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Job Profile
Job Title: Data Engineer
Grade: B1
DG:CPG
Location: Abercrombie House
Functional Area: FINANCE, HR, IT &
COMMERCIAL
Position No : POS012619 and POS012614
Hiring Manager: Fraser Allan
Purpose of Job
The Department for International Development (DFID) leads the UK’s work to end extreme poverty, promote stability
and contribute to the 17 Global Goals for sustainable development. We're ending the need for aid by creating jobs,
unlocking the potential of girls and women and helping to save lives when humanitarian emergencies hit.
Our technical team play a critical role in helping us change the lives of people across the world. DFID has some
serious technical challenges and changes that are taking place that will enable us to make better use of the data we
have available.
Why we need you
Accessible, up-to-date and reliable data is critical for the effective operation and successful delivery of DFID’s aid
programme, providing evidence, monitoring and control, and allowing lessons to be shared across the organisation.
It is also essential for the effective performance of management functions such as planning, organising, leading, and
decision making. DFID has a strong appetite for better Management Information (MI) in support of frontline delivery
of the aid programme.
The Data Engineer role is a new post that will strengthen our technical capability within the Data Enginnering team.
You will play an important role in proactively developing, maintaining and enhancing DFID’s MI through a range of
tools and products, and meeting a range of end user needs. Our DFID user community includes programme staff,
specialists in finance, HR professionals and statistitions as well as users of our open data.
This is a fast-moving environment and you will bring both pace and an awareness of modern reporting and analytical
tools and techniques.
Key
Accountabilities
and
Responsibilities
What a data engineer does:
Investigating, designing and delivering management information systems using a range of technologies (Data Mart,
SQL-driven reports, Analytics cube and APIs), integrating key DFID systems and data.
Providing reporting information to meet regular and ad-hoc corporate, government and international statistical
reporting ensuring this information is accurate, consistent and timely.
Developing a deep understanding of DFID data and systems, and providing advice and guidance to specialist users
on the quality and use of the data.
Document business logic, rules, data models and architecture.
Deliver training to business departments on how to use our technologies and use feedback continually improve.
Ways of
Working
Skills and Requirements
Excellent communication and influencing skills to help understanding of information requests, and to share analysis
and trend findings.
Understanding of relational databases, database management tools, data structures, SQL and data models.
Up to date knowledge of business intelligence principles, technologies and techniques (data warehousing, data
model, ETL, KPIs, APIs).
It would be advantageous to have experience in any of the following technologies MDX, DAX, R, PowerBI, SSIS,
SSAS or other languages/Technologies appropriate for handling and presenting data.
Experience of working in agile teams, delivering value early and often.
Always learning to ensure fluency in current and emerging technology.
Working culture
We operate in a fast-paced environment, responding to user needs using an agile approach. We collaborate globally
Job Profile
with colleagues across DFID and in other organisations, working together in virtual teams. We use modern toolsets
and have an open approach to innovation and learning. We support flexible and remote working.
Additional
Notes



You will hold an HND/Degree in Computing or similar, or have equivalent work experience.
The role may require occasional travel to London and overseas.
We support flexible and remote working.
Job Specification
Capability
Description of capability
Level
In this job, this means…..
Programming and
build (data
engineering)
Designs, writes and iterates code from
prototype to production-ready.
Understands security, accessibility and
version control. Can use a range of
coding tools and languages.
Working
Designs, codes, tests, corrects and documents simple
programs or scripts under the direction of others.
Data Modelling
Produces data models and understands
where to use different types of data
models. Understands different tools and
is able to compare between different data
models. Able to reverse engineer a data
model from a live system. Understands
industry recognised data modelling
patterns and standards.
Working
Understands the concepts and principles of data
modelling and is able to produce, maintain and
update relevant data models for specific business
needs. Reverse engineers data models from a live
system.
Technical
understanding (data
engineering)
Has knowledge of specific technologies
which underpin an individual’s ability to
deliver the responsibilities and tasks of
their role. Applies the required breadth
and depth of technical knowledge.
Working
Understands core technical concepts related to their
role and is able to apply them with guidance.
Generic Competences
civil service
In this job, this means…
1.
Managing a Quality Service
2.
Changing and Improving
3.
Collaborating and Partnering
Effectiveness in this area is about valuing and modelling professional excellence and expertise to
deliver service objectives, taking account of diverse customer needs and requirements. People
who are effective plan, organise and manage their time and activities to deliver a high quality,
secure, reliable and efficient service, applying programme, project and risk management
approaches to support service delivery.
People who are effective in this area take initiative, are innovative and seek out opportunities to
create effective change. For all staff, it’s about learning from what has worked as well as what has
not, being open to change and improvement and working in ‘smarter’, more focussed ways.
People skilled in this area are team players. At all levels, it requires working collaboratively,
sharing information appropriately and building supportive, trusting and professional relationships
with colleagues and a wide range of people within and outside the Civil Service, whilst having the
confidence to challenge assumptions.