Experienced Analysts Reference number 223253

Job description

About the Team

OPSS Analysis is a growing multi-disciplinary team, it is led by a Social Researcher Deputy Director and comprises 20 analysts working across four different analytical professions - operational research, statistics, social researchers and economists. It complements other technical teams in OPSS, delivering an evidence base in partnership across a range of analytical, intelligence, scientific & engineering subject areas.

The Team provides analytical support for all the Office’s activity, adding new value by harnessing their profession-specific expertise. Analysis is highly valued in OPSS to inform policy, regulation changes and consumer campaigns. We are tackling interesting and important issues, such as how much consumers think about safety when buying products and how we can influence industry and consumer behaviour to increase safety. We have responsibility for a broad remit, including toys, cosmetics, fireworks, construction products and metrology.

OPSS's research work is very diverse and is likely to give the opportunity to develop skills and experience in research methods including: policy evaluation including theory-based and value-for-money methods, behavioural analysis and insights, experimental methods, survey methods, qualitative interviews and focus groups.

Research and evaluation questions that we expect to work on over the next year include:

? What is the impact of our consumer engagement activities aimed at reducing the risk of children swallowing button batteries?

? What evaluation methodologies are appropriate for assessing the impact that OPSS has on the safe installation and use of construction products (such as thermal insulation)?

? What is the impact of OPSS's work to reduce the risk of harm from products purchased through online marketplaces?

Responsibilities

? You will lead on reviewing and delivering the monitoring and evaluation plan for the new Office for Product Safety & Standards Strategy or, alternatively, for the Office for Product Safety and Standards' new regulatory responsibilities towards construction products.

? You will work across a multi-disciplinary team to collect evidence, to scope and design research, commission and project manage the delivery of analytical projects, and perform quality assurance, engaging colleagues and partner organisations in this process and keeping them informed of findings.

? You will also have a critical role in working with programme management colleagues to design and ensure the collection and reporting against key metrics, while thinking creatively to embed monitoring and evaluation at the heart of the Office for Product Safety & Standards activities.

Skills and Experience

We are looking for an analyst with experience of managing and overseeing analytical projects and delivery partners, with experience in a range of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies who has good interpersonal, verbal and written skills, and can summarise complex findings in an accessible and engaging way.

Applicants should use their CV and personal statement to demonstrate they meet the person specification and the skill requirements set out below. Applicants from outside of the Civil Service must also state which analytical profession they wish to join. Eligibility for the analytical professions is outlined below:

For social researchers a 2:1 in a relevant social science degree with a substantive research element, such as demography, economics, human geography, linguistics, or psychology. Alternatively a 2:2 in a non-social science degree plus a masters level social science degree, or work place experience and a degree equivalent (Certificate or Diploma), are also accepted.

For statisticians a 2:2 in a subject containing formal statistical training, such as statistics, mathematics, economics, sciences, business studies, psychology, geography.

For operational researchers a 2:1 in a numerate field, such as operational research, mathematics, physics, econometrics, engineering, or management science.

If you are not already a government analyst, please refer to the attached eligibility criteria document for more detail on appropriate qualifications, exemptions for work experience, and detail on the profession-specific 'badging' processes.

While not essential, experience in consumer or product safety issues, behavioural science, or construction is welcome. Interest in diversity and inclusion is also welcome. It is not expected that you are a subject matter expertise in product safety, as we will provide training and upskilling.

Technical Skills

Requirements at SEO grade for Government Social Research, Government Statistical Service, or Government Operational Research professions.

Candidates should clearly state whether they are applying as a social researcher (Government Social Research) statistician (Government Statistician Group ) or operational researcher (Government Operational Research) and whether they are already a badged member of a profession. This technical skills statement should be used to set out examples of how you meet the technical criteria for the profession you are applying to join.

This will be reviewed alongside your personal statement and CV so you do not need to repeat information in both.

For Government Social Researchers, this statement should describe how applicants meet the "Technical skills" for the "Research officer" role described.

For Government Statisticians, this statement should describe how applicants meet the "Data Analysis" skills for the "Statistical Officer - StO" role as described.

For Government Operational Researchers, this statement should describe how applicants meet the "Achieving impact with analysis" skills described

Qualifications

Please be advised you must clearly state on your application what you hold from the following:

1. A degree (minimum 2:1) in a relevant social science with a substantial social research component, such as demography, economics, human geography, linguistics, psychology, social anthropology, sociology and statistics.

OR any degree (minimum 2:2) with a relevant postgraduate qualification in social research.

2. A first or second class honours degree (2:2 minimum) in a subject containing formal statistical training (e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, Geography or similar).

OR

A higher degree e.g. an MSc or PhD, in a subject containing formal statistical training (e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, Geography or similar).

OR

Have worked in a statistical/data science field and are able to demonstrate continuous professional development (via a CPD Log Book) in statistics/data science at the same level as a foundation degree/HND (Level 5).

3. A numerate degree (minimum 2:1, or a 2:2 with relevant work experience or a postgraduate qualification), at least half of which must be from one or more of these subjects: operational research, mathematics, physics, econometrics, engineering or management sciences.

Salary

￡36,735 - ￡41,100

BEIS Analyst pay enhancement of ￡4,245 (or ￡6,000 with relevant MSc, if approved by the relevant Head of Profession)

Grade

Senior Executive Officer

Contract type

Permanent

Business area

BEIS - Market Frameworks - Market Frameworks - Office for Product Safety and Standards

Type of role

Operational Research

Social Research

Statistics

Working pattern

Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time

Number of posts

2

Location

Birmingham

Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 31st July 2022.

Please visit Civil Service Jobs to apply for the role or for further information: