Technology Innovation Consultant - DEFRA - G7
Government Digital & Data -
Location
Our main Defra DDTS hubs are in York, Warrington, Newcastle, Reading and Bristol, however the successful candidate may be contractually based at any Defra office.
Please be aware that space within the London office is restricted and it may not be possible to be based in this location.
About the job
Job summary
Defra is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people's day-to-day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink.
Digital, Data, Technology and Security (DDTS) is the trusted team for digital across the entire Defra Group.
We have around 1000 colleagues across DDTS and our ambition is to make it easier and faster than ever for people to interact with Defra. If you are ready to drive innovation and push boundaries, we want to hear from you. Join us and together we will create a great place for living, and a green and healthy future for all.
Find out more about DDTS:
Defra digital, data and technology blog
Job description
Architecture, Data, Information, and Innovation (ADII) is home to the Technology Innovation team. We drive business transformation across the Defra group through proactively identifying and exploiting disruptive information technologies by providing horizon scanning, exploration, and consultancy capabilities.
Examples of the team’s work over the last 12 months include the creation of working Proofs of Concept for AI Chatbots, Computer Vision for digitising physical media, AI Automation for Form Submissions, Internet Surveillance for illegal Trading and Virtual and Augmented Reality applications for field workers and training. We also create Research Papers on developing technologies like autonomous drones and Quantum Encryption.
We have an exciting opportunity for you to join us at Defra’s DDTS Technology Innovation team to support this important work. This role is instrumental in ensuring that Defra’s business strategies, policies, and operations are informed by emerging digital technologies. As Technology Innovation Consultant, you will provide subject matter expertise on emerging technologies, support horizon scanning, consultancy engagements, and lead proof-of-concept and pilot initiatives. Extensive collaboration across Defra and the broader technology landscape is essential for delivering innovative projects in the evolving tech space.
Person specification
Responsibilities
• Continuously scan Defra’s business environment and technology market for disruptive trends that could transform operations.
• Develop thought leadership materials such as reports and explainer videos to promote strategic and policy-driven technology adoption.
• Lead the delivery of proof-of-concepts, pilots, and proof-of-value initiatives, securing executive sponsorship and reporting findings to business leaders.
• Work with strategy, policy, and technology architecture teams to shape business models and roadmaps that incorporate emerging technology trends.
• Engage with key technology suppliers and vendors at senior levels to explore partnership and innovation opportunities.
• Build strategic relationships with academia, innovation centres, and government-backed initiatives, driving collaborative IT-enabled innovation projects.
• Champion and lead the Defra Innovation Network, fostering knowledge exchange and ideation within the technology and innovation community.
• Support the continuous improvement of Defra’s Technology Innovation exploration processes and associated tools.
Skills & Experience
• Knowledge of emerging technologies, global market trends, and the IT landscape, with the ability to assess their business impact.
• Understanding of Defra’s strategic drivers, policies, and IT strategies, ensuring technology trends align with business needs.
• Ability to lead technology-enabled business transformation, from ideation to pilot implementation, delivering clear recommendations.
• Experience in IT consulting, specifically in emerging technology transformation, with the ability to create compelling business visions.
• Proven ability to build networks with senior business leaders, suppliers, and specialist communities, securing investment and sponsorship for innovation.
• Highly creative, with the ability to envision radical business opportunities enabled by technology and deliver persuasive consultancy narratives.
• Strong strategic thinking and judgement, navigating ambiguity while shaping compelling technology adoption strategies.
• Exceptional communication skills, translating complex technical concepts into clear business opportunities for stakeholders at all levels.
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 'responsibilities' and '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 and will be asked to complete:
- A CV
- A 750-word Personal Statement: "Referring to the 'responsibilities' and '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.
Sift and Interview dates to be confirmed.
Interview
If successful at sift, you will be invited to an interview where you will be required to prepare and present a short presentation which will be assessed against the behaviour 'Communicating and Influencing' and the technical skills 'Architecture Communication' & 'Architecture for the Whole Context'. Further information on this will be provided if successful at sift. You will also be assessed on the Behaviours and Technical skills listed below.
This is a specialised architecture role that blends elements of the Enterprise Architect and Technical Architect roles within the Government Digital Capability Framework. To find out more about them, please visit the website here.
Interviews will be held virtually on Microsoft Teams.
For further information on Success Profiles, you visit the links below and watch our videos on DefraJobs.
Behaviours
Experience
Technical
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Architecture communication - Level: Practitioner
- Architecture for the whole context - Level: practitioner
- Commercial perspective - Level: practitioner
- Community collaboration - Level: Practitioner
- Digital Perspective - Level: Practitioner
- Enterprise Architecture - Level: Practitioner
