JOB DESCRIPTION

Post Title: Policy Analyst

Salary: £35,648.00 - £40,689.00 per annum

Duration: Permanent, Full Time

General

We are seeking to recruit a Policy Analyst to work across a range of policy areas in higher education. The Policy Analyst will be based in UUK’s Policy Group. Policy analysts in the Group are responsible for the provision of analytical advice and development of the evidence base to support UUK’s policy positions. Policy areas covered include (but are not limited to): skills, student experience, funding, research and innovation, equality and diversity, and immigration. The post holder will have the opportunity to develop and influence higher education policy at the national level.

We seek to recruit an analyst with a high level of quantitative skills, the ability to develop strong stakeholder relationships with colleagues inside and outside the organisation, and to communicate effectively at senior level. The post holder would have the ability to respond flexibly to changes in the policy environment, to adjust priorities accordingly, and to manage their own workload to tight deadlines.

More information on the work of the Policy Group is available here:

Responsibilities

  • To carry out original policy analysis to support UUK’s policy development function.
  • Devising and developing new projects, bringing forward proposals for new areas of analysis and research which support the overall programme of work, and ensuring the analysis is effectively integrated within the policy and communications work of UUK as a whole.
  • To work with staff in UUK’s policy and communications teams to delivercontributions to the evidence base which can shape the future higher education agenda, with a focus on developing and underpinning UUK’s policy positions.
  • To advise the President and Chief Executive, and other senior staff in UUK, on the evidence base underpinning policy development.
  • To engage effectively with members of UUK, and to support the work of Policy Networks, as required.
  • To build links and networks with colleagues outside the organisation working on similar issues, for example analysts in Government including the Department for Education, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, as well as other stakeholders in higher education policy.
  • To coordinate and advise on publications and other outputs generated by UUK, and to ensure these outputs are of the highest quality and rigour.
  • Any other duties as required by the Assistant Director, Analysis, or the Director of Policy, cognate with the responsibilities set out above.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential / ASSESSED
Essential / Educated to degree level, preferably in possession of a postgraduate qualification / Application form
Essential / Demonstrable skills in accessing information through a wide range of sources, including data sets, survey information, interviews. / Application form/interview/test
Essential / Experience of a range of analytical techniques and approaches, which could include modelling, cost-benefit analysis, impact assessment, case study analysis, literature reviews / Application form/interview
Essential / An understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of different analytical techniques and approaches, and when is most appropriate to apply a particular technique / Interview
Essential / Ability to apply analysis to policy development, through pinpointing the policy issue and identifying how analysis can help / Application form/interview/test
Essential / Ability to understand the wider policy context and to be proactive in monitoring policy developments / Interview
Essential / Ability to explain analytical findings to non-specialists, and communicating clearly and concisely across a range of outputs (blogs, reports, presentations, briefings) / Application form/interview/test
Essential / Strong project management skills – able to work effectively on a range of projects, and manage one’s own workload to tight deadlines / Application form/interview
Essential / Experience in building relationships with a wide range of stakeholders with diverse points of view and interests / Application form/interview
Essential / Flexible approach – able to respond flexibly to new developments, and to adjust priorities accordingly / Interview
DESIRABLE / ASSESSED
Desirable / Some experience of managing commissioned research would be an advantage / Application form
Desirable / Experience of working with stakeholders in government, higher education and research organisations would be an advantage / Application form/interview