Senior Data Engineer

The Home Office works to build a safe, fair and prosperous UK. We achieve this through our work on counter-terrorism, policing, fire, crime, drugs policy, immigration and passports.
The Science, Technology, Research and Analysis (STAR) Group sits at the heart of the Home Office. The group ensures the best evidence and analysis are used to address the strategic issues facing the department. We also provide the science, technology, data, and international insights and collaboration capabilities to drive delivery.
Part of the Home Office Analysis & Insight directorate, the Performance Reporting & Analysis Unit (PRAU) provides reporting and analysis of performance for the Migration & Borders Mission and associated operational Capabilities.
The successful candidate will join a team tasked with the implementation of complex data flows to connect operational systems, data for analytics and BI systems. PRAU’s DDI Team are looking for a development training lead to assist in the delivery of the Vantage Business Information system.
You will have the opportunity to work with fellow members of the Data Engineering community to set the direction of the service technology and data architecture, mentoring more junior members of the team - promoting challenge, collaborating, and encouraging an agile approach to working., The function is expected to develop and deliver SQL training to PRAU’s reporting teams, specialist users from operational teams, and work closely with the DDI Lead Developers and Head of Unit to ensure that available technologies are exploited fully by PRAU and its partners.
As a Senior Data Engineer, you will also identify, build, modify and manage data flows between complex systems using the appropriate solution.
You will be working with the Data Services Science community, who set the scope of data engineering work through user research and data pipelines. Through sharing work with Product Owners, you will identify strategies for how the service is best able to support business needs.
You will need to meet the essential criteria but training and support on our methods and tooling will be provided., + Developing and delivering technical training, in person and virtually, to staff with different levels of experience.
+ Analysing problems to identify issues and assisting in the development of innovative solutions. Analysing and reporting test activities and results.
+ Designing and implementing new data streaming services, data models and ETL processes. Ensuring the successful delivery of completed data loads for customers, troubleshooting where required.
+ Developing complex or large-scale solutions, through full development, test, and deployment lifecycles. Designing, writing, iterating and optimising code from prototype to production ready. Role modelling continuous improvement, through functional and non-functional improvements.
+ Creating data models in line with principles across multiple subject areas and providing guidance on how to use them.
+ Contributing to the re-platforming of data systems into public cloud and the refresh of tooling applications.
+ Leading work on database management and mapping data to the agreed data model. Reviewing requirements, specifications and defining test conditions. Translating and presenting clear insights from data profiling and source system analysis to support the end use of the data.
+ Working with data privacy and information security staff to assure that security and privacy requirements are identified and addressed in solutions.
Working pattern
This role is available on a full-time basis with the option of compressed hours working. This role is also suitable for part-time working hours, with a minimum requirement to work 30 hours per week due to business requirements.
Travel
Candidates will need to agree a base location of either Croydon, Sheffield or Liverpool with a requirement for periodic attendance at other Home Office locations., We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
+ Changing and Improving
+ Communicating and Influencing
+ Managing a Quality Service
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
+ Changing and Improving
+ Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
+ Development and Implementation: Data Modelling and Design DTAN – Level 3
+ Development and Implementation: Database design DBDS – Level 3
+ Development and Implementation: Data Engineering – Level 3
+ Strategy and Architecture - Business Strategy and Planning: Innovation INOV – Level 3
+ Technical Strategy and Planning: Data Management DATM – Level 3
+ Technical Strategy and Planning: Methods and Tools METL – Level 3, + Evidence of the Behaviours Changing and Improving, Communicating and Influencing (maximum of 250 words per Behaviour).
Your CV should consist of your career history, qualifications and skills/experience, including any key achievements in each role. Your CV will be used to provide further context on your Personal Statement and scored against the essential criteria.
The Personal Statement should be aligned to and demonstrate how you meet the skills and experience set out in the essential criteria, detailed in the job description.
For guidance and information on how to construct your application (CV, Personal Statement and Behaviours), you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers website.
2. Sift – from 20th November 2024
The sift will be held on the CV, Personal Statement and Behaviours Changing and Improving, Communicating and Influencing.
Should a high volume of applications be received, the sift will be conducted only on the Personal Statement.
3. Interview – from 4th December 2024
If you are successful at sift stage, you will be invited to an interview that will be:
+ Behaviours and Technical Skills based questions.
For guidance on the Technical skills, please refer to the SFIA 8 framework link here - SFIA 8 (sfia-online.org).
The interview will take place via video on MS Teams.
The advertised role aligns to Senior Data Engineer in the framework. Successful applicants will be invited to complete a Capability and Skills Assessment post-interview.
For guidance and information on what to expect and how to prepare for an interview, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers.
Problems during the application process
If you experience problems accessing this advert, or you think you’ve made a mistake on an initial application, please contact hocandidates.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk, including the vacancy reference, at least two working days before the vacancy closes. Further information can be found on our website.
You can select up to three locations in order of preference. Please ensure that these are locations you are prepared to travel to. If you are offered a role at one of your preferred location(s) and you decline, your application will be withdrawn.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made. There is no guarantee that being held on a reserve list will lead to a job offer. Further information can be found on our website.
Reserve lists will be held for each location. Candidates will be appointed in merit order by location.
All Civil Servants are expected to comply with the Civil Service Code, and its core values of integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality.
Additional Security Checks
As well as successfully obtaining UK Security Vetting clearance, candidates will be subject to a range of additional checks. The range of checks carried out will depend on whether you are a current Home Office employee, existing civil servant or an external new entrant as well as the role requirements. Further details are included in the Notes to Candidates.
Further Information
For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the following page https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/demystifying-vetting
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct.
If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
If you are invited to an interview, you will be required to bring documentation for the purposes of establishing your identity.
You will need to meet the nationality requirements for this role and obtain the necessary security clearance to take it up.
For meaningful security checks to be carried out, individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. Learn more on our website. Security Checks - Home Office Careers
Visa sponsorship
We do not sponsor individuals via Skilled Worker Sponsorship / Tier 2 (General) work visas.
Reasonable Adjustments
If a person with disabilities is at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
+ Contact Government Recruitment Service via HOrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk 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. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you're deaf, a language service professional
Feedback
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
+ UK nationals
+ nationals of the Republic of Ireland
+ nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
+ nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
+ nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
+ individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
+ Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window).
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. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

• Experience in the delivery of in data analysis projects, solution design and end user reporting.
• Experience in T-SQL Development (e.g. via Azure Data Studio / MS SQL Server Management Studio / Azure Synapse).
• Experience with Cloud-based data integration and analytics technology (e.g. Azure Synapse Analytics).
• Experience with other data engineering and analysis tooling, such as Advanced MS Excel, MS Access, SAP Business Objects.
• Familiarity with code development via Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), Python and/or R.
• An understanding of the analysis of complex data sets, awareness of data modelling techniques and database design.
• Ability to elicit user requirements and ensure these are confidently and clearly communicated to suppliers and colleagues.
• Experience of training others on complex IT/Technical software/systems.
Desirable criteria
+ Understanding industry recognised data patterns, models, data engineering/science software and programming languages.
+ Experience of working or familiarity with existing Home Office and OGD data sets.

Working alongside our current experienced staff development lead you will be a part of PRAU’s own in-house development function.

In addition to your salary, a career with the Home Office offers a range of benefits, including:
+ Capability and Skills allowance: An additional allowance may be payable, pending a capability and skills assessment, with a value of up to £15,800.
+ A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
+ In-year reward scheme for one-off or sustained exceptional personal or team achievements.
+ 25 days annual leave on appointment, rising with service to 30 days.
+ Eight days of public holidays, plus one additional privilege day.
+ Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office.
+ See more of our benefits on our careers website.