Job description

Can you provide specialist policy advice that supports the development of forward looking and informed maritime radio communications policy? 

Can you see yourself representing UK interests abroad and helping us create safer and cleaner seas? 

If so, we are looking for a dedicated Senior Policy Advisor to join us at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), and we’d love to hear from you. 

We will look to you to provide specialist policy advice to support the development of maritime radio communications policy. You will act as a focal point for internal and external stakeholders by providing guidance on the application of radio communication regulations and representing the MCA to national and international bodies and organisations. 

This is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of a high-profile international policy area and represent the MCA interests to national and international bodies and organisations. You will need to be self-motivated, able to keep pace with developments in technology and international regulations, and build effective working relationships with a variety of stakeholders. 

Role responsibilities 

Your responsibilities will include: 

• representing the MCA to national and international bodies and organisations 
• providing support and developing specific policy requirements identified from committees run by Navigation Safety Branch 
• supporting the development of policy for radio communications, drafting instructions for Government lawyers and coordinating impact assessments 
• providing advice on the application of radio communications policy and guidance on implementation to internal and external stakeholders 
• supporting the assessment of applications for exemptions and/or equivalences under UK and International flag State Administration legislation requirements for communication equipment 
• drafting and reviewing Merchant Shipping Notices, Marine Guidance Notes, Instructions for surveyors, Safety Bulletins 
• acting as a focal point and maintain a positive and proactive role in liaison with ship standards, appropriate Focal Point Group(s) and Technical Performance Manager 
• developing and overseeing technical research and consultancy projects 
• overseeing the response to and applications for non-operational licenses, coastal marine radio station licences, automatic identification systems, aid to navigations and jamming notifications 

Please see the attached Role Profile for further information about the role and responsibilities. 

You will be based at MCA HQ in Southampton but some travel both nationally and internationally is required to attend various committees. 

About you 

Are you a confident communicator who enjoys working collaboratively? Can you provide sound, evidence-based technical advice? It would be great if you have proven experience working with and developing policy in maritime radio communications, however this is not essential. 

We are looking for someone who is comfortable working in an advisory capacity and can provide sound, evidence-based technical advice to a range of stakeholders at all levels. You will also need the confidence and authority to represent the MCA and the UK internationally across a variety of organisations and industries. 

You will need to have a solid foundation of knowledge in addition to the aptitude and motivation to quickly become an expert in this field. We therefore expect you to hold a minimum of a degree level qualification in a relevant subject or have the equivalent work experience in a related area. 

About us 

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) implements the government's maritime safety policy in the United Kingdom and works to prevent the loss of life and occurrence of pollution on the coast and at sea. 

Safer lives, Safer ships, Cleaner seas. 

Our vision is to be the best maritime safety organisation in the world. 

Find out what it's like to work at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency 

We are part of the Department for Transport (DfT). DfT is a great place to work, and our ‘one team’ approach really makes a difference. We value our staff and that’s why we’re committed to nurturing an inclusive environment across the Department. 

You’ll be part of an innovative organisation that invests in all our people, ensuring we have the diverse skills to deliver transport that moves Britain ahead now and into the future. 

DfT has been recognised for its leadership on workplace gender equality by being included in The Times Top 50 Employers for Women 2017. 

DfT’s inclusion is recognition of our commitment to make the Department a great place to work through our culture of equality and inclusivity and the great strides we’ve made to raise the number of women in senior positions. 

Qualifications

You should hold a degree level qualification in a related subject or have equivalent work experience in a relevant field.

Behaviours

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

• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together
• Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills

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

• Polictics and democracy – Working Internationally - Policy Professional Framework
• Analysis and use of evidence – Knowledge of policy making in your area - Policy Professional Framework
• Policy and democracy – Advising, briefing and drafting - Policy Professional Framework
• Understand radio communications in large vessels or understand and apply SOLAS IV Radiocommunications - Surveyor Technical Competencies

Benefits Pensions

Civil Service pension schemes may be available for successful candidates.

Benefits

Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits. We offer generous annual leave, attractive pension options, flexible working, inclusive working environments and much more to support a healthy work/life balance.

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

This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV and personal statement. Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form. 

When considering how your experience relates to the role, please tailor your CV and personal statement to evidence: 

• your experience of analysing technical documents and information and seeking expert guidance to make informed, evidence-based decisions, either in the workplace or in education 
• your experience of providing sound advice to a range of stakeholders, adapting different communication styles appropriate for different audiences
• your experience or knowledge of the maritime environment and your understanding of regulations and operations in the context of radio communications and navigation 

The selection process will be designed specifically for the role. As a result, your assessment could include: 

• an interview 
• an interview with one or more exercises 
• a full day of activities including interactive, written and timed exercises 

The Department for Transport alongside other Government Departments recruit using Success Profiles. This means for each role we consider what you will need to demonstrate in order to be successful. This gives us the best possible chance of finding the right person for the job, drives up performance and improves diversity and inclusivity. For further information on Success Profiles please click here 

Your interview may consist of a range of question types. These may include questions about: 
• what energises and motivates you 
• how you would manage situations relevant to the role 
• your previous experience 
• your professional skills and knowledge 

You’re encouraged to become familiar with the role profile, as you may be assessed against any of the criteria recorded within. 

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.

Apply and further information Contact point for applicants

For further information about the vacancy please contact [email protected]

Sift/interview dates and location

The sift is due to take place w/c 01.07.2019. 

Interviews/assessments are likely to be held between 15.07.2019 and 22.07.2019 at MCA HQ, Spring Place, 105 Commercial Road, Southampton, SO15 1EG. 

We will try to meet the dates set out in the advert. There may be occasions when these dates will change. You will be provided with sufficient notice of the confirmed dates. 

If successful and transferring from another Government Department a security check may be carried out.

Further information

We have adopted anonymised recruitment. This means that your name, date of birth and other personal details will not be seen by the sift panel. 

We may hold a merit list for up to twelve months. During this time, if a similar role is identified and you have been placed on the merit list you may be considered for the post. Within the merit list period, your application form and selection information may be shared across the department and its agencies. 

Please see attached candidate notes for further information about our recruitment process. 

Any move to the Department for Transport (DfT) will mean you will no longer be able to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. 

Reasonable adjustment 

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes. 
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should: 
• Contact Government Recruitment Service via [email protected] as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs 

• Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional 

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. 

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact 

Government Recruitment Services via email: [email protected] 

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: 
Click here to visit Civil Service Commission