Senior Telecoms Analyst

We are looking for an excellent analyst with a mix of operational research skills and experience in conducting complex market policy analysis.
The candidate will develop and maintain models and databases for delivering the government’s gigabit broadband ambitions. The database and modelling will form the basis for generating robust evidence to support our range of fixed infrastructure policies. The postholder will also work closely with analytical colleagues in our delivery arm, Building Digital UK, on our £5 billion UK Gigabit Programme to deliver gigabit connectivity in the hardest to reach areas of the UK.
The role will involve supporting and managing other junior analysts in the directorate, ensuring that work is prioritised and resourced and colleagues’ capabilities are developed.
Our team:
The Digital Infrastructure directorate leads on digital communications infrastructure, spectrum, policy and regulation. We play a leading role across government, delivering new commercial deals, policy and legislation, and work closely with No.10, Cabinet Office, HM Treasury and key Whitehall delivery departments as well as industry and Ofcom to achieve this.
The Digital Infrastructure Analysis team is a key component of the Digital Infrastructure Directorate. Our mission is to deliver better broadband and mobile coverage for people living and working in the UK because world class digital infrastructure is crucial for our economy and society. Our current broadband target is to deliver nationwide gigabit capable broadband coverage as soon as possible. We are doing this by removing the barriers to broadband deployment in the most commercial areas of the country and by subsidising gigabit broadband in harder to reach areas., Key responsibilities for this role include, but are not limited to, the following:
+ Leading on the development and maintenance of geospatial cost and benefits models for rolling out gigabit capable broadband
+ Leading on the development of longer term forecasts for gigabit capable coverage in the UK
+ Maintaining large databases feeding into our various models
+ Developing better tools to map and illustrate our data and models, including the development of dashboards
+ Supporting the production of performance reports
+ Line management of two junior operational researchers, + To apply, you’ll need a numerate degree (minimum 2:1, or a 2:2 with relevant work experience or a postgraduate qualification), at least half of which must be from one or more of these subjects: Operational Research, mathematics, physics, econometrics, engineering or management sciences, but the list of subjects considered is left open.
Find out more at: http://www.operational-research.gov.uk/recruitment/requirements/
GSG (requires online tests):
+ A first or second class honours degree (2:2 minimum) in a subject containing formal statistical training (e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, Geography or similar); or
+ A higher degree e.g. an MSc or PhD, in a subject containing formal statistical training (e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, Geography or similar); or
+ Have worked in a statistical/data science field and are able to demonstrate continuous professional development (via a CPD Log Book) in statistics/data science at the same level as a foundation degree/HND (Level 5).
Find out more at https://gss.civilservice.gov.uk/careers/joining-us, This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV and Personal Statement. Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Please use your Personal Statement (in no more than 1000 words) to explain how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role in reference to the essential requirements in the job ad. You may also choose to reference the desirable skills listed. Please indicate which analytical profession you want to be join.
Applications will be sifted on CV and Personal Statement.
In the event of a large number of applicants, applications will be sifted on the Personal Statement.
Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
The interview will consist of behaviour and technical questions.
Interviewees will be asked to deliver a presentation and a written exercise at interview, further details will be provided nearer the time.
Sift and interview dates
Expected Timeline subject to change
Sift dates: w/c 18/11/2024.
Interview dates: w/c 25/11/2024.
Interview Location: MS Teams.
Candidates are asked to note the above timetable, exercising flexibility through the recruitment and selection process.
Further Information
Reasonable Adjustment
We are proud to be a disability confident leader and we welcome applications from disabled candidates and candidates with long-term conditions.
Information about the Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) and some examples of adjustments that we offer to disabled candidates and candidates with long-term health conditions during our recruitment process can be found in our DSIT Candidate Guidance. A DSIT Plain Text Version of the guidance is also available.
We encourage candidates to discuss their adjustment needs by emailing the job contact which can be found under the contact point for applicants section.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
A location based reserve list of successful candidates will be kept for 12 months. Should another role become available within that period you may be offered this position.
Please note terms and conditions are attached. Please take time to read the document to determine how these may affect you.
Any move to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
DSIT does not normally offer full home working (i.e. working at home); but we do offer a variety of flexible working options (including occasionally working from home).
DSIT cannot offer Visa sponsorship to candidates through this campaign. DSIT holds a Visa sponsorship licence but this can only be used for certain roles and this campaign does not qualify.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service / Disclosure Scotland 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.
For further information on the Disclosure Scotland confidential checking service telephone: the Disclosure Scotland Helpline on and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email Info@disclosurescotland.co.uk
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 applicant’s 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.
Feedback
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
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).

Apply and further information
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

+ Analysis of data: Strong analytical experience in modelling costs and benefits of complex policy projects or government interventions. Experience of conducting analysis in a coding environment using large datasets of varying quality
+ Modelling: Experience with modelling techniques such as forecasting methods, optimisation, regression or other statistical techniques
+ Making effective decisions: A proven ability to independently lead projects in a complex environment with the ability to think strategically about how your work fits into the organisation’s agenda
+ Communicating and Influencing: Strong communication and collaboration skills working within and across teams and the confidence to engage clearly and authoritatively in writing and verbally
+ Delivering at pace: Ability to deliver high impact analysis to tight deadlines focusing on what matters most to inform decisions. Ability to use forward planning and good judgement to identify risks and issues and where to make trade-offs to address them.
Desirable Skills:
+ Experience of policy oriented analysis
+ Experience of geo-spatial analysis
+ Experience of the telecommunications sector and/or knowledge of regulation or experience of the telecoms market and infrastructure investment is desirable but not essential
+ Experience and ability to use R/Python and SQL for data analysis
+ Additionally, you must either be a full member of one of the following Government analytical professions: Government Operational Research Service (GORS), Government Statistical Group (GSG), Government Economic Service (GES) or Government Social Research Service (GSR).
Or
+ be able to demonstrate that a) you satisfy the eligibility criteria (detailed below) and b) have the competence, at the required grade (Grade 7), for one of the analytical professions, and be willing to undertake the specific tests and assessments for these professions as part of the interview process., + A first or upper second-class honours degree in economics (or international equivalent), or a postgraduate degree in economics. If it is a joint degree, at least 50% of the course modules must be in economics.
+ Have studied both macroeconomics and microeconomics., + For qualification route, must hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:2. The degree must contain substantial social research methods training (comprising around one-third of modules taken on the course) including quantitative research methods and at least three of the following: systematic/literature reviews; qualitative methods; interpretation of data and presentation of results; study design, hypothesis testing and application of ethics to research.
+ For professional experience route, must hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:2 or a degree equivalent (e.g. an advanced Certificate or Diploma from MRS), plus have at least 4 years’ social research practice experience. Social research practice experience consists of experience working in a research agency, market research agency or specialist research team.
Find out more at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-for-government-social-research-profession-membership/government-social-research-membership-and-eligibility-guidance, Please confirm that you meet the qualification requirements for the profession you wish to join
GORS:
- To apply, you’ll need a numerate degree (minimum 2:1, or a 2:2 with relevant work experience or a postgraduate qualification), at least half of which must be from one or more of these subjects: Operational Research, mathematics, physics, econometrics, engineering or management sciences, but the list of subjects considered is left open.
GSG:
- A first or second class honours degree (2:2 minimum) in a subject containing formal statistical training (e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, Geography or similar); or
- A higher degree e.g. an MSc or PhD, in a subject containing formal statistical training (e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, Geography or similar); or
- Have worked in a statistical/data science field and are able to demonstrate continuous professional development (via a CPD Log Book) in statistics/data science at the same level as a foundation degree/HND (Level 5).
GES:
- A first or upper second-class honours degree in economics (or international equivalent), or a postgraduate degree in economics. If it is a joint degree, at least 50% of the course modules must be in economics.
- Have studied both macroeconomics and microeconomics.
GSR:
- For qualification route, must hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:2. The degree must contain substantial social research methods training (comprising around one-third of modules taken on the course) including quantitative research methods and at least three of the following: systematic/literature reviews; qualitative methods; interpretation of data and presentation of results; study design, hypothesis testing and application of ethics to research.
- For professional experience route, must hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:2 or a degree equivalent (e.g. an advanced Certificate or Diploma from MRS), plus have at least 4 years’ social research practice experience. Social research practice experience consists of experience working in a research agency, market research agency or specialist research team., + Communicating and Influencing
+ Making Effective Decisions
+ Delivering at Pace

Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process

At DSIT we’re all about improving people’s lives by maximising the potential of science & technology.
We accelerate innovation, investment and productivity through world-class science, research and development.
We use technology for good by ensuring new and existing technologies are safely developed and deployed across the UK, with the benefits more widely shared.
We are driving forward a modern digital government which gives citizens a more satisfying experience and their time back.
We do all this to enable the Government’s 5 national missions: kickstarting economic growth, making Britain a clean energy superpower, taking back our streets, breaking down barriers to opportunity and building an NHS fit for the future.
Above all, we focus on improving people’s lives. Whether it’s researching new treatments for disease, developing better batteries, reducing burdens through better public services, keeping children safe online, and much more, outcomes for citizens are at the heart of what we do.
Our Inclusive Environment

Alongside your salary of £52,320, Department for Science, Innovation & Technology contributes £15,157 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology offers a competitive mix of benefits including:
+ A culture of flexible working, such as job sharing, homeworking and compressed hours.
+ Automatic enrolment into the Civil Service Pension Scheme, with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
+ A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 30.
+ An extensive range of learning & professional development opportunities, which all staff are actively encouraged to pursue.
+ Access to a range of retail, travel and lifestyle employee discounts.
Office attendance
The Department operates a discretionary hybrid working policy, which provides for a combination of working hours from your place of work and from your home in the UK. The current expectation for staff is to attend the office or non-home based location for 40-60% of the time over the accounting period.