REF Head of Policy

About The Role

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions, with the most recent exercise concluding in 2021. It is a peer review assessment process involving submissions from higher education institutions across the UK. The REF is delivered by Research England on behalf of the four UK higher education funding bodies (Scottish Funding Council, Medr, Department of the Economy Northern Ireland).

Are you looking for a new challenge? An opportunity to work on a major, high-profile, project in a close-knit team and a fast-paced environment? Do you want to use your knowledge and skills in an agile way across a broad range of focus areas, learning new things and innovating along the way? Then this may be the opportunity for you!

Your Responsibilities:

• Overseeing the implementation of detailed policy for REF 2029 through the submission and assessment phases.
• Leading on development and delivery of the survey of submission intentions.
• Overseeing policy liaison with the expert and advisory panels.
• Providing authoritative advice and guidance on the REF to a range of audiences.
• Representing the REF team, giving presentations and leading discussions at external meetings.
• Leading development and maintenance of key stakeholder relationships.
• Leading policy team planning and inputting to wider REF team planning.
• Line management of three senior policy advisors and one policy advisor.

This role requires flexibility to travel to meetings, including in locations that may require travel outside of work hours.

Personal Specification

Essential

• Educated to degree level or relevant equivalent experience. (S)
• Demonstrable experience and understanding of research, and/or research assessment, and/or Higher Education policy with an ability to relate this to wider policy areas. (S)
• Proven ability to communicate sophisticated policy issues to wide-ranging audiences. (S/I)
• Proven ability to draw together and present reasonable conclusions from a wide range of incomplete and complex evidence and data. (S/I)
• Proven ability to communicate, build influential networks and experience in managing relationships across a broad range of senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration and resolving conflicts. (S/I)
• Proven ability to work with a high degree of autonomy, think strategically, prioritise effectively and to balance a demanding and varied workload. (S/I)
• Track record of leadership and line management, or a confirmed ability to lead, motivate, and empower others across multiple concurrent tasks. (S/I)
• Ability to travel across the UK, including overnight stays. (S)