Data Exploitation Officer - Manchester

About the job

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HMRC's Fraud Investigation Service (FIS) is responsible for the department's civil and criminal investigations. Covert Operations, Digital Exploitation (CODE) sits within FIS. Working across Law Enforcement and government, CODE provides investigative tools and covert techniques to front-line investigations and works with key partners to develop and provide access to new technology and systems to enable investigators to respond to serious and complex tax evasion and crime.

Sensitive Collection is one of HMRC's most cutting-edge, fast-paced and impactful tools, working closely with other CODE teams, operational investigation and intelligence teams, as well as other Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) and the UK Intelligence Community (UKIC).

Targeted Interception (TI) as a key component of Sensitive Collection provides FIS investigation and RIS intelligence teams with interdiction and evidential gathering opportunities gained through the lawful interception of criminals' communications. TI also provides an unparalleled insight into criminal intent and behaviour, used to drive tactical operational activity and inform strategic responses across all aspects of HMRC related serious crime.

Sensitive Collection is undergoing significant transformation as we develop and adopt new capabilities and practices, continuing to evolve into a highly skilled, cross-functional, Tier 3 Sensitive Communications Exploitation Business Unit, able to rapidly acquire, process and derive intelligence value from a range of sensitive communications sources.

FIS CODE Sensitive Collection is a dynamic, demanding and highly sensitive work area where you will be expected to react quickly to changing priorities and work flexibly around the dynamic needs of the business to ensure meaningful sensitive intelligence delivery and provision of time-critical advice and direction to serious crime investigations.

Job description

Would you enjoy working in an exciting and interesting covert area of work, working hands-on with advanced covert tactics and methodologies? Are you a motivated team player, excellent at problem-solving, capable of making decisions and reacting quickly to changing priorities? Do you have an understanding of key legislation, instructions, and procedures including: Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (IPA), RIPA, Police Act and Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE)? If so, this might be the role for you!

As a TI Data Exploitation Officer, you will work closely with other Sensitive Collection colleagues within an analysis cell supporting TI Operations. You will represent the Data Exploitation Team within this cell and will be responsible for understanding case objectives and helping to define a data exploitation analysis strategy.

You will proactively support the Case Manager in identifying opportunities to exploit data using analytical techniques and collection capabilities, provide analysis on large data sets, and present your findings in a manageable way to support case strategy and objectives. You will have the opportunity to liaise with colleagues across suites to foster knowledge sharing, develop business requirements, and feed into capability development, as well as sharing knowledge across the broader analytical community within sensitive communications where appropriate.

You will be provided with classroom-based and on-the-job training to develop your operational knowledge and data exploitation skills. You can expect a varied and fulfilling career within this business area with the opportunity to work with unique and specialist data sets. No two days are ever quite the same. Your work will be integral in the disruption of serious crime in the United Kingdom and beyond.

Flexibility Payment

This post attracts a Level 2 Flexibility Payment (FP) that is paid monthly with salary. This FP allows HMRC flexibility to change your work pattern, at short notice, to meet business needs. You will be expected to undertake periods of On Call. You will also be expected to work additional hours, at weekends and outside your normal working hours/days (including bank holidays). In applying for a position and accepting the FP you agree that you can and will meet those attendance requirements.

Note: Payment of FP is dependent on successful completion of role-specific training and you will move to Level 2 FP eligibility in stages. FP levels are reviewed annually - on a business need and personal basis - and may be subject to change.

Person specification

The successful applicant will be expected to:

• Apply analytical techniques to various data sources in support of case objectives.
• Support Case Manager in identifying opportunities to exploit data using analytical techniques and collection capabilities.
• Support development of new capabilities through managing processes, testing, piloting, and feeding back as part of an implementation team.
• Work with our Data Analysis and System Management function to develop repeatable techniques and new capabilities to extract insights on data.
• Proactively maintain current and correct knowledge on relevant legislative requirements, legal gateways, policy and process regarding data management and sensitive collection capabilities.
• Possess high levels of motivation, initiative, and problem-solving abilities.
• Possess good attention to detail and be able to review and adapt Standard Operating Procedures to meet business need.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively with departmental colleagues and other Law Enforcement and Intelligence partners.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Hybrid or home working is not available as there is a daily requirement to attend the office to work on closed IT systems at higher classifications than Official Sensitive. Therefore the role requires office attendance 5 days a week and possibly some weekends.

This post is open to UK Nationals Only.

Additional Security Information

The successful candidate will be required to apply for Developed Vetting (DV) clearance level once in post but must already hold or be willing to obtain Security Check (SC) clearance level before starting the role.

Essential Criteria:

1. A demonstrable knowledge and practical application of using digital skills to conduct analysis across a variety of data sources including an understanding of how this can be used to drive intelligence development of progress an investigation.
2. Applicants must hold one of the below qualifications OR have Criminal Justice Investigation experience AND be required to attend and pass the HMRC Accelerated Pathway Training Course to obtain the Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist qualification.

The Accelerated Pathway is an intensive 4-week residential training course. Prior to the course, you will be given a workbook and guided learning. The course involves a day-one test and an assessed final exercise (FINEX). The Accelerated Pathway is a pass/fail programme. Where an individual does not successfully complete the pathway, HMRC will explore appropriate alternative options, which may include alternative duties or consideration under probation arrangements, depending on individual circumstances.

Further Location Information

Please ensure that you only apply for a location that you are willing and able to work from, as we will only make one offer of employment. Any additional notes included in a Further Location Preferences (optional) field within the application form will not be considered. Please be aware that you cannot change your location preference after submitting your application.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of 31,096, HM Revenue and Customs contributes 9,008 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. We offer a generous leave allowance, starting at 25 days and increasing by a day for every year of qualifying service up to a maximum of 30 days.

• Pension - We make contributions to our colleagues Alpha pension equal to at least 28.97% of their salary.
• Family friendly policies.
• Personal support.
• Coaching and development.

To find out more about HMRC benefits and find out what it's really like to work for HMRC hear from our insiders or visit Thinking of joining the Civil Service.

Things you need to knowArtificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Strengths and Experience.

How to Apply

As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide the following:

• A name-blind CV. Your CV should provide a brief description of your employment history covering the last 5 years, highlighting your experience, key achievements including any relevant qualifications.
• A 500-word personal statement. Provide examples of how you consider your technical and personal skills, qualities, and experience reflect your suitability for the role in line with the job description and Essential criteria including demonstrating your criminal justice experience. You should demonstrate your skills experience and how you have used them by presenting this information in the Situation, Task, Action, and Results (STAR) Format.

Sift

In the event of a large number of applications being received, an initial sift may be held on the CV. At full sift your CV and Personal Statement will be assessed, with the successful candidates being invited to interview. We may also raise the score required at any stage of the process if we receive a high number of applications.

Interview

During the panel interview, your experience will be assessed by 3 questions and you will also be asked strength-based questions to also explore what you enjoy and your motivations relevant to the job role.

This is an example of a strengths-based question: It is often said that the customers' needs should come first. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

There is no expectation or requirement for you to prepare for the strengths-based questions in advance of the interview, though you may find it helpful to spend some time reflecting on what you enjoy doing and what you do well. Interviews will take place via video link. Sift and Interview dates to be confirmed.

The successful applicant will be required to undertake bi-annual face-to-face psychological interviews with a qualified psychological practitioner and will undergo mandatory wellbeing and resilience training sessions.

Eligibility

Please take extra care to tick the correct boxes in the eligibility sections of your application form. Mistakes sometimes happen but if you contact us later than two working days (Monday-Friday) before the vacancy closes, we may not be able to reopen your application for you. If you do make a mistake with your eligibility form, or have withdrawn yourself in error and need your application reinstated whilst the campaign is still live, please contact us via: Use the subject line to insert appropriate wording for example - Please re-open my application - (insert vacancy ref) vacancy closing date (insert date).

To check that you are eligible to apply for this role, please review the eligibility information before submitting your application. Exceptionally, candidates who are not successful at this grade may be considered for appointment to similar roles at a lower grade where the eligibility criteria are met. If this applies, we will contact you directly.

Sponsorship

We have assessed this role against both Home Office and HMRC criteria and we are unable to offer sponsorship for a Skilled Worker Visa. This means the vacancy is not open to applicants who require visa sponsorship.

The HMRC app can help you with your application

The HMRC app can provide you with your past 5 years employment history, making the process of filling in your application quicker and easier. If successful in your application, you will need your National Insurance number for the onboarding process.

Reserve List

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles - if this applies to you, we'll let you know via your Civil Service Jobs account.

Merit List

After interview, merit lists will be created for each location advertised within the vacancy. If you are successful at interview, you will be placed on the merit list for any locations you have expressed an interest for. Appointments from each merit list will be made in strict merit order.

Criminal Record Check

Applications received from candidates with a criminal record are considered fairly in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice and the Recruitment of ex-offenders Policy.

Reasonable Adjustments

We want to make sure no one is put at a disadvantage during our recruitment process. To assist you with this, we will reduce or remove any barriers where possible and provide additional support where appropriate. If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

• Contact the UBS Recruitment team 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.

Technical Support

If you are experiencing problems that cannot be resolved by our help section, then technical support is available. You will receive a reply in 2 working days.

Additional Security Information

The successful candidate will be required to apply for Developed Vetting (DV) clearance level once in post but must already hold or be willing to obtain Security Check (SC) clearance level before starting the role.

In addition to the standard pre-employment checks for appointment into the Civil Service, all candidates must also obtain National Security Vetting at Security Check (SC) clearance level for this vacancy. You will normally need to meet the minimum UK residency period as determined by the level of vetting being undertaken, which for SC is 5 years UK residency prior to your vetting application. Once in post you will be required to apply for Developed Vetting (DV) clearance which has a requirement for 10 years UK residency.

If you have any questions about this residency requirement, please speak to the vacancy holder for this post. This post is open to UK Nationals Only.

CODE have a support network that can offer assistance to colleagues throughout the DV process. CODE understands the experience of obtaining DV clearance affects individuals differently with the process being in depth and intrusive. The network consists of CODE DV cleared volunteers who will be able to guide you through the process and systems and look to alleviate any concerns.

Important information for existing HMRC contractual homeworkers:

Please note that this role is unsuitable for contractual homeworkers due to the nature and/or requirements of the role.

Terms and Conditions

Customer facing roles in HMRC require the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English and/or Welsh where required. Where this is an essential requirement, this will be tested as part of the selection process. HMRC has a presence in every region of the UK.

The Civil Service values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to abide by these principles. The evidence you provide in your application must relate to your own experiences. Any instances of plagiarism or other forms of cheating will be investigated and, if proven, the relevant application(s) will be withdrawn from the process.

Recording of interviews is prohibited unless explicit agreement is sought in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulations. Questions relating to an individual application must be emailed as detailed later in this advert.

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 applicants details held on the IFD will be refused employment.

A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

New entrants will join on the minimum of the pay band. Please note that, if you are applying for roles on a part-time basis, the salary agreed will be pro-rata, reflective of the working hours agreed within your contract.

If you experience accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the Contact point for applicants section.

For more Information for people applying for, or thinking of applying for, roles at HM Revenue and Customs, please see link: Working for HMRC: information for applicants.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a standard (or equivalent) criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

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 Commissions recruitment principles. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found.