Assistant Project Manager in Lowestoft

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Strategy & Delivery Directorate at The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science. Our work contributes to the efforts of the UK Government in addressing serious global problems of climate change, biodiversity loss and food security, in support of national and international commitments to promote a sustainable and resilient global recovery.

We are seeking applicants for the role of Assistant Project Manager to work with us in supporting the delivery of marine and freshwater science-based projects. As part of this role, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management of small, low risk projects to ensure they are delivered on time, safely, within budget, to the satisfaction of the customer and in line with our governance framework. You will deliver a full range of project functions such as establishing project plans, managing project risks, and allocating staff resources. Additionally, there will be opportunities to support larger, high-risk projects alongside senior colleagues.

We are looking for someone with great organisational and communication skills, and the ability to form excellent working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders in a conscientious and inclusive way. At Cefas, we strive to have a work environment that’s inclusive as well as diverse, where we can all be ourselves. We value every idea and perspective, and we encourage applications from all qualified candidates. You will receive a comprehensive induction to our organisation in addition to dedicated training time aligning to the Government Project Delivery Profession which provides clear career pathways for individuals.

As an Assistant Project Manager, you will support the delivery of several key activities aligned with our organisational strategic priorities:

• Influencing Decisions – Enhancing Cefas' role as a trusted global authority
• Assisting Project Managers in overseeing large projects, and/or responsibility for managing small projects working within an agreed governance structure
• Managing delivery schedules, ensuring projects are delivered to time, budget and quality

Ambitious for each other – Enabling our people to thrive together, delivering safely wherever we work

• Establishing and securing project resources required to deliver outcomes and providing appropriate support around the details of planned delivery activities
• Supporting the valued health and safety focus of the delivery of projects in different environments (e.g. fieldwork, overseas, laboratories)

Working Together – Strengthen partnerships and community engagements to collaborate and build collective understanding

• Developing trusted and effective relationships with the project team and key stakeholders
• Promoting and supporting a positive work environment in which people feel valued, listened to, empowered, and trusted

You can make a difference as an Assistant Project Manager by demonstrating you meet the following skills and experience required for this position:

• Experience in a professional environment where you gained organisational skills and a passion for working with others.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, self-awareness and be adaptable to different situations.
• Excellent attention to detail, highly organised and resourceful.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite (Specifically Word, Excel, Teams, and Outlook).

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

• Working Together
• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service

Alongside your salary of £29,744, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science contributes £8,616 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Generous annual leave entitlement – Cefas offers 25 days' annual leave on entry (rising to 30 days over first 5 years) for full-time new entrants to the Civil Service. Employees receive 8 public holidays a year, plus an additional day to mark the King's birthday. Access to learning and development tailored to your role. A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options. A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity.

Selection process details: This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience. Application Process: As part of the application process you are asked to provide a CV (job history, qualifications, past skills and experience), a maximum 500-word personal statement on how you meet the essential criteria as stated in the person specification section, and a maximum 250-word statement on how you meet the advertised lead behaviour – Working Together.

For guidance on how to construct your CV, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks. 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.