cause questions to be
background security checks. These checks immediately before the clearance is launched: raised about their approach to the business of
can be lengthy. As part of this, the department the recruiting Departments.
will need to confirm your identity, employment • BPSS (baseline) - 6 months
history (or course details if you were in Candidates are required to declare any
• CTC – 3 years relevant business interests, shareholdings,
education), nationality and immigration status,
and criminal record (unspent convictions only). • SC – 5 years positions of authority, retainers, consultancy
Candidates must typically hold or be willing arrangements or other connections with
to obtain security clearance between baseline • DV – 10 years commercial, public or voluntary bodies, both
and ‘DV’ level before taking up post. In a small for themselves and for their spouses/partners.
Reserved for UK Nationals: Certain posts,
number of cases, the nature of the post may Successful candidates will be required to
notably those concerned with security and
require the successful candidate to undertake give up any conflicting interests and his/her
intelligence, might be reserved for British
Developed Vetting, the most comprehensive other business and financial interests may
citizens, this will not normally prevent
form of security clearance. be published.
access to a wide range of developmental
opportunities within the Civil Service.
If you think you may have a conflict of interest,
please contact Projectdeliveryprofession.grs@
cabinetoffice.gov.uk before submitting your
application.
alary enefits
Equality and Diversity: All recruiting any reasonable adjustments under the terms
Departments are committed to being an of the Act to enable any applicant with a
equal opportunities employer. They value disability (as defined under the Act) to meet
and welcome diversity. They aim to develop the requirements of the post.
all our staff to enable them to make a full
contribution to meeting the Department’s The recruiting Departments also offer a
objectives, and to fulfil their own potential Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) for all
on merit. They will not tolerate harassment disabled applicants. This means that they are
or other unfair discrimination on grounds of committed to interviewing all applicants with a
sex, marital status, race, colour, nationality, disability who provide evidence of meeting the
ethnic origin, disability, age, religion or sexual minimum requirements necessary for the post,
orientation. They will promote and support as set out in this applicant pack.
the use of a range of flexible working patterns Civil Service Code: All civil servants are
to enable staff to balance home and work subject to the provisions of the Civil Service
responsibilities; and they will treat people fairly Code that details the Civil Service values,
irrespective of their working arrangements. standards of behaviour and rights and
Under the terms of the Equality Act 2010, responsibilities.
they are legally required to consider making For further information, visit Gov.UK.
reasonable adjustments to ensure that
disabled people are not disadvantaged
in the recruitment and selection process.
They are therefore committed to meeting,
wherever possible, any needs you specify
in your application. They will also consider
To apply for this post please apply through the Civil Service Jobs NB: In your responses you should briefly introduce the context, but
website, job reference: 1587466 no later than 23:59 hours on Sunday focus the majority of your word allocation to describe the actions you
15th July 2018. took, with a short conclusion describing the result. Please refer to the
‘Who we are looking for?’ section of this pack for further details.
Once you have completed some basic personal details you will be
invited to take an online verbal reasoning test. If you pass this test, you (ii) Copy and paste the contents of your CV into the anonymised CV
will then be invited to: template provided.
(i) Submit a response to each of the following questions in no more The deadline to complete the online test and full application is no later
than 250 words per question. than 23:59 hours on Monday 16th July 2018.
1. Describe a time of uncertainty and change when you were required You will be expected to complete our Diversity questionnaire at the
to adapt your approach to leadership when you did not have the end of your application. This is strictly for monitoring purposes only
full picture to maintain performance and motivate others. and will NOT be considered as part of your application.
2. Describe a time when you were required to develop productive The Recruitment Team will acknowledge receipt of your application
relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and had to and will advise you of the sift/interview outcome.
anticipate and deal with a potential or existing conflict, to influence
change and impact on decisions to benefit the project. Please complete your application at your earliest convenience ahead
of the closing date.
3. Please can you give an example of a time when you met with
senior stakeholders to advise on the next steps required to plan Applications will be reviewed to select those demonstrating the best
a large project/portfolio. How did you apply advanced knowledge fit with the requirements of the role. Shortlisted candidates will be
and techniques to influence a successful resolution of risks and invited to a blended interview. The blended interview will help us to
issues and identification of opportunities? assess candidates’ skills and strengths as described in the person
specification. It will assess both what candidates are good at but also
4. What attracted you to the role of a Project Planner and what do how they do it.
you want to achieve by working in a government environment?
Interviews will be held in central London and shortlisted candidates will Recruitment process overview:
be advised of the format in advance. Expenses incurred by candidates
during the recruitment process will not be reimbursed. 1. Apply via the Civil Service Jobs website, job reference 1587466;
Candidates successful at interview will be best matched in accordance 2. Supply some basic personal details and complete an online test;
with their skills and experience to a Level 4 Project Planner post. 3. Pass the online test and progress to full application (consisting of a
Defra, HO, HMRC and MoJ are currently named departments on CV and responses to four questions);
this campaign, however, it’s also possible that you could be matched
to a department across the wider government. i.e. not one of the 4. Shortlisting and outcomes;
departments listed. Salary and terms and conditions may vary if a role
is offered in an alternative department to the recruiting departments. 5. Interviews and moderation;
Feedback will only be made available to candidates who make it 6. Interview outcomes and allocation.
through to the interview stage of the process.
Reserve lists: If we receive applications from more suitable
If you experience any issues at any point during this recruitment candidates than we have vacancies at this time, we may hold suitable
campaign please contact: applicants on a reserve list for up to 12 months, and future vacancies
requiring similar skills and experience could be offered to candidates
Projectdeliveryprofession.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk. on the reserve list without a new recruitment competition.
Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles: Selection Salary and terms and conditions may vary if a role is offered in an
for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit, on the basis of fair alternative Department to the recruiting Departments listed.
and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s
Recruitment Principles. Closing date: the closing date for applications is 23:59 hours on
Sunday 15th July 2018.
If you cannot apply online, please post applications to: Government Project Delivery Profession
Government Recruitment Services
Government Project Delivery Profession LG/73, 100 Parliament Street
Government Recruitment Services London
LG/73, 100 Parliament Street SW1A 2BQ
London
SW1A 2BQ or via email at: Projectdeliveryprofession.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.
Please quote the vacancy reference number: 1587466 on the If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the
envelope. Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at
http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/civil-service-
recruitment/complaints/.
Indicative Timeline
Please note that these dates are only 23:59 hours Sunday 15th July 2018
indicative at this stage and could be
subject to change. If you are unable to Advert Closing Date
meet these timeframes, please let us
know in your application letter.
Week commencing 25/06/18 - 20/07/18
The anticipated timetable is
shown below. Shortlisting
Contact details
If you have any questions about the role or would like to discuss the post further,
please contact:
Please include the vacancy reference number and job title in the subject line.