The Environmental Training Advice and Facilitation Framework (ETAFF) is a flexible tool used by NE and other Defra family bodies to buy in farm and land management advice services under contract from vetted and approved advice suppliers.
The Environmental Contracted Services (ECS) Team run the operation of the Framework on behalf of Defra, (supported by Defra Group Commercial) and lead on the procurement of the contracted advice program. The team currently contract in advice to support farmers but the ETAF Framework itself has scope to deliver a broader program of support.
The ECS team is part of National Operations and dispersed around the country. The team is comprised of senior contract managers, contract managers and a claims team, all supported by a senior officer and operations manager. They work closely with the commissioning teams key staff and the advice suppliers themselves.
Job description
The claims officers within the ECS team process claims for payment from suppliers in accordance with the framework requirements, including raising purchase orders and providing updates for contract managers and suppliers.
Key Tasks
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Thoroughly and systematically check details of claims received from suppliers, liaising with Contract Managers to ensure claimed items are eligible.
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Act as lead on allocated claims, including liaising with suppliers regarding any issues or errors found.
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Ensure claims are processed within service level agreements (30-day turnaround).
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Monitor SOP (NE Finance System) for claim payment and confirming with suppliers once payment is made.
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Process Grant In Aid (GIA) contract information on SOP.
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Raising requisitions for new ETAFF contracts on SOP.
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Processing amendments following any contract changes.
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Update records, including claims trackers and KPI database.
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Add claims documentation to online shared folders as necessary.
Additional duties can include:
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Providing general contract management administrative support.
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Providing updates on claim progress during team calls
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Assist with the development of claims elements of future frameworks
Competencies
Competence 1
Professional competency
Detail
Technical Skills and Knowledge
Description
Good clerical and administrative skills, especially use of Excel. (Essential)
Good communication skills (Essential)
Able to work systematically, with attention to detail (Essential)
Confidence in engaging with colleagues and external customers over the phone and via email. (Essential)
Experience of procurement or claims processing. (Desirable)
Competence 2
Professional competency
Detail
Personal Effectiveness
Description
Be ambitious, identify and adopt ways to make improvements in your team and Natural England and inspire others to act. (Practitioner)
Make and explain objective decisions which combine your professional judgement and evidence. (Practitioner)
Competence 3
Professional competency
Detail
Work Delivery
Description
Manage and deliver your work to meet agreed targets and deadlines. (Practitioner)
Handle data responsibly, understand your role in good governance, and comply with delegations, policies, and procedures. (Basic)
Competence 4
Professional competency
Detail
Putting People at the Heart of the Environment
Description
Listen to and understand our diverse partners and customers so that you achieve the best outcomes for them and Natural England. (Practitioner)
Nurture trusting partnerships and collaborate to achieve pragmatic outcomes that help deliver Natural Englands vision, mission and aims. (Basic)
