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Deputy Director, Aviation and Climate Change - Flexible Working Available

Employer
Department for Transport
Location
London (Central), London (Greater)
Salary
£70,000
Closing date
9 Feb 2020

Job Details

About the job 

Aviation is a UK success story. Since the early years of flight, we have been international leaders in aerospace technology, and created a globally connected Britain. The UK has the third largest aviation network in the world which contributes at least £22 billion a year to the economy, and over 233,000 jobs. Air travel is vital to the UK, connecting families, friends and businesses around the world.

However, our world is changing and we need to act now to prevent irreversible damage to our planet. Last year, the government showed its global leadership on climate change by becoming the first major economy to legislate for net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

To ensure we retain this connectivity we will need to revolutionise the aviation industry to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. We will need to develop cleaner aircraft, produce sustainable fuels, improve our airspace and airports, change consumer behaviour, and develop markets for offsets - all these changes will be required to meet our ambitious environmental goals, there is no silver bullet.

For industry, this approach will put UK businesses in a unique position to exploit new opportunities. The UK developed the world's first commercial jet airliner; we can once again be at the centre of a global green revolution. We want to lead the transition towards commercial use of cleaner electric planes, with the UK becoming a hotbed for the design, manufacture and use of these aircraft.

Job description

The Deputy Director will lead and motivate a team of c. 25 people responsible for leading the decarbonisation of the aviation sector through international and domestic action.

This includes overseeing the UK’s role in the Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP), a technical committee of the ICAO Council, the UN’s Aviation Agency. CAEP is responsible for agreeing a global aviation emissions reduction target by 2022 – a key priority for the UK; Implementation of CORSIA – the global agreement on reducing aviation emissions; and agreeing environmental standards for existing and emerging technologies

The role will involve working in close partnership with BEIS and DfT colleagues to ensure credible policy positions on a range of climate change issues are developed and implemented, including sustainable aviation fuels, clean growth, carbon budgets, the future of the emissions trading scheme, and preparations for COP26. You will need to effectively represent the unique circumstances of decarbonisation in the context of aviation – ensuring that the UK’s longer-term competitive and environmental interests are achieved - holding industry to account and creating the right incentives for industry to change.

The role will also need to work closely with colleagues in the Airports and Infrastructure Directorate to manage the interdependencies between climate change and airport expansion.

The role is also responsible for emerging aviation technologies which could support the move towards decarbonisation, as well as well as playing an essential role in delivering against the Department’s wider connectivity agenda. The team is responsible for working with BEIS aerospace colleagues to develop a clear strategy and implementation programme that aligns government’s aerospace, aviation and environmental interests and objectives.

Building strong and credible relationships with the industry (airlines, airports, technology innovators) and other stakeholders, including environmental stakeholders and the Committee on Climate Change will be important, as well as effective external representation for the department.

You will be a part of the senior management team for a directorate of over 200 staff. You will also work closely with the Secretary of State and Aviation Minister, their offices and Special Advisers.

Key responsibilities include:

• Aviation decarbonisation strategy – oversee the development of a strategy and implementation plan for the decarbonisation of the UK aviation sector, consistent with wider government objectives for a sustainable framework for growth for aviation

• International environmental aviation policy and representation – overseeing the UK’s approach to shaping and implementing the rules of the international aviation system, ensuring the global industry is making sufficient and effective efforts towards decarbonisation and reducing its environmental impact, including through the CAEP and through the European co-ordinating committee.

• A new aviation environmental relationship with Europe – overseeing the aviation element of the replacement for the Emissions Trading scheme for aviation as part of the Brexit negotiations.

• Aviation innovation policy – provide thought leadership in the implications of automation, electrification, and digitalisation for aviation in the 21st century to develop a clear strategy and implementation programme that aligns government’s aerospace and environmental interests and objectives.

• Stakeholder relationship management - leading the department’s relationships with airports, airlines and environmental groups on aviation climate change issues, and with the emerging technology and aerospace sector.

Responsibilities

It is essential in your supporting statement that you provide evidence and proven examples against each of the selection criteria below as far as you can.

These responses will be further developed and discussed with candidates invited for interview.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Aviation decarbonisation strategy - Excellent analytical skills and proven ability to oversee the legislation process, working effectively with governing bodies.

• A new aviation environmental relationship with Europe - .Proven ability to oversee transformation in a high profile environment. Excellent communication skills and the ability to lead a diverse team working on a broad and challenging programme.

• Aviation innovation policy – Curiosity and willingness to learn and understand the development of new technologies and how they play a role in helping to decarbonise the aviation sector.

• Stakeholder relationship management - A clear track record of working with, negotiating and influencing external partners, stakeholders and business at the highest level to deliver successful outcomes. You will be able to build credibility quickly even at the highest level.

Desirable

• International environmental aviation policy and representation - Proven background in shaping aviation and implementing the rules of international aviation system.

Please see attached candidate information pack for further details

Benefits Benefits

"Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits.

This includes:
- a generous annual leave entitlement,
- attractive pension options,
- flexible working,
- good career development opportunities,
- a variety of career paths,
- inclusive working environments and much more to support a healthy work/life balance."

Things you need to know

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

Selection process details

To apply for this post, you will need to complete the online application process by no later than 23:55 on Sunday 9th February 2020. You will be asked to submit the following:

1. Some basic, personal information;
2. 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;
3. A Statement of Suitability (max 1000 words) 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. Please note that the statement of suitability is an important part of your application and is as much the means by which you will be assessed as your CV.

If successful you will need to hold, or be prepared to apply for clearance to SC level clearance. You may also be required to undertake DV level clearance once in post.

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.

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

New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.

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

A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.

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 Job contact : Name :   Trish Marshall Email :   [email protected]   Recruitment team : Email :   [email protected] Further information

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 (https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/) to visit Civil Service Commission

Company

Transport matters – what we do matters.

Transport touches the lives of everyone in the country. Across road, rail, air, sea and space, our transport networks affect homes, businesses, schools, hospitals and more. It’s how we deliver goods to our shops, get people to work and reunite with our loved ones. Our staff know how important their work is and how they fit in.

 

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