About the job 

Would you like the opportunity to help save lives and reduce pollution on the coast and at sea? 

We are looking for a Deputy to support the Secretary of State’s Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention (SOSREP) in responding to accidents involving shipping and offshore installations. 

You will support the operational oversight and management of incidents as they occur. You will also play a key role in planning for the future by constantly evolving policies and processes with key stakeholders and other bodies in the UK. 

Role responsibilities 

When acting as the Deputy to the SOSREP you will: 

• provide 24/7 availability to the SOSREP and other stakeholders as necessary to respond to incidents; 

• understudy the SOSREP whenever opportunity exists; 

• represent the SOSREP at meetings and conferences as required; 

• participate in exercises, either as the SOSREP, or in a supporting role to the SOSREP; 

• provide the SOSREP with relief on call as required. 

When acting as the SOSREP you will: 

• exercise ultimate control over salvage and response activities where an accident has created a risk to safety or a risk of pollution by a hazardous substance, acting in the overriding interests of the United Kingdom; 

• issue such Directions as may be necessary to achieve the above; 

• establish and run the Salvage and Operations Control Units as detailed in the National Contingency Plan; 

• fulfil the UK's obligations to receive requests for, and where appropriate allocate, places of refuge. 

The role is based either in Aberdeen or in Southampton and requires extensive travel in the UK and occasionally overseas. Furthermore, you must be prepared to travel at short notice and be away from home potentially for long and indefinite periods of time. 

For more information on the role and responsibilities please see the attached Role Profile. 

About you 

To be successful you must possess excellent organisational, interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively manage complex projects and a range of stakeholders. 

You will have a sound understanding of, and a proven record in, governance, including risk management. You will be expected to act autonomously and, when necessary, make crucial and often time-critical decisions. 

You will have a solid understanding of maritime incident management, the UK oil and gas industry, along with experience in dealing with emergency response situations. 

About us 

Safer lives, safer ships and cleaner seas. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency 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. 

The SOSREP represents the Secretary of State for Transport and the Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) by removing or reducing the risk to safety and the environment arising from accidents involving shipping and offshore installations within UK waters, the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and on the Continental Shelf. 

Important note: You will be required to provide 24/7 support to the SOSREP and, when managing an incident, be prepared to work very long hours, sometimes under extreme pressure, for indefinite periods. 
This opportunity is available as full time, part time or a job share. Regardless of the working pattern, because of the nature of the role and the requirements listed above, there is a need for flexibility, regular travel and incident working. Any requests for part time working or a job share will be fully considered in line with business need. 

There are also particular physical requirements attached to this post. In order to carry out the responsibilities of the SOSREP, you will be required to pass a rigorous offshore medical examination and successfully complete an offshore survival course. 

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. 

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. 

Applying 

When preparing your CV & Personal Statement, please ensure to evidence the following: 

• an understanding of maritime incident management and effective stakeholder relationships; and 
  
• a recent knowledge of the UK oil and gas industry and the ability to remotely visualise key factors in, and likely impact of, an incident; and 
  
• experience in dealing with emergency response situations and the ability to lead complex discussions and make effective decisions with stakeholders during fast-moving incidents.

Behaviours

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

• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Working Together

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.

Allowances

£3,000 On Call allowance.

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.

Medical

Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.

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, Strengths and Experience.

How to apply 

Please note that any part of the Job Profile could be tested at sift/interview. 

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.