Senior Policy and Data Analyst – College of Social Sciences – 103972 – Grade 7

Position Details

College of Social Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary £33,966. 

Full Time, Permanent

Closing date: 23rd June 2024

Background

The City-Region Economic Development Institute (City-REDI) is recruiting a Senior Policy Data Analyst post who will be based at the Birmingham Business School to support the activities. City-REDI is an evidence-based and policy-focused academic research institute focusing on finding solutions to place-based inclusive economic, social, and environmental development.  We work in partnership with people and places to facilitate local, regional, and responsible growth for the benefit of all.  You would be joining an inter-disciplinary team including academics and consultancy services staff with a place-based approach to inclusive economic growth. The post will support research, evaluation and appraisal of economic interventions and programmes to support socially inclusive economic growth, innovation, development of new industrial clusters, enterprise, employment, and skills. The research encompasses qualitative case studies, surveys, data analytics, impact evaluation (of policy interventions and regional investments) and econometric modelling. The candidate is expected to have some experience of undertaking evaluations or have appropriate transferrable skills from working in an applied research setting. A background in undertaking evaluations and or previous knowledge in economics, geography, labour market studies, management and business studies,planning and social policy or political science would be preferrable. A knowledge of qualitative or quantitative techniques, mixed methods, survey methods, process, developmental and impact evaluation or data analytics tools would also be preferrable. 

Role Summary

The post is based within City-REDI at the University’s Business school and will develop and lead new policy relevant research projects, with a focus on data and analytics and conducting research to the highest standards; utilising the latest research findings and data to develop innovative approaches to city regional development.

Main Duties

• To design, manage, lead and deliver data insight projects which inform policy. Overseeing the wider CityREDI project team to ensure delivery on time and on budget for clients and partners
• To identify and obtain new data sets and sources that can inform strategy and policy development and monitoring.
• To liaise across project teams on data, projects and analysis to ensure a joined up approach.
• Assist the development of financial business cases for new and innovative data projects, including development of a clear simple framework (to be adopted into ‘business as usual’ activity) for transport data maturity, current base, future goals and road mapping
• Develop partnerships/relationships and maintain liaison with a network of partners, suppliers and stakeholders to maximise benefits and opportunities for City-REDI
• To lead analysis using Data Insight tools including but not limited to Tableau/dashboards to support intelligence/research provision, including working with secure data and the application of economic models
• Contribute to bid writing
• Carry out policy-oriented research in collaboration with Institute staff; 
• Research, write and contribute data analysis to policy-oriented research papers;
• Collect, collate, clean and analyse data for research purposes;
• Analyse, interpret and present data for projects; 
• Produce a range of outputs, including briefing papers and presentations, on data related issues; 
• Help to ensure that the Institute remains abreast of and responsive to domestic and international policy-making and the use of data; 
• Help to maximise the external impact and visibility of the Institute 
• Support the Administrative Director in developing new projects and policy ideas as part of the City-REDI’s future research programme
• Experience of leading projects to acquire and maintain data to be used as an evidence base and trend analysis, including political, commercial, national, regional and district data.
• Experience of developing partnerships/relationships and maintain liaison with a network of partners, suppliers and stakeholders to maximise benefits and opportunities
• Contribute to the overall research programme of the Institute as an integral part of the team and in collaboration with academic researchers as required; 
• Design, manage and deliver key projects within the research programme by conducting qualitative and/or quantitative research to the highest standards and developing appropriate policy ideas;
• Ensure core data is regularly maintained and collected, and is used according to  licenses and quality standards;
• Conduct quality economic analysis and/or policy-oriented research aimed at decision makers, either independently or as part of a team; 
• Write up analysis for publication in a variety of modes including policy briefs, policy papers and peer reviewed journals, media articles, blogs and presentations; 
• Apply the findings of the Institute’s research to the key issues in policy-making and communicate them in a timely and accessible way for decision-makers, working closely with the management and marketing team; 
• Produce and contribute to a range of outputs, including briefing papers and presentations, on policy-related issues; 
• Monitor and keep the team informed of external policy developments relevant to the Institute’s research programme, including identifying topics and research questions for the Institute

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• A commitment to the aims of City-REDI. 
• An understanding of macro-economic issues and how they relate to social and economic policy and policy development 
• An understanding of the UK economic and social policy landscape with knowledge and understanding of public policy issues relating to city region development, with specialist expertise in data, analytics and interpretation
• Excellent quantitative research skills and experience of using a range of research techniques, as they apply to local economic development, for example: 
  • Excellent at understanding and presenting  facts, figures and data 
  • Ability to analyse and interpret data
  • Understanding of the data available for city development analysis and constraints associated with its use
  • Knowledge of data techniques for example developing economic models, machine learning and simulations
• Proven project management skills and experience of designing, managing and delivering high quality projects on time 
• Proven written and presentation skills in a range of formats (briefings, reports, media articles, social media and blogs)
• Excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrating the ability to establish effective working relationships with a range of people and the ability to work flexibly as part of a small team in a fast moving environment 
• Educated to degree level or equivalent  / equivalent experience in a similar role, with good maths and basic statistical content
• Proven ability to manage own time effectively and the time of others
• Ability to solve problems and implement effective  procedures
• Excellent IT skills such as (Excel/Word/Powerpoint /Databases etc)
• Demonstrable skills in programming language, such as R, Python, SQL, SAS or Matlab
• Proven ability to negotiate and influence others.
• Demonstrate ability to handle several demanding tasks concurrently and to prioritise workload. Working to tight deadlines and maintaining accuracy.
• Flexible, positive and creative approach to work and meticulous attention to detail.
• Flexible and adaptable to change and have proven change management skills.

Desirable:

• Experience in Higher Education
• Desirable to be qualified to masters level in a relevant quantitative subject 
• Knowledge of research funding councils and/or consultancy commissioning bodies

Dimensions

• Responsibility for delivery of projects to time and on budget
• Responsibility for client management and revenue generation

Planning and organising

• Collation, storage and manipulation of data, ensuring adherence to any license terms and conditions
• Day to day project management including costs, resources and delivery. 
• Liaise regularly with academic colleagues to inform them of the Institutes’ activities and policy areas of interest. 
• Provide support and assistance writing of research proposals and consultancy bid proposals.
• Support the Administrative Director on activities associated with City-REDI. 
• Work as a member of the School’s Professional Services Team in pro-actively fostering effective, flexible, and efficient administrative interfaces across the College(s) and University offices to help provide co-ordinated services to students and academic staff. 
• To ensure that the role and its responsibilities are delivered in accordance with procedures and regulations as defined by both the Birmingham Business School and the University of Birmingham; 
• The specific areas of responsibility and/or tasks may change from time to time in accordance with the requirements of the School and its priorities of the time.

Problem solving and decision making

• Decision making on research methodology and day to day project delivery
• Development of policy options and recommendations
• Design and delivery of content for publicity and generating client engagement

Internal and external relationships

• Collaborate with external partners to access data for City-REDI projects
• Collaborate with Institute staff and associates to develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in the public and private sector;
• Present at Institute and external events; 
• Play a constructive role in the life of the Institute; 
• Engage with stakeholders in government, the private sector, the voluntary sector and academia to support and inform the Institute’s’ research programme
• Represent the Institute at our own seminars, conferences and other public events as well as events run by other organisations

Informal enquiries to George Bramley [email protected] or Rebecca Riley [email protected] 

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