Lead Analyst on Academic and Research Engagement

Working with the Head of the Research Knowledge and Engagement Unit and members of the Data Operations Division, the successful candidate will be responsible for developing a programme of research engagement that is linked to the Department’s activity to make our data and linked data sets more accessible to academic and professional researchers. The programme will allow more systematic reach out to the wider research community, helping to improve the policy relevance of work carried out outside the department and cementing relationships with a wider range of academics in a larger range of academic subject areas than is currently the case.

As well as driving the programme of engagement over the next two years, the role will provide the opportunity to talk to a wide range of research stakeholders, including academic researchers, research organisations, funders and other parties with an interest in educational analysis and research.

Working with one team member, the role holder will be responsible for DAEP project management, reporting progress to ADR UK and the programme Steering Group. In liaison with the Data Access team, the role holder will maintain the programme risk register and help develop the programme Theory of Change and performance metrics.

This is an exciting opportunity to realise a vision of high-impact research influence, supporting development of data and research strategic thinking and improved access to and use of policy and practice relevant research evidence that can be used to underpin policy decision making and evaluation.

To be successful in this role, you will need to demonstrate the following:

Essential criteria

• Demonstrated ability in working at pace and influencing senior colleagues and research stakeholders.
• Proven ability to plan and manage projects and programmes of research or analysis.
• Good analytical skills and ability to synthesise data from a variety of sources and make clear recommendations.
• Excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• If you are a Civil Service badged analyst, there are no minimum qualifications required.
• If you are not a badged analyst, then you will need a degree in a relevant subject.

Desirable criteria

• Understanding of data and research in an educational and/or children’s social care context.

Desirable criteria will only be assessed in the event of a tie break situation to make an informed decision.

This post is intended for a badged analyst. Applicants must state which analytical profession they are badged in. Applicants who are not badged, or who hold multiple badges, must state which profession they wish to be assessed against. All applicants must meet the minimum standard on the appropriate competency framework for Grade 7 level in one of the analytical professions in order to be considered for this post and if not currently badged will be expected to seek badged status if appointed. Details of the Competency Frameworks may be found here:

• GSG
• GSR 
• GES
• GORS 

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

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together

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

• Technical Skills relevant to the appropriate analytical Profession.

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.

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, with an average employer contribution of 27%.

You will have 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 King’s Birthday privilege holiday and 8 days’ bank and public holidays.

We offer flexible working arrangements, such as job sharing, term-time working, flexi-time and compressed hours.

Most DfE employees will be working a hybrid pattern, spending at least 60% of their time in an office or work setting. Changes to these working arrangements are available in exceptional circumstances but must be agreed with the line manager and in line with the requirements of the role.

Travel to your primary office location will not be paid for by DfE, but costs for travel to an office which is not your main location will be covered.

As an organisation, which exists to support education and lifelong learning, we offer our staff excellent professional development opportunities.

We are proud supporters of Women in Data®.  Connect, engage and belong to the largest free female data community in the UK – visit: www.womenindata.co.uk to join our community.