Job title: Heads of Policy and Research x3

Responsible to:Research Director

Salary scale:£36,000 - £46,000 (depending on experience) with the potential to rise to £50,000 once in post

Purpose of job:

The Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion (Inclusion) is the UK’s leading not-for-profit company dedicated to tackling disadvantage and promoting social inclusion in the labour market.

As independent experts in social and economic research, we work to challenge and support policy and decision makers in central and local government, the voluntary and community sector, and institutions at home and abroad – as well as those delivering frontline services. We believe that through high quality policy, research and analysis we have to power to create change.

We are seeking to recruit up to three new members of the team, to lead our policy and research work in core areas of expertise. These are:

  • Head of Employment and Skills Policy and Research
  • Head of Welfare Reform Policy and Research
  • Head of Social Inclusion Policy and Research

These will be new opportunitiesand will play a senior role within Inclusion. Successful candidates will be responsible for leading on the design and delivery of a range of research and policy projects – at different times developing ideas, designing projects, securing funding, managing clients, overseeing delivery and ensuring lasting impacts from our work.

You will be expected to bring a level of expertise in your subject area, a commitment to economic and social inclusion, and excellent skills in research and analysis, project management and building and managing networks. In post, you will be supported to enhance and maintain these strengths.

Principal tasks:

  • To direct, manage and deliverof high quality research and policy projects – on time,to budget and with impact.
  • Securing new research and policy projects, through both:
  • Developing proactive proposals and working with Directors to raise sponsorship and funding; and
  • Writing high quality proposals for commissioned research, analysis and policy projects, working with colleagues.
  • Influencing policy and delivery in appointed subject areas, through communicating findings (in writing and at events and seminars, including Inclusion events) and engaging policy makers and stakeholders
  • Providingquality assurance, technical advice and input to projects and proposals led by other members of the team.
  • Managing up to two members of staff, with a shared responsibility for developing the skills of the wider team through provision of advice, support and training.
  • Building a network of relevant stakeholders including policy and technical experts, academics, partners and potential funders.
  • Undertaking, as required, other tasks relevant to the purpose of the job.

Inclusion undertakes national research projects. Those wishing to apply for the post must be willing to travel on a fairly regular basis. However, own transport is not essential.

Person specification:

Essential

  • Demonstrable understanding, and at least three years’ experience, of designing, managing and delivering social research and/ or social policyprojects for a range of clients
  • Experience of winning new work (through successful tendering and/ or proactive business generation) and of meeting financial targets
  • Evidence of policy expertise in one of the following three areas:
  • Welfare reform – for example benefits and tax credits policy, local support services and Universal Credit
  • Employment and skills – for example active labour market policies, skills funding and provision, and support for disadvantaged groups
  • Social inclusion – for example social justice, rehabilitation of offenders, support for those with chaotic lives, housing and homelessness
  • An understanding of the roles of national and local government in these fields, their perspectives and differences, and current and planned reforms
  • Experience of developing policy conclusions and recommendations from research and analysis
  • A strong track record of efficient and effective project management, including the ability to meet project deadlines within agreed budgets
  • Strong and established networks within your area of expertise
  • Evidence of the ability to develop and maintain good relations with clients
  • Ability to lead by example and support others to develop their full potential
  • Ability to work within a small team and to manage teams to deliver projects
  • Evidence of high quality written work including publication-standard reports, blogs, and briefings on technical or policy issues, for a range of different audiences
  • Experience in editing the work of others as part of quality assurance processes
  • Demonstrable ability to present formally to both small and large groups in a wide range of different settings (including on conference platforms and at invite-only round-table events)
  • A degree level qualification in economic or social sciences
  • A commitment to the values of our organisation

Desirable

  • Experience of innovative qualitative research methods
  • Knowledge of practical delivery issues for public policy in these areas
  • Experience of cost-benefit analysis and its application in evaluation

Conditions of contract:

This is a permanent position and will qualify for Inclusion’s standard terms and conditions, including:

  • An employer contribution equal to 6% of gross salary towards a personal pension plan
  • 25 days annual leave

We also offer a childcare voucher scheme, a cycle loan scheme and season ticket loans. Company maternity pay is available to staff with over two years service.

The Centre for Economic & Social Inclusion is not exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. There may be projects where Disclosure and Barring Service clearance will be required.

We will also consider secondments/ loans from other organisations, on the terms and conditions set out above.

To apply:

Please send a CV and covering letter to . Please also complete the equalities monitoring form.

Deadline:

Thursday 28 August, 5pm

For more information please contact:

Tony Wilson, Policy Director, 020 7840 8346,

Rowan Foster, Research Director, 020 7840 8334,