Universities UK Policy Group

Policy Researcher

General

The Policy Group within Universities UK is responsible for developing anddelivering a programme of policy and research activities which shape the agenda for higher education in the UK.We carry outresearch, analysisand policy development to lead the higher education agenda, make informed contributions to critical issuesand provide policy options which support the current and future strength and health of the UK HE system.

The post holderwill work across a range of policy areas, including (but not limited to) regulation and student experience andhealth policy.

ThePolicy Researcherwill havestronganalytic and research skills, verygoodcommunication and writing skillsand a strong interest in public policy. Familiarity with higher education issues would also be an advantage, but is not essential. The post holder will form part of a team working flexibly on a range of issues, with the opportunity to develop and influence higher education policy at the national level.

Responsibilities

•Towork withtheDirector of Policy, Policy Managers and other colleagues in the development and implementation of an agreed programme of policy and research activity.

• To work in teams with Policy and analytic colleagues and with Communications and Membership to maximise the visibility and impact of policy programmes and projects.

•To carry out originalpolicyanalysis and research to support UUK’s policy development function.This includes developing new projectsand bringing forward proposals for new areas of analysis and research which support the overall programme of work.

•To analyse and advise on theimplicationsof higher education policies developed in other quarters, to enable UUK toprepareinformed responsesand to develop robust positions.

•To build links and networks with colleagues outside the organisation working on similar issues, for example: government departments; think tanks;higher education mission groups; higher education sector agencies.

•Any other duties as required by the Director of Policy, cognate with the responsibilities set out above.

This job description will be reviewed and amended in the light of changing professional demands.

A job description is not a rigid or inflexible document but acts to provide guidelines to the duties expected while in post.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

POST: ​Policy Researcher

GRADE: ​Technical

GROUP:​Policy

Essential/Desirable / Knowledge, Skills and Experience / ASSESSED
Essential / Educated to degree level,or equivalent,in a subjectrequiring strong research or analytic skills. / Application Form
Essential / Research and analytic:
Able to analyse complex information, distil the key issues, identify the principal policy messages. / Application form/
Interview
Essential / Policy development:
Able to contribute to developing programmes of policy research, in support of the overall strategic aims and objectives of the organisation. / Application form/Scoring/
Interview
Essential / Communication:
Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to draft reports, provide concise briefings, and communicate complex issues in an accessible way. / Interview
Essential / Collaboration:
-Able to work with colleagues witha range of skills and expertiseand to communicate effectively at senior level.
-Able to build positive relationships with colleagues inside and outside the organisation. / Application form/Scoring/
Interview
Essential / Project management:
Able to work effectively on a range of projectsand manage one’s own workload to tight deadlines / Application form/Scoring
Essential / Flexibility:
Able to respond flexibly to new developmentsand to adjust priorities accordingly. / Application form/Scoring
Desirable / Knowledge or experience of higher education or public policy issues. / Application Form/Interview