Job purpose

To plan, deliver and monitor a risk-based, intelligence-led testing programme for Athletes in line with International Standards and the Operations Directorate Operational Plan. Specifically, you will be responsible for:

•    Providing significant contribution to the development of UKAD’s Test Distribution Plan (TDP) ensuring a detection and deterrence programme is in place

•    Gathering and using data and information from a variety of sources to plan, deliver and monitor testing programmes against the TDP

•    Operational decision-making on allocated projects of the Testing team

Key results areas

Risk-based, Intelligence-led Test Planning

•    Independently and effectively plan, deliver and monitor the allocated testing programmes against the overall annual TDP and in accordance with the International Standard for Testing and Investigations (ISTI), providing regular updates to the Deputy Head of Testing

•    Lead and collaborate on the development and implementation of testing strategies within the TDP

•    Utilise In-Competition and Out-of-Competition tests to collect Urine, Blood and/or Blood Passport Samples

•    Continually review and improve the allocated testing programmes to ensure unpredictability and effective deterrence and detection strategies

•    Effectively and accurately use the Anti-Doping Administration and Management System (ADAMS) to record testing information

•    Regularly review and propose adjustments to the TDP throughout the year ensuring the programme is flexible, adaptable and responsive to changes

•    Lead and/or support the planning and project management of testing programmes for major events such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Cups

•    Ensure compliance with WADA’s Technical Document for Sport Specific Analysis (TDSSA) and that minimal levels of analysis across sport-disciplines are met

•    When required, support the Logistics and Allocations team in the allocation of Doping Control Personnel (DCP) to test missions

TDP Development

•    Support the strategic planning of the TDP each year ensuring that the testing programme is in in accordance with the ISTI and in line with the targets defined in the Operational Directorate Operational Plan

•    Contribute towards strategy setting meetings for the TDP planning process

•    Lead on the development of testing proposals and strategies for the annual TDP, with the aim of continually developing an unpredictable testing programme which deters and detects doping

•    Support the Deputy Head of Testing and Head of Testing in the planning, management and delivery of a World Class, effective and comprehensive testing programme for athletes in line with the ISTI and the UK National Anti-Doping Policy

Data Management

•    Effectively collate, manage and analyse a large volume of intelligence, information and data within different formats (e.g. databases, excel, web-based systems) to help make informed decisions on the effective use of UKAD’s testing resources

•    Proactively monitor and gather information relating to Athletes/Teams and/or Sports e.g., performances

•    Proactively and reactively review and assess multiple intelligence, information and data sources, including those relating to performances, injuries, sporting calendars, funding lists, etc., ensuring it is incorporated into decision-making for test plans

•    Engage and source relevant information from other UKAD teams, National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and International Federations (IFs) to inform test plans and proposals for the TDP

•    Assist with cross-team working and intelligence gathering, utilising the Intelligence management system (D3) to manage and update on confidential information

•    Review and utilise whereabouts information to inform test plans

•    Review and implement Athlete Biological Passport test plans and recommendations through coordination with the Science and Medicine team

Testing Pools (NRTP and DTP)

•    Determine and manage the National Registered Testing Pool (NRTP) and Domestic Testing Pool (DTP) for the allocated programmes to facilitate effective Out-of-Competition testing, ensuring regular reviews are conducted

•    Work with the Whereabouts Support Officer to carry out whereabouts inductions, conduct qualitative reviews of whereabouts information and monitor compliance

•    Ensure accurate and efficient processes are in place to include into, remove from, and transition athletes between the testing pools

•    Engage with NGBs to review and gather information to inform decisions on the inclusions and removals to the NRTP and DTP as well as to assist with the coordination of testing pool inductions

Relationship Management

•    Develop effective working relationships with the Testing team to coordinate urine and blood testing missions cost-effectively across the UK and abroad

•    Proactively support and engage with other teams e.g., Science and Medicine, Intelligence and Investigations, Results Management, to ensure the successful planning and delivery of a risk-based and intelligence-led TDP

•    Build positive working relationships with DCP, undertaking briefings and de-briefs as necessary, to ensure relevant information is provided to DCP and fed back into test plans

•    Develop and maintain effective working relationships with NGBs to gather information to support the planning and delivery of the testing programmes and effectively communicate changes in policy affecting them and their Athletes

•    Collaborate with IFs to share information, coordinate plans and influence testing programmes on athletes of mutual interest

•    Establish strong working relationships with other Anti-Doping Organisations (ADOs) to promote international collaboration, share knowledge and develop and coordinate comprehensive test plans

•    Manage the provision of sample collection services to other ADOs for testing requests in the UK

•    Where required, lead on the development and implementation of testing on a contracted basis for NGBs, ensuring it is delivered independently

Policy and Procedures

•    Adhere to agreed policies and procedures for the effective operations of the Testing team

•    Participate in and where appropriate, lead on the review and development of specified UKAD business procedures and processes

•    Highlight areas for review and improvement and contribute towards the development of the current testing processes and procedures as part of the Quality Management System. Ensure non-conformances to procedures are resolved in a timely and appropriate manner.

Support the development of policy on testing programme issues and contribute to the continual improvement of the Testing team

Person specification

Qualifications/experience/knowledge

•    Demonstrable experience of planning and organising type roles

•    Minimum of 1 year experience in an anti-doping, or comparably sensitive environment

•    Demonstrable experience of relationship management to effect change and enhance programmes

•    Demonstratable experience of managing multiple sources of information and data

•    Understanding of anti-doping rules and policies

•    Interest in and knowledge of sport, and how it functions in the UK

•    Competent user of Microsoft Excel and must possess a high level of numeracy

•    Experience in the use and maintenance of IT systems and the management of database systems.

Skills

•    Ability to make independent decisions and collaborate as a team

•    High level planning skills with the ability to work to multiple tight deadlines within a time pressured environment, producing high quality results

•    Ability to successfully develop and manage positive working relationships with a network of internal and external stakeholders in an anti-doping, or similarly challenging environment

•    An effective communicator (written and verbal) with the ability to use high level negotiating and influencing skills

•    Ability to balance and prioritise a demanding workload, remaining calm under pressure

•    Ability to develop innovative solutions and use initiative

•    Good attention to detail, high level analytical and problem-solving skills including the ability to calculate risk and take decisive action

Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information