This opportunity is only open to applicants who are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered.
Overview
The Head of Risk Assessment works as part of Food Standards Scotland's (FSS's) Science Division. This post leads the team which is responsible for undertaking FSS’s food and feed safety risk assessment functions, commissioning research and providing scientific and technical advice concerning microbiological, allergen and chemical food safety across the business, including support for incidents. The role requires excellent communications skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly to a range of audiences. They must develop and maintain effective collaborative relationships with key government partners and stakeholders, particularly with scientists at the Food Standards Agency (to support the UK Risk Analysis process), scientific advisors in Scottish Government, food safety scientists and industry representatives. They will also represent FSS’s interests on a range of Scottish and UK Government, industry and academic technical and science groups.
This post provides strategic leadership for FSS's risk assessment function; a varied and fast paced area of the organisation's remit, which requires the post holder to work flexibly and responsively if and when urgent issues arise. The Head of Risk Assessment is responsible for managing a team of microbiological and chemical food safety specialists and fostering a high performing culture that ensures FSS has the scientific capability and capacity to support the delivery of its core food safety responsibilities.
The Head of Risk Assessment leads a team of six scientists with expertise in microbiological, toxicological and chemical food safety; working as part of FSS's Science Division; a multi-disciplinary cohort of around 15 biology, chemistry and social science professionals.
The Head of Risk Assessment has direct line management responsibilities for 3 senior scientists at B3 grade; providing the oversight and governance needed to ensure the team delivers risk assessments which are based on sound evidence and are scientifically robust. The Head of Risk Assessment also provides oversight for a programme of research; ensuring projects are procured, delivered and published in line with the appropriate procedures, and that the associated budgets are managed effectively.
This is a 12 month position to provide cover for FSS's Head of Risk Assessment whilst the substantive post holder is on parental leave. There is the possibility that the position will be extended beyond 12 months depending on circumstances.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities
- Line manage three B3 staff; providing leadership and helping to motivate and develop a small team comprising 6 specialist scientific staff;
- Support the Head of Science Division in leading and developing an effective Science function for FSS, ensuring the organisation has the scientific capability and capacity required to deliver its risk assessment responsibilities.
- Contribute to business planning, risk management and performance reporting, while ensuring the efficient management of team workload and delegated budgets;
- Work with FSS policy colleagues and science counterparts at FSA to ensure the delivery of UK risk analysis and future engagement with EU scientific structures take full account of Scottish interests;
- Ensure delivery of high quality scientific risk assessments, working alongside risk managers to formulate the problem and identify the scope of the risk assessment and undertaking work in-house or in collaboration with risk assessors in FSA or externally, to support FSS’s responsibilities across its remit.
- Build effective relationships across Science Division, and work closely with other relevant teams across the organisation, with a view to co-ordinating evidence needs and optimising the use of scientific expertise within the organisation.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of research and developments in food safety, demonstrating expert level knowledge in overall team work, and maintaining an awareness and understanding of the strategic context of the team’s scientific responsibilities.
- Oversee the design, commissioning and management of research and surveillance needed to support food safety risk assessment. This involves maintaining an up to date understanding of policy and scientific developments in the relevant fields, analysis of the evidence base to identify gaps, presenting business cases on research needs, risks and estimated budget, and managing contractors to ensure work is delivered;
- Provide clear and focused oral and written briefings on scientific issues to senior officials, the Chief Executive and the Board as required.
- Build effective relationships with colleagues in the Scottish Government, Food Standards Agency, other Government Departments, the science community, industry and key stakeholder representatives.
Qualifications
Qualifications
Post-graduate degree or research or industry experience in a relevant subject e.g. microbiology, toxicology, chemistry, biochemistry or food science.
Technical / Professional Skills:
- Building and applying knowledge - Understands and objectively, and effectively, applies scientific and engineering approaches with rigour and integrity. Implements and evaluates the effectiveness of the scientific, technical or engineering solutions throughout the system lifecycle. Develops and maintains a positive, well-respected and influential scientific / engineering reputation both across government and externally, including through assessments, publications, presentations at conferences, and representation on relevant professional or academic bodies.
- Communicating science and engineering for government - Builds solid links to internal and external specialists and stakeholders; demonstrates how this knowledge is benefiting science and engineering capability across government or wider science and engineering community. Represents their organisation externally in a positive and effective manner. Demonstrates professional and considerate conduct when working with others. Builds and manages effective partnerships. Understands and promotes the significance of advice and evidence in policy making and helps develop systems that promote its use.
- Developing science and engineering capability - Demonstrates commitment to the GSE Profession through leadership or support for cross-government professional development activities allied to their discipline. Builds a diverse network for self and others to share professional knowledge and know-how.
- Technical oversight and management - Effectively approves, directs and reviews scientific, technical or engineering work of others. Champions good practice, openness to scrutiny, promotes integrity, collaboration, and manages risk effectively. Provides clear scientific, technical or engineering leadership to projects, portfolios or programmes. Helps identify learning and development opportunities for members of their team, enabling continuous improvement. Arrives at clear and defensible conclusions, with outcomes expressed credibly and transparently.
- Broad thinking - Understands the wider context and impact of their work supporting their organisation’s objectives, government policy and broader scientific communities. Identifies problems and formulates scientific, technical or engineering approaches to solutions, ensuring safety and sustainability.
You can find out more about the skills required, here: Government Science and Engineering (GSE) Career Framework, November 2021 (Version 2)
Experience:
- Demonstrable post-graduate experience of collating, analysing, reporting and communicating scientific data in a relevant field, such as industry, academia or government.
Working pattern
This role is a temporary position with an expected commitment of 12 months (with the possibility of extension).
How to Apply
Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive C1 employees.
Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words).
Selection Process
All applications will be invited to an informal discussion with the hiring manager.
Informal discussions are to be confirmed.
Further Information
If you have specific questions about the role, please contact jacqui.mcelhiney@fss.scot
Head of Risk Assessment - C1 in Aberdeen employer: Scottish Government
The Scottish Government offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, where you can make a significant impact on customer service and safeguarding across Scotland. With a strong focus on employee development and innovation, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities while working alongside a dedicated team committed to excellence in public service. Join us in shaping a high-performing organisation that values collaboration and strives for transformative results.
