Lead Data Scientist - Projects and Capability

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO); Camden Town; Hybrid; GBP 57,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in the UK seeks an accomplished data scientist to lead innovative data science and AI projects. The role requires collaboration across teams to enhance analytical capabilities and drive impactful insights. Applicants should possess expertise in applied maths and statistics and have experience in managing technical projects. The position offers competitive remuneration and opportunities for career development.

Benefits

Civil Service Pension

25 days Annual Leave

Learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in managing data science or AI projects.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams using matrix management.
• Commitment to promoting best practices in data science.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage analytical data science and AI projects.
• Drive innovation by developing and implementing new methodologies.
• Strengthen data science capabilities across the organization.

Skills

Applied maths

Statistics

Scientific practices

Data Science innovation

Job description

Overview

This role is designed to develop innovative data science and AI approaches in analysis, a core function of FCDO's Data Science and Innovation Unit (DSIU) in the Centre for Data Analysis (CfDA), at the centre of FCDO in the Analysis Directorate. It combines methodological development in data science and AI, delivery of impactful technical projects, and strategic capability building to support analytical data science and AI. The role offers an exciting opportunity for an accomplished data scientist to step into a more strategic and influential position.

You will lead and manage analytical data science and AI projects with partners across FCDO, applying new methodologies and exploiting emerging technologies to advance tech-enabled analysis. You will drive innovation in the use of data at scale, lead experimentations, provide technical quality assurance, ensure skills and tools are aligned to deliver maximum value, and help set and support analytical data science standards. You will work closely with analysts from a wide range of professions across the organisation to strengthen data science capability in analysis, developing a thriving community of practice. You will also work seamlessly with colleagues in the Information and Digital Directorate, which is building FCDO's digital and enterprise-wide professional capabilities on data science.

DSIU's mission is: Turning data into impact. Leveraging data science, AI and automation to drive efficiency and insights across FCDO. Ultimately, your goal is to deliver timely, relevant insights that inform FCDO's top priorities and increase real-world impact, while shaping approaches for analytical data science across the organisation as a leader in the Analytical Community.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Contribute to the collective leadership of the Data Science and Innovation Unit (DSIU), build a motivating and collaborative environment and act as a role model for teamwork and initiative.
• Engage with teams across FCDO to identify where data science can add the most value.
• Manage end-to-end delivery of analytical, data science and AI projects, leading multidisciplinary teams using matrix management approaches, focusing on impact for partners / client teams.
• Drive innovation, developing and implementing new methodologies, identify and test emerging technologies, for example, AI tools or new data sources.
• Line manage and support the career development of some other members of the team. Nurture the professional development of junior colleagues and support peer-learning.
• Strengthen the Community of Practice on Data Science for Analysis to increase capability across the organisation.
• Promote best practice and uphold technical and analytical standards in data science, as well as compliance with legislation.
• You will have many opportunities to innovate, learn, work with enthusiastic colleagues, deepen your technical expertise, develop your leadership and wider range of personal and professional skills.
• The FCDO also operates an agile workforce. To facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time as we may reasonably require.
• Candidates who secure a role that is considered specialist/technical, may be required to affiliate to the relevant specialist network, if not already a member.
• You may be required to travel in the UK with possible travel abroad. This will include visiting our teams in the UK at our London, East Kilbride and Hanslope Park sites, a few times a year. If International travel is required, it will be less frequent involving only short visits to some missions and embassies once or twice a year.

Behaviours and Technical Skills

• We will assess behaviours on your application form: Communicating and Influencing; Managing a Quality Service.
• Technical skills to be assessed: Applied maths, statistics, and scientific practices (Expert Level); Data Science innovation (Expert Level).
• Note: This vacancy uses the Success Profiles Framework to assess behaviours, experience and technical skills.

Application and Interview Process

• Application Stage: Complete online application, submit a CV and Personal Statement of 500 words addressing the Minimum Criteria. You will be assessed on Behaviours and Technical Skills as listed below.
• Behaviours assessed: Communicating and Influencing (Lead Behaviour); Managing a Quality Service.
• Technical Skill assessed: Applied maths, statistics, and scientific practices (Expert Level).
• Disability considerations: Reasonable Adjustments available through Government Recruitment Service (GRS).
• Interview Stage: Online test on Programming and build (data science) (Expert Level). Behaviours and Technical Skills will be assessed as above. A presentation will be required at the interview on a topic provided in advance.

Please note that the FCDO carries out name-blind (anonymised) recruitment to help build a more diverse and inclusive workforce. Personal information on your application form and/or CV will be concealed during the sifting phase, and only the names of candidates invited for interviews will be made known to the panel.

Eligibility and Security

• You must be a British Citizen at the time of application and bring proof of identity if invited to interview.
• Nationality open to UK nationals only.
• Successfully undergo criminal record checks and security clearances (developed vetting). See vetting charter and baseline personnel security standard.

Benefits and Remuneration

Salary: £57,500 per annum. London-based total package: £62,500 (including £5,000 Location Allowance). East Kilbride-based total package: £57,500. A specialist allowance up to £9,200 may be offered based on skills and experience. Total remuneration up to £75,400. Future pay awards linked to performance. Civil Service Pension with employer contribution of 28.97%. Benefits include 25 days Annual Leave, 9 public holidays, learning and development, and more per the candidate pack.

Work Location and Diversity

Open to UK nationals; London, East Kilbride, or Milton Keynes locations referenced. The Civil Service Code applies. Disability Confident Scheme and Redeployment Interview Scheme described.

We recruit on merit and are committed to fair competition and equal opportunities.