Overview

The advisory functions of the Offshore Industries Advice team are centred on helping regulators and developers meet the requirements of relevant European Directives, including the Habitats Directive, Birds Directive and Environmental Impact Assessment Directive. The majority of the team’s work focuses on renewable energy, offshore oil and gas and aggregate extraction. We also advise on the development of marine spatial plans. The team advises the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), the Planning Inspectorate, the Marine Management Organisation and relevant parts of devolved Governments (e.g. Marine Scotland).  The team also interacts with a wider range of stakeholders including the Crown Estate, offshore industry, consultants, NGOs and the general public.

Post Duties

The OIA team includes two Offshore Industries Advice Manager posts. Some aspects of the advertised post will be the sole responsibility of the postholder while other responsibilities will be shared with the other OIA Manager, with whom the postholder will work very closely.

The postholder will have sole responsibility for:

  •  Line management of selected Offshore Industry Advisers (currently 3 of the 6 staff);
  • Oversight and quality assurance of advice pertaining to selected industry sectors (e.g. oil and gas, aggregates). The selected sectors will be confirmed once the postholder has commenced in role, through discussion with the Head of Offshore Industries Advice and the other OIA Manager;
  • Project management of selected OIA projects. The OIA programme is currently divided into four projects, each representing a discrete area of work (e.g. marine aggregates advice) and the OIA Managers each manage two projects. Project management responsibility includes managing the project budget and performance, as well as ensuring that relevant quarterly reporting is carried out effectively;
  •  Developing and maintaining relationships with selected key stakeholders (e.g. DECC, the Crown Estate). The selected stakeholders will be confirmed once the postholder has commenced in role, through discussion with the Head of Offshore Industries Advice and the other OIA Manager;
  •  Identifying and addressing own development needs.

The postholder will have shared responsibility for:

  • Provision of cover and support to all the Offshore Industries Advisers as required, across all industry sectors, to ensure advice meets deadlines and is of the required quality;
  • Seeking opportunities to bring further resources into JNCC to support offshore industries advice work;
  •  Deputising for the Head of Offshore Industries Advice as required;
  • Working to ensure that the OIA team meets its overall targets by supporting the work of other members and contributing to strategic and corporate planning.

Competencies

Specialist/professional knowledge and skills

  • Experience of the UK legal processes for the management of regulated offshore activities both within and outside marine protected areas (essential)
  •  Knowledge and experience of marine spatial planning legislation and processes (desirable)
  • In-depth knowledge and experience of one or more marine industry sectors (e.g. oil and gas, renewables) (essential)
  • An understanding of UK marine ecology (particularly benthic ecology) and of the effects of human activities on marine species, habitats and ecosystems (essential)
  • An understanding of the role of JNCC in offshore industry activities (desirable)

Core competencies

Managing a quality service

  •  Make effective use of project management skills and techniques to deliver outcomes, including identifying risks and mitigating actions (essential)

Delivering value for money

  • Work confidently with performance management and financial data to prepare forecasts and manage and monitor budget against agreed plans (desirable)

Changing and improving

  • Regularly review procedures or systems with team to identify improvements and simplify processes and decision making(desirable)

Delivering at Pace

  • Successfully manage, support and stretch self and those you manage to deliver agreed goals and objectives (essential)
  • Plan ahead but reassess workloads and priorities if situations change or people are facing conflicting demands (essential)

Leading and Communicating

  • Communicate in a succinct, engaging manner and stand ground when needed (essential)
  • Communicate using appropriate styles, methods and timing to maximise understanding and impact (essential)

Collaborating and Partnering

  • Encourage collaborative team working within own team and across the Department (desirable)
  • Establish relationships with a range of stakeholders to support delivery of business outcomes (essential)

Making effective decisions

  • Invite challenge and where appropriate involve others in decision making to help build engagement and present robust recommendations (essential)

Salary

£34412

Hours of work

Normal hours of work for the post are 36 hours per week over a 5-day period, Monday to Friday.  Flexi time is available

Annual Leave Entitlement

The annual leave allowance is 25 days per year, rising to 30 days per year after 5 years service.  There are also 12 days public and privilege leave.  Staff appointed on a part time basis will receive this pro rata.

The closing date for this post is 09:00 on 12 December 2014

The anticipated interview date is during the week commencing 05 January 2015

Post Details

Post title: Offshore Industries Advice Manager
Ref No: 2014/53
Grade: S
Type of appointment           Permanent
Location: Aberdeen (preferred)
Team:                                     Offshore Industries Advice
Closing date: 09:00 on 12 December 20014 (The anticipated interview date is week commencing05 January 2015)