Situational Awareness Lead

Economic and Social Research Council

Situational Awareness Lead

Salary: 58589
Hours: Full time or Part time (minimum 0.8 FTE)
Contract Type: Open-Ended
Location: Polaris House Swindon Wiltshire
Grade: UKRI Band F

Context:

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a new Situational Awareness Function (SAF) within the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). The SAF is designed to enhance ESRCs understanding of the UKs social science research landscape providing insight horizon scanning and timely intelligence to inform future strategic decision-making. The SAF will deliver broad up-to-date evidence and analysis across the social science ecosystem drawing on new and existing data sources and will communicate its outputs to a range of audiences.

Job Purpose:

As Situational Awareness Lead you will provide leadership for the operational and strategic development of the SAF. You will set the direction of the SAFs activities manage its priorities oversee and produce high-quality outputs which contribute towards ESRCs overall strategic decision-making. You will work collaboratively across ESRC UKRI and with the UK Metascience Unit and external partners to build maintain and disseminate a comprehensive understanding of the UKs social science research landscape.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead development and delivery of ESRCs Situational Awareness Function (SAF) setting its strategic priorities managing its core activities and embedding the SAF as a trusted source of evidence for informed decision-making.
• Lead by example on the creation of data analysis reports disseminating information and providing strategic recommendations to the Executive Board.
• Lead the development of high-quality flagship outputs tailored to diverse audiences including senior leadership and tactical decision-makers to inform and support strategic decision-making.
• Manage a small team of analysts providing oversight guidance and support for their professional growth and development.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders fostering relationships that enhance ESRCs intelligence-gathering capabilities and the effective communication of insights.
• Deliver joint projects with the UK Metascience Unit that enhance the impact of ESRCs and UKRIs research and innovation investment activity.
• Represent ESRC in UKRI-wide groups and external forums focused on research intelligence foresight and strategic analysis.
• Champion data-informed decision-making across ESRC helping to build organisational capability and culture in evidence-based strategy.
• Maintain awareness of best practices in evidence gathering continuously evaluating SAFs methodologies and driving ongoing improvement.

Personal Specification

The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S) Interview (I) or both (S&I).

Essential

• A relevant degree or equivalent professional experience in social research or any numerate field. (S)
• Demonstrated experience with examples of producing high-quality analysis and strategic insight from complex datasets both quantitative and qualitative and of varying quality using modern analytical tools such as R or Python and appropriate statistical methods. (S/I)
• Proven ability to produce reliable and useful outputs at pace while effectively prioritising tasks to meet competing deadlines and in the presence of ambiguity and uncertainty. (S/I)
• Sound understanding of best practices in evidence and data gathering with the ability to monitor evaluate and adapt approaches to meet evolving business needs. (S/I)
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present evidence clearly and confidently to both internal and external stakeholders both in writing and verbally. (S/I)
• Experience in building and maintaining effective working relationships across organisations. (S/I)
• Previous line management experience including overseeing the work of others and supporting the professional development of team members. (S/I)

Benefits

We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package. We are committed to supporting employees development and promote a culture of continuous learning!

A list of benefits below:

• An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
• 30 days annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent).
• Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
• Employee assistance programme providing confidential help and advice.
• Flexible working options.

Plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance!

For further information on our benefits please see:

Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

Please apply online if you experience any issue applying please contact