JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:       Data Manager                                           

REF:                   32-10

PAY BAND:       6                                                                  

CONTRACT:     Permanent

SALARY:            £30,403 - £37,727                                      

HOURS:            37

LOCATION:       Lowestoft                                                  

ANNUAL LEAVE: 25 days, 30 days after 5 years service

PURPOSE OF JOB
An opportunity exists for an experienced data manager to implement and integrate systems, practices and processes for the effective management of scientific data and other key business information assets within a world-leading marine science organisation.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong data management skills and an interest in using those skills in the context of marine and freshwater environmental management in the UK, Europe, and internationally.

This is a strategically important role to introduce a fit-for-purpose data management strategy and oversee its implementation in an environment of extensive historic data assets, and ongoing programmes for further creation of source data and processed outputs.

Central to the success of this role is a sound strategy for data management practices promoting high standards of quality assurance and ease of access to appropriate data assets for a range of stakeholders.

The post will be responsible for:

* leading the development of a data management strategy and associated policies
* producing and overseeing an implementation project to deliver the strategy
* developing clear protocols and a stewardship model for data handling
* adopting appropriate standards and quality reviews within our processes
* identifying stakeholders and ensuring appropriate agreements are in place in the context of data supply and/or user consumption
* providing advice on best-practice to scientific staff generating and using data
* working with IT staff to deliver a web-enabled discovery metadata database
* linking the strategy to local IT infrastructure planning to ensure adequate capacity
* representing Cefas in national and international data management initiatives 
* identifying commercial opportunities for exploitation of data holdings



QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS 

Academic qualifications required for direct entry to this Cefas Pay Band 6 post are a degree or equivalent ideally in a subject with a strong quantitative component in addition to having substantial relevant professional work experience in a data management field, ideally in a marine environment. This requirement can be waived for internal candidates who are able to demonstrate an equivalent level of knowledge and experience.

You must have recent experience of defining data management strategies and policies, complemented by good project management skills to oversee delivery.  Effective decision making and the ability to make things happen are essential competences for this role.  You have strong leadership skills and a demonstrable track record of driving change through an approach of professional excellence.

You will have an appreciation of national and international drivers for data management and a vision of how data handling practices can be improved to promote data sharing with the public and stakeholders.  Previous exposure to the INSPIRE regulations and the Marine Environmental Data & Information Network (MEDIN) would be a distinct advantage, as would a working knowledge of data ownership and IP issues.

A good understanding of data storage, extraction, manipulation and QA methods is essential, including implementation of relevant data and metadata standards and protocols (e.g. ISO 19115, NGDF, UK Gemini).  You should have a broad knowledge of data management tools including SQL, XML, programming and scripting languages. Ideally you will have experience of GIS and its role in data manipulation, analysis and presentation.  You should have excellent organisational and communications skills and the confidence to sell your ideas at senior management level as well as to scientists and technicians.  You must have a level of understanding of IT infrastructures to enable you to articulate the impact of the data management strategy on IT planning, including likely cost and resource implications. 

An understanding and knowledge of marine environmental and management issues together with recent experience of specifying requirements for IT systems would be advantageous. 


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This post is in Cefas Pay Band 6. The salary range is from £30,403 to £37,727 pa. In addition there is the opportunity for all staff to earn a performance related bonus.  The salary is paid monthly by credit transfer.  If you are already an established civil servant you can obtain further information from your Personnel Division about rules which may provide a more favourable starting salary than is allowed for under the previous paragraph. Other rules will apply if you are serving a fixed term appointment. Part-time working and job share applicants are also welcome.
               
Should you be appointed Cefas will carry out pre-employment enquiries that may include a Criminal Disclosure check.

The Agency's recruitment processes are underpinned by the principle of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners' Principles which can be found at www.civilservicecommissioners.org.  If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Code and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact HR Services, Cefas, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 OHT in the first instance.  If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Agency, you can contact the Office of the Civil Service Principles.

Please note that all Defra surplus will be given priority shortlisting. Please can you state clearly on the application form.


If you wish to apply for this position please register and apply online at: https://cefas.engageats.co.uk/Login.aspx

Further info from: [log in to unmask]

Closing date for applications is                       06/03/2011
Interview date for applications is                     29/03/2011




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