Business Continuity Technical Assistant - National Incident Operations Team - 7103

This is an exciting role for a candidate with good information management and communication skills.

The role will require you to engage with colleagues across the Environment Agency to maintain and improve organisational resilience through the preparation and review of business continuity plans, guidance and regular communications.

With the support of the Business Continuity Manager and Business Continuity Advisor you will be involved in:

- Managing data using Microsoft Excel to support our annual review of business activities
- Reviewing, preparing and publishing reports on business performance and lessons from incidents and exercises
- Updating and sharing national operational guidance
- Assisting with preparation of the annual business continuity exercise and bi-annual staff safety tests.
- Liaising with training providers to support the development of appropriate training resources for the 500+ staff who undertake business continuity and incident response roles.

As a member of the team you’ll also be expected to undertake an incident role yourself, such as Area or National Incident Support Officer (depending on your location). You’ll receive training and support to undertake this incident role, which will require occasional out of hours work to support the Environment Agency response to a flooding, environmental or business continuity incident.

The Business Continuity Team comprises three members: Manager, Advisor and this post of Technical Assistant. We’re part of the Incident Management & Resilience Department in the Operations Directorate.

The Business Continuity Team runs the business continuity programme for the Environment Agency, which includes reviewing and updating plans, preparing guidance and testing local arrangements through exercises. We also produce internal communications to help all staff understand business continuity and to improve business resilience.

Essential: Good data management skills and experience of using Microsoft Office (in particular Excel spreadsheets). Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.

Desirable: understanding of business continuity management, higher education level qualification.

The assessment of applications, and the interview process will be based on candidates’ knowledge and experience in relation to the following three competencies:
- Data & Information Management
- Communicates Effectively
- Works in Teams.

For further information, please contact Catherine Braun (contact below).

Closing Date: 4th December 2017 at 23:55 hours

The Business Continuity Team is based at Horizon House in Bristol. There would be an option for the post holder to be based at another Environment Agency office, co-located with colleagues from the Department, with an expectation for regular (2 days per week) travel to Horizon House, Bristol.

This is a full time role, but there is an option for it to be undertaken by two people as a job share.
Interviews for the role are provisionally scheduled for Tuesday 19 December, but other options will be available, should candidates not be able to attend on this date.
For information please contact Catherine Braun, Business Continuity Manager, tel: 07760 171157 (usual working days Tues, Wed, Thurs), catherine.braun@environment-agency.gov.uk

Description: Collects, analyses, interprets, records, manages, develops and shares data, material or information appropriately for a variety of purposes.
Indicators:
• Ensures that activities are carried out and documentation completed according to the relevant data laws, policies, processes and standards.
• Accurately and safely collects, enters and maintains data in line with Environment Agency procedures and stores data, or material, for subsequent analysis safely.
• Anticipates requirements for data or information and/or identifies future reporting requirements and puts in place the means to meet these.
• Examines and tests out sources and validity of data/information before using; makes clear the status or reliability of material used. Undertakes more data gathering where necessary.
• Produces factually accurate reports, both verbal and written using data and statistics supported by tools, databases and specialised software.
• Prepares and presents findings in a logical and well-structured manner that can be readily accessed and understood by a wide audience.
• Is fully aware of all documentation applicable to roles & responsibilities. Knows how to find out if unsure.

Description: Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.
Indicators:
• Is an active listener, has time for people; seeks their contribution.
• Uses full range of communication methods to ensure effective understanding.
• Considers needs of and impact on audience, anticipates reactions and uses appropriate communication method and style.
• Prepares written reports and data in clear, readable and accurate manner, using appropriate grammar, syntax and style.
• Ensures communication is two-way; responds and acts on feedback
• When presenting is easily understood and inspires attention from an audience.
• Is clear and to the point when speaking.
• Anticipates the main issues and prepares responses.

Definition: Works co-operatively as part of a team to achieve common goals.
Indicators:
• Identifies opportunities to work and build relationships with other team members.
• Builds relationships between own team and other teams.
• Supports the line manager in developing the team and gives constructive feedback to line manager.
• Effectively helps others to resolve conflict or tension.
• Actively involves themselves and participates in team activities
• Identifies personally with the team and speaks positively about it
• Balances personal and local team needs with those of the larger team; acts in the best interests of all wherever possible.