Responsibilities:
1. Data Access and Licensing Compliance
a. Manage the secure provision of licensed and controlled data to Defra staff and contractors.
b. Working with the D&I Digital Resources Manager to ensure that all data requests comply with Public Sector Geospatial Agreement (PSGA) and third‑party licence conditions.
c. Support delivery through the Data Services Platform (DSP), Ordnance Survey (OS) DataHub, gov.uk and other secure channels.
2. Metadata and Data Publication
a. Manage publication of statutory reporting of data on the appropriate internal and external data platforms, ensuring timely submission and maintenance of records. Lead and support the work of the EO Data Publisher in this area.
b. Work with the SEO Senior Data Sharing Officer, and with Defra data owners/stewards/publishers to maintain quality and completeness within approved metadata catalogues.
c. Work with data owners to improve adherence to Data Ownership policies and self‑service publishing.
3. Platform Administration and User Governance
a. Administer users on data platforms forming part of the Data Access team data provision, such as data.gov.uk, Defra Data Services Platform, Amazon Web Services (AWS). This includes creating user accounts, managing permissions, and conducting annual user reviews.
b. Provide technical support to users on structure, standards, security and access rights.
c. Provide reporting services for the platforms used.
4. Central Local Information Partnership and Single Data List Secretariat
a. Act as Secretariat to the Central Local Information Partnership and manage Defras input into the cross government Single Data List.
b. Respond to enquires within agreed timescales.
5. Team and Work Management
a. Manage day-to day work of the Data Publisher, ensuring adherence to Defra policies, effective prioritisation and opportunities for development.
b. Escalate issues affecting delivery and ensure appropriate action is taken.
Skills and Experience:
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Working knowledge of at least one recognised data governance framework (for example DAMA), with the ability to apply agreed principles and standards when supporting day‑to‑day data management and publishing activities.
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Experience of applying data licensing, information security and data‑sharing requirements in practice, ensuring that data is shared and accessed in line with relevant policies, licence conditions and security controls.
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Practical experience of capturing, maintaining and checking metadata through defined cataloguing processes and carrying out routine quality assurance.
The Data Access and Publishing Officer is required to have some previous experience of:
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supporting organisational data management activities, including the handling, sharing and reuse of open and licensed data with internal and external users, in line with agreed processes and controls.
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applying data governance and data management policies and guidance within a team or service context, supporting consistent and compliant ways of working.
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working with a diverse range of stakeholders and customers, including those with scientific, technical or specialist backgrounds, and responding effectively to differing needs and priorities.
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building and maintaining professional networks in a complex working environment, and using those networks to access expertise, guidance and support to deliver work.
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using and supporting a range of data and information systems and resources, operating confidently within established platforms and processes.
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contributing to service improvement activities, helping adapt and enhance services to meet evolving business needs over the short to medium term.
Selection process
The Civil Service marks each element of the selection process on a merit basis. You can visit the gov.uk website for further information on the Civil Service rating scale.
Ensure you have tailored your CV and Personal Statement to the 'skills and experience' section of the job advert by providing examples on how you are suitable for the role using the STAR method.
Please ensure you demonstrate clearly, within your personal statement, how you meet these requirements, as the information you provide will form a key part when the panel is scoring your application.
For further information on STAR, you can check out our Hints and Tips document.
Application process
As part of the application process, you will be assessed on your experience. This will be evaluated by looking at your CV and personal statement, so please provide the following and ensure your experience is clearly demonstrated:
A CV
A 500 word Personal Statement: Referring to the 'skills and experience' sections of the job advert, please demonstrate how you are suitable for the role by providing relevant examples.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Sift
Sift will begin shortly after the advert closes.
Should there be a large number of applications, an initial sift will be conducted using your personal statement. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment or interview.
Interview
If successful at sift, you will be invited to an interview where you will be assessed on the Behaviours and Technical Skills listed below, as well as Strengths.
Interview dates are to be confirmed. Please note that these may be subject to change.
Interviews will be held virtually on Microsoft Teams.
For further information on Success Profiles, you can visit the links below and watch our videos on DefraJobs.
Behaviours
Experience
Technical Skills
Strengths
For further information on the technical requirements of this role please see the capability framework.
Further details on the Technical skills framework can be found here.
