Description & Requirements
On behalf of DEFRA, we are looking for x5 Project Support Officers (Inside IR35) for a 6 month contract. This is a remote working role (flexibility required for travel on an as and when basis - various locations).
In the Defra group, we deal with a vast range of issues that profoundly impact on people’s lives. We are responsible for England’s environment, our countryside and rural economy, the food and farming sectors and have lead responsibility for protection from a wide range of natural threats and hazards. We have developed a set of three strategic objectives covering our policy outcomes and corporate objectives. These objectives help us to deliver our ambitious vision to build our green and healthy future and provide a framework for all the important work we carry out.
Our objectives are:
To pass on to the next generation a natural environment protected and enhanced for the future.
To lead the world in food, farming, and fisheries with a sustainable model of food production.
To be an outstanding organisation focused on making a difference, with world class delivery capability.
Job Purpose:
The Project Support Officer will support the development of Border Control Post (BCP) designation dossiers as part of the Ports and Control Points Readiness Project in support of the UK-EU SPS Agreement.
The postholders will collate, review and translate operational and technical information into EU-compliant dossier templates, helping to secure BCP designation in line with relevant EU legislation (Official Controls Regulation and Commission Implementing Regulation). These posts will report into Designation Dossier Managers and sit at an important junction between operational and policy teams.
As a Project Support Officer, your main responsibilities will be TO:
Review information and evidence provided by Border Control Posts and Competent Authorities.
Develop designation dossiers using EU-approved templates and guidance.
Identify and address gaps, inconsistencies or missing information within submissions.
Work with stakeholders to gather, validate and manage required evidence.
Provide progress updates to the Designation Dossier Manager.
Essential:
Experience working in a project, operational delivery or regulatory environment.
Strong written communication and document drafting skills.
Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
Ability to analyse and collate information from multiple sources.
Experience of managing workloads and working independently to deadlines.
Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to build effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders.
Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.
Disability Confident
As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, DEFRA guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
Armed Forces Covenant / Commitment
DEFRA guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different."