These are exciting times at the Department for Education. In 2022, we will continue to build services for all our users – children, adults, and those in social care. 

Our diverse and inclusive culture reflects the society we live in. This helps us to achieve better outcomes for all our users. We work in multi-disciplinary teams using Agile methods to innovate and radically improve services that: 

• Raise education standards and provide the best start in life for children 
  
• Support disadvantaged and vulnerable children and young people 
  
• Drive economic growth 
  
  You can read more about our strategy on the DfE digital and technology blog, by visiting our LinkedIn page, or by following us on Twitter @DfE_DigitalTech .

Job description

We are looking for a Technical Architect to work in the Cloud Infrastructure domain, across multiple endeavours, on problems that require broad architectural thinking. 

You will lead architectural assurance and play a pivotal role in the design, build and operation of the Department’s hosting platforms and networks. 

Platforms have a life cycle, and your role will play a part in every step. The Department seeks new innovative opportunities for efficiencies, economies of scale or new value to users. We need to scale up and continuously improve established platforms - making a better service for users, increase value for money and finding new opportunities to take complexity out of hosting platforms. 

You will find a candidate pack attached to this advert, which provides more information about the department, our commitment to diversity and inclusivity, the benefits of working here, the roles and responsibilities, and the selection process.

Responsibilities

As a Technical Architect you will 

• Lead, manage and deliver the DfE Platform and Infrastructure domain architecture, being responsible for technical design and development activities that meet user needs. 
  
• Lead the DfE networking technology stack - be the division’s networking Subject Matter Expert. 
  
• Deliver and promote architecture reference patterns, blueprints, IT roadmaps and solutions that ensure consistent and coherent architecture design. 
  
• Govern solution designs, assure architecture decisions and technology choices in your domain. 
  
• Collaborate with project/programme/delivery managers, actively leading and assure technical tasks and activities that are involved with their successful implementation. 
  
• Play a key role ensuring that projects and teams adhere to design patterns, managing and supporting the infrastructure services that underpin all internal user services and services to the public. 
  
• Oversee technological risks and making sure that solutions are consistent whilst meeting necessary requirements. 
  
• Provide expert advice to architects and technical specialists within delivery teams on the infrastructure design elements of their solutions. 
  
  For a full list of responsibilities please refer to the candidate pack attached at the bottom of this advert. 
  
  Essential Criteria 
  
  It is essential that you can demonstrate the following experience in your application: 
  
  
• Knowledge of modern infrastructure engineering practices such as DevOps, CI/CD, PaaS. 
  
• Knowledge of cloud-native platforms and services such as Azure, AWS, GOV.UK PaaS, O365, ServiceNow. 
  
• Experience of using cloud-based automation techniques to configure services, automate processes and extract information, including but not limited to Azure Automation, Automation tasks, PowerShell, Azure Command-Line Interface (CLI), JavaScript Object Notation (JSON), interacting with Azure Representational State Transfer (REST) APIs. 
  
• Experience of networking principles, developing network design specifications, roadmaps and product plans, including cloud networking. 
  
• Experience of designing and implementing network security countermeasures when network vulnerabilities are discovered. 
  
• Experience of leading and assuring infrastructure architecture design of business-critical IT services in a large, complex UK public or private organisation. 
  
• Experience of development of infrastructure strategies, roadmaps, blueprints, reference architectures and design patterns. 
  
• Demonstration of the Senior Technical Architectskills in the DDaT Profession Capability Framework. 
  
  The following essential criteria will also need to be demonstrated at the first stage interview: 
  
  
• Experience working in technical teams and delivering user-centred services in an agile environment. 
  
• Knowledge of open-source principles and technologies. 
  
  The following essential criteria will also need to be demonstrated at the second interview stage: 
  
  
• The ability to work with technical and non-technical stakeholders to achieve agreement on technical plans. 
  
• The ability to look beyond immediate technical problems and identify the wider implications. 
  
  It is desirable that you can also demonstrate the following: 
  
  
• Basic knowledge of programming languages such as Python or Ruby. 
  
• Experience of applying the UK Government Service Standard and service assessment. 
  
• Experience of mentoring and supporting colleagues in multi-disciplinary teams, one-to-one or in groups. 
  
• Ability to work with stakeholders to produce effective strategies for technology choices, using the most appropriate languages, frameworks and tools to meet user and business needs. 
  
• Formal architecture certification or qualifications an advantage; for example, The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF) certification. 
  
  We encourage applications from those that do not meet the desirable criteria, as this will only be used in the unlikely event of a tie break situation at interview stage.

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Playing a leading role in technical governance forums.
• Presenting technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to look beyond immediate technical problems and identify the wider implications

Benefits

At the Department for Education we offer: 

• An environment with flexible working options, such as job sharing, term-time working, flexitime and compressed hours. 
  
  
• As an organisation, which exists to support education and lifelong learning, we offer our staff excellent professional developmentopportunities which are tailored to your role. 
  
  
• As our work represents the whole of our population, the only way we can provide effective services is by being an inclusive and diverse organisation. We are passionate about maintaining an open and positive working culture. 
  
  
• A generous annual leave allowance of 25 days leave, increasing by 1 day every year to a maximum of 30 days after five years’ service. In addition, all staff receive the Queen’s Birthday privilege holiday and 8 days’ bank and public holidays. 
  
  
• Paid special leave for volunteering. 
  
  
• A wide variety of staff support networks including a Women's Network, BAME Network, Wellbeing Network, and many more. 
  
  
• As a member of the DfE, you will be entitled to join the highly competitive Civil Service Pension Scheme, which many experts agree is one of the most generous in the UK. For further information on these schemes please refer to the following website: Civil Service Pensions website. 
  
  
• Being a member of the Department for Education will give you access to schemes offering discount on various amenities including groceries, sports & activity groups and gym memberships. 
  
  
• Cycle to Work scheme and loans towards bicycle purchase. 
  
  Applicants currently holding a permanent post in the Civil Service should note that, if successful, their salary on appointment would be determined by the Department’s transfer/promotion policies.

Things you need to know

Security

People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Experience and Technical skills.

Please note that all communications will be electronic therefore it is vitally important that you check your Civil Service Jobs account regularly, as well as your spam/junk email folder. 

Key Dates: 

• Vacancy Close: 05/06/2022 at 23:55 
  
• Sift: likely to take place from w/c 06/06/2022 
  
• First Stage Interviews: likely to take place from w/c 13/06/2022 
  
• Second Stage Interviews: likely to take place from w/c 27/06/2022 
  
  The candidate pack attached to the bottom of this advert provides more information about the selection process and the expectations at each stage. 
  
  Stage 1: Application 
  If you would like to apply for this position, please complete the Civil Service Jobs application form by clicking the "apply now" button at the top or bottom of this advert. 
  
  You will be required to provide details of: 
  
  
• Your CV: Set out your career history, highlighting specific responsibilities and achievements that are relevant for this role. 
  
• A Your Statement of Suitability: In no more than 1000 words, provide examples to explain how your personal skills, qualities and experience demonstrate your suitability for the role. You should refer to the essential criteria listed in the "Responsibilities" section of this advert. 
  
  Please note, CV details must be contained within the template on the application form. Any CV or Statement of Suitability that has been emailed to our team will not be considered 
  
  Stage 2: Sift 
  At sift stage, your application will be assessed on how your CV and Statement of Suitability align to the essential criteria listed in the "Responsibilities" section of this advert. The CV and statement will be assessed against the essential criteria detailed in the advert. 
  
  Candidates successful at sift stage will be invited to a first stage interview. 
  We receive many applications, and unfortunately we’re not able to provide feedback for candidates who aren’t shortlisted. 
  
  First Stage Interview 
  This will be conducted via telephone, typically involving a commitment of up to 1 hour. The interview will consist of a series of questions to assess the Experience and Technical Skills listed earlier in this advert. We want to get the best possible outcome for all our candidates, as the interview will be conducted via telephone, please ensure that you are in a suitable location to hear and answer the questions. Candidates successful at first stage interview will be invited to a second stage interview. 
  
  Second Stage Interview 
  The second stage interview will be a 60 minute blended interview focusing on Experience and Technical skills and will also include a whiteboard presentation exercise. 
  
  Details for the exercise will be provided to candidates at the start of the interview with time allocated to read the information, work through a solution and prepare a short presentation. 
  
  Interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams. If you are invited to interview, please ensure that you have access to this software and that you have your video turned on. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. 
  
  Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview. 
  
  Reasonable adjustments 
  As a Disability Confident Leader, it is important that we are able to make appropriate arrangements or adjustments where necessary in order to create a full and equal participation in the selection process. If you require any reasonable adjustments, please:- 
  
  
• Contact Department of Education via centralrecruitment.operations@education.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs. 
  
  
• Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional. 
  
  Other Information 
  
  Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK from the location options provided and not from overseas. 
  
  The government is committed to supporting apprenticeships, enabling people to learn and progress in a role whilst earning. We want to monitor the number of people who have completed apprenticeships who are now applying to progress further in their career and are asking this question to all candidates, on all vacancies. You will be asked a question as part of the application process about any previous apprenticeships you have completed. Your response to this question will not affect your application and it is not a requirement of the role to have completed a previous apprenticeship.  
  
  For this role the department would not consider sponsoring a Certificate of Sponsorship/visa. Please note we are unable to offer advice on any Visa and Immigration cases. 
  
  If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check maybe carried out. 
  
  In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstance some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Department of Education of your intention by emailing Pre-Employment.Checks.DFE@education.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading. 
  
  Department for Education do not cover the cost of travel to your interview/assessment unless otherwise stated. 
  
  A reserve list may be held for a period of 6 months from which further appointments can be made. 
  
  Candidates will be posted in merit order based upon location preference. Where more than one location is advertised you will be asked to state your preferred location. 
  
  New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band. 
  
  Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. 
  
  Terms and conditions of candidates transferring from ALBs and NDPBs 
  
  Bodies that are not accredited by the Civil Service Commission and are not able to advertise at Across Government on Civil Service jobs will be treated as external new starters and will come into DfE on modernised terms and conditions with a salary at the band minimum. 
  
  Bodies that are accredited by the Civil Service Commission but do not have civil service status will be offered modernised terms and will not have continuous service recognised for leave or sickness benefits. Salaries should be offered at band minimum, but there is some flexibility where this would cause a detriment to the individual. 
  
  Bodies that are accredited by the Civil Service Commission and do have Civil Service status will be treated as OGD transfers. Staff appointed on lateral transfer will move on to pre-modernised DfE terms (unless they were on modernised terms in their previous organisation). Staff appointed on promotion will move on to modernised DfE terms. Staff will transfer over on their existing salary (on lateral transfer) and any pay above the DfE pay band maximum will be paid as a mark time allowance. Staff moving on promotion will have their salaries calculated using the principles set out in the attached OGD transfer supplementary information. 
  
  Any move to Department for Education (DfE) will mean you will no longer be able to carry on claiming 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/
  
  Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
• relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
• certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals

Further information on nationality requirements

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact : 

• Name : Digital and Technology Recruitment Team
• Email : DandT.RECRUITMENT@education.gov.uk

Recruitment team : 

• Email : Centralrecruitment.operations@education.gov.uk

Further information

The Department for Education’s recruitment processes are underpinned by the Civil Service Commissioners Recruitment Principles, which outlines that selection for appointment is made on merit based on fair and open competition. You have the right to complain if you feel a department has breached the requirement of the Recruitment Principles. In the first instance, you should raise the matter directly with the department concerned via CentralRecruitment.Operations@education.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their web pages: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/recruitment/recruitment-complaints/.