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- Tasks: Lead the operational design for Scotland's Census 2031 and manage a large field team.
- Company: Join the National Records of Scotland, shaping vital population statistics.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, supportive environment, and diverse employee benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Scotland's future by shaping census operations.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector delivery and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on one of Scotland's largest digital programmes.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Do you want to shape the delivery of Scotland's Census, enabling governments and other public bodies to plan the services we all rely on, and telling the story of Scotland's people for generations to come? If so, this post could be for you. You will be joining the Census 2031 as Head of Operation Design and will be responsible for the development of operational delivery of the 2031 Census data collection operation, whose primary goal is to enable all individuals in Scotland to complete a census return. This will include preparation and delivery of the 2027 Test, 2029 Rehearsal and 2031 Census. It covers the operational management of multiple services including a field operation in excess of 1,000 field officers who will visit non-responding households during an operational period of several weeks in 2031.
You should note that Scotland's Census is a time limited project which will run until 2032 depending on the role. Please contact the line manager named in this advert if you have any further questions.
Responsibilities
- Lead on the early operational design of Scotland's Census 2031
- Develop the high-level design for the operational aspects of Scotland's census in collaboration with Office of National Statistics (ONS) and Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) and NRS colleagues.
- Determine the requirements for the building blocks needed to stand up operational capabilities.
- Recruit the operational team to support design work.
- Work alongside statistical and IT design teams to develop the design and delivery plans.
- Produce high level operational requirements to ensure NRS is an intelligent partner and in the best position to collaborate with ONS and NISRA on key contracts.
- Responsibility for field operations during the 2027 Census Test, 2029 Census Rehearsal and 2031 Census itself.
Success profile
Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on.
Technical / Professional Skills (Operational Delivery Profession)
- Connections and communication
- Operational leadership and management
- Data and insight
Experience
- Experience of working in a public sector delivery context and sound financial management of budgets
- Experience of delivering a major operation involving public engagement involving a range of supporting services such as training, health & safety and recruitment.
Behaviours
- Making Effective Decisions – Level 4.
- Managing a quality service – Level 4.
How To Apply
Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1500 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples 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, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
Please see our candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment. If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and Presentation.
About Us
We are the trusted producer of Scotland's population statistics, including taking the Census of Scotland's population every 10 years. The next Census is in 2031 and will be delivered in partnership with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency (NISRA). This is one of the largest digital programmes delivered in Scotland, gathering data from every household across a population of c.5.7m. Census data is used by government, local authorities, health boards, the third and private sectors to plan national and local services and informs the allocation of billions of pounds of UK and Scottish Government public funds each year.
NRS is a Non-Ministerial Department of the Scottish Government & our staff are part UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits.
As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.
Working pattern
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role. Candidates should note that office attendance will be needed at points in particular for collaboration sessions but there is currently no fixed set days in addition there will be occasional travel to other UK agencies. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.
Security checks
Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions). You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website, or read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide.
Equality statement
We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.
Further information
Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.
Head of Census Operational Design in Edinburgh employer: THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
Contact Detail:
THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Census Operational Design in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your industry, especially those connected to the Census project. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the operational aspects of the Census. Know your stuff about the 2027 Test and 2029 Rehearsal. Showing that you’re clued up will impress the hiring team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! You might need to present your ideas during the interview, so rehearse your points clearly and confidently. We want you to shine when it counts!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are keen to join us directly!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Census Operational Design in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Census Operational Design role. Highlight relevant experience in operational delivery and public sector engagement. We want to see how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to provide specific examples that demonstrate how you meet the success profile criteria. Keep it concise, engaging, and directly related to the skills and behaviours we’re looking for.
Be Honest About AI Use: If you decide to use AI tools to help with your application, be upfront about it. Remember, all statements must be truthful and reflect your own experiences. We value authenticity, so don’t try to pass off someone else’s work as your own!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the resources you need to make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
✨Know Your Census Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you understand the key aspects of Scotland's Census and its significance. Familiarise yourself with the timeline, especially the 2027 Test and 2029 Rehearsal. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Demonstrate Operational Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences that showcase your operational leadership and management skills. Think about times when you successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a public sector context. Be ready to discuss how you can apply these skills to the Census operations.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As the role involves collaboration with various agencies, highlight your ability to communicate effectively. Prepare to discuss how you've built relationships and communicated complex information in previous roles. This will be crucial for working with ONS and NISRA.
✨Prepare for the Presentation
If you're invited for further assessment, you'll need to present. Choose a relevant topic related to operational design or public engagement. Practice your presentation skills and ensure you can convey your ideas clearly and engagingly, as this will reflect your capability to lead the Census operations.
