Lead Technologist (AI Domain)

The Lead Technologists in CDDO’s CTO function exist to make building great technology easier in the UK Public Sector. In this role you can help central and local government, the NHS, Police, as well as 400+ agencies and other bodies. By setting strategies, principles, standards and identifying best practice, as well as supporting the adoption and embedding of these into the public sector, you’ll help your 26,000+ digital and data colleagues in these organisations deliver transformational change.

Our teams are currently focussed on Artificial Intelligence, DevOps, Platforms and Colleague Experience, making these easier for organisations of all sizes, identifying opportunities and managing the aggregate risks of these technologies to UK Government.

Artificial Intelligence has the potential to transform how the Public Sector uses technology and how it delivers services to citizens. From AI assistance in doing day-to-day work to new ways of working, you will be helping your colleagues across government use the technology as effectively, and as safely, as possible.You will be aligned to a Grade 6 Principal Technologist who will mentor and support you as well as set you challenging tasks to further your team’s objectives.

As Lead Technologist you will be supporting a product team including principal technologists, engagement leads and a delivery manager to:

• undertake research, input into and shape a 10-year intent and strategy for the field you are aligned to, and support colleagues in gaining cross-government endorsement for this
• identify and or develop existing principles, standards and best practice and promote them, or form and lead a group of technologists from across UK Public Sector to create these
• work with vendors to maximise their offer to UK Public Sector, and with Crown Commercial Service in commercial engagements with vendors
• build a network of peers across UK Public Sector to regularly engage with
• promote your work through content written for GOV.UK, speaking engagements and hosting community events
• help upskill others in CDDO and Cabinet Office in your specialist area

The above list of job duties is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Person specification

This role requires:

• you should be excited about thinking long-term and helping deliver technology-related change
• you must have a technical background and be able to use this experience to build credibility with others, evaluate proposals and decide an execution approach
• you should have some experience working with technology suppliers
• you should be comfortable presenting to senior stakeholders, both technical (e.g. Principal DDaT professionals) and non-technical (including SCS)
• learning should be embedded in the way you approach your working week, and you should be keen to share your learning with those around you

Technical skills

• you should be at the top skill levels in a DDaT Technical job family role, or as a Data Scientist (Data job family).
• you should hold or be working towards relevant industry certifications for your technical specialism.
• you should have at least 2 years experience working with AI/ML as your main role

Benefits

The benefits of working at CDDO

There are many benefits including:

• flexible hybrid working with flexi-time and the option to work part-time or condensed hours
• a Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
• 25 days of annual leave, increasing by a day each year up to a maximum of 30 days 
• an extra day off for The Kings birthday
• an in-year bonus scheme to recognise high performance
• career progression and coaching, including a training budget for personal development
• paid volunteering leave 
• a focus on wellbeing with access to an employee assistance programme
• job satisfaction from making government services easier to use and more inclusive for people across the UK
• advances on pay, including for travel season tickets
• death in service benefits
• cycle to work scheme and facilities
• access to children's holiday play schemes across different locations in central London
• access to an employee discounts scheme
• 10 learning days per year
• volunteering opportunities (5 special leave days per year)
• access to a suite of learning activities through Civil Service learning

CDDO offers hybrid working for all employees. This means that everyone does some working from home and also spends some time in their local office. You’ll agree to your hybrid working arrangement with your line manager in line with your preferences and business needs.

Any move to the Central Digital and Data Office from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

Things you need to know

Selection process details

The standard selection process for roles at CDDO consists of:

• a simple application screening process - We only ask for a CV and cover letter of up to 750 words. Important tip - please ensure that your cover letter includes how you meet the skills and experience listed in the “person specification” section above
• a 60 minute video interview

Depending on how many applications we get, there might also be an extra stage before the video interview, for example a phone interview or a technical exercise.

In the Civil Service, we use Success Profiles to evaluate your skills and ability. This gives us the best possible chance of finding the right person for the job, increases performance and improves diversity and inclusivity. We’ll be assessing your technical abilities, skills, experience and behaviours that are relevant to this role.

For this role we’ll be assessing you against the following Civil Service Behaviours: 

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Changing and Improving
• Working Together
• Making Effective Decisions

Candidates that do not pass the interview but have demonstrated an acceptable standard may be considered for similar roles at a lower grade.

A reserve list will be held for a period of 12 months, from which further appointments can be made.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.