Analytics Engineer

Job summary

IMPORTANT - This vacancy is using the Civil Service Numerical and Verbal tests. The deadline for completing the tests is the same as the vacancy closing date. Please ensure you complete the tests with sufficient time to complete the written application.

Our mission is to ensure the right amount of money goes to the right providers at the right time; and is spent in the right way – underpinned by our three outcomes:

1. Certainty. We provide certainty to those we fund so they can plan effectively;
2. Assurance. We provide assurance that taxpayers’ money has been used as intended; and
3. Support. We provide high quality advice, guidance and financial support to those we fund.

As a Senior Analytical Engineer, you will be part of a team creating, modernising, and improving existing SQL and Power BI data models across pre and post 16 funding, leading on specific strands of work, as well as developing interactive data visualisations using reporting tools.

Job description

Our analytical engineers innovate to design and deliver data products and services, integrating them into systems and business processes within the department in adherence with data security policies and architecture protocols.

Responsibilities will include, but not limited to for the roles:

• As a Senior analytical Engineer, you will work with others in finding innovative ways to improve service operations by continuously challenging approaches for optimum delivery of solutions.
• You will be user-focused, understanding the importance of data, data management, data quality. You will support the delivery of products to internal and external stakeholders, using agile or other methods of delivery.
• You will use your technical skills to design and implement data solutions, from conception to go-live. You will work to develop and deliver automated services that are reliable, scalable, and secure. You will work with a variety of stakeholders in your role such as delivery managers, business analysts and data scientists.
• You will be interpreting complex specifications and translating them into efficiently written code and quality assuring complex models and large datasets.

We welcome applications from candidates seeking part time or compressed working pattern. However, due to the nature of the work and the shift coverage required, the minimum number of contracted hours for this role is 30 hours per week over a 4 day period.

Person specification

Essential Criteria:

• Significant experience implementing data solutions or data models, using programming languages /software such as SQL, R and Power BI.
• Experience of end-to-end development and implementation of data solutions, including data models.
• Experience in visualising data in an engaging way, adding valuable insights and analysis.
• Can convey technical information to a non-technical audience, including senior leaders.
• Experience of interpreting complex specifications and translating into efficient code.
• Experience of quality assuring complex models and large datasets.
• Experience of analysing large and varied datasets and producing accurate analytical work to a high standard.
• Ability to create and maintain effective relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.

Desirable Criteria (if required):

• Experience of using advanced analytics platforms such as Databricks.
• Experience of designing and building tools using artificial intelligence technologies.
• A degree in a STEM-related subject (preferably Mathematics or Computing related),or relevant certification.
• Experience of supporting and continuously improving complex enterprise data systems (such as data lakes and data warehouses).
• A good working knowledge of post-16 funding formula, both in theory and implementation.
• A good working knowledge of any or all of the key datasets used for pre 16 and post 16 funding e.g. Individualised Learner Record, School Census, Young Persons Matched Administrative Dataset, Learning Aims Reference Service.

Desirable criteria will only be assessed at interview in the event of a tie break situation to make an informed decision.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Changing and Improving
• Managing a Quality Service

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £44,305, Department for Education contributes £12,835 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

Applicants currently holding a permanent post in the Civil Service should note that, if successful, their salary on appointment would be determined by the Department’s transfer / promotion policies.

As a member of the DfE, you will be entitled to join the highly competitive Civil Service Pension Scheme, which many experts agree is one of the most generous in the UK.

You will have 25 days leave, increasing by 1 day every year to a maximum of 30 days after five years’ service. In addition, all staff receive the King’s Birthday privilege holiday and 8 days’ bank and public holidays.

We offer flexible working arrangements, such as job sharing, term-time working, flexi-time and compressed hours.

Most DfE employees will be working a hybrid pattern, spending at least 60% of their time in an office or work setting. Changes to these working arrangements are available in exceptional circumstances but must be agreed with the line manager and in line with the requirements of the role.

Travel to your primary office location will not be paid for by DfE, but costs for travel to an office which is not your main location will be covered.

As an organisation, which exists to support education and lifelong learning, we offer our staff excellent professional development opportunities.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

To apply for this role, please select 'Apply Now' at the top or bottom of this advert. CV details need to be included in the template within the application form; attached or emailed CVs will not be considered.

Stage 1: Civil Service Numerical Test (CSNT)

When you have completed your personal information, you will be asked to complete the CSNT. You must achieve the minimum pass mark to progress to the next stage.