"Senior Policy Advisor"

Research England - Knowledge Exchange Team

Job Description:

Hours: Full Time / Part Time (min 0.8 FTE) – flexible working available

Contract Type: Fixed Term (Fixed end date, 4th June 2027)

Location: Westward House, Bristol

About the role

We use the term ‘knowledge exchange’ to cover the multiple interactions between universities and businesses, public services, charities and communities to create societal and economic benefit. These interactions include joint research and development projects, consultancy and training, knowledge transfer partnerships and setting up new companies and social enterprises.

We are looking for a very well-organised, self-motivated person, ideally with a background in higher education, knowledge exchange or research policy. Capable of working on their own initiative, the ideal candidate will contribute substantially to the delivery of policy. You will have strong project management skills, an analytical approach, and be a confident communicator with people at all levels. You will need to work flexibly to contribute fully within a small team, with a proactive approach to solving problems within challenging deadlines.

Your responsibilities:

The Knowledge Exchange (KE) team cover a broad area of KE activities - making best use of resources and skills within a small team and ensuring broad understanding of all aspects of KE policy.

KE policy responsibilities of the post:

• Contribute to the development of KE policy and funding, particularly incorporating policy objectives within processes, while considering the level of institutional burden and monitoring information required. This will include:
  • contribute to the design and implementation of a programme of review to Research England’s approach to Higher Education Innovation Funding (HEIF).
  • contribute to policy delivery on a range of KE topics, particularly on the delivery of the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) results.
  • supporting senior colleagues on the development of wider KE policy and funding, drawing together data and evidence and options as required as recommendations are developed on how policy objectives can be addressed and implemented.
  • support the effective distribution of formula funding for KE (HEIF), working with colleagues across Research England through analysis of funding data, creating options appraisals, and contributing to work required on funding assurance and accountability.

Personal Specification

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

Essential

• Experience of policy development in a higher education, or research-based organization, with demonstrable interest in developing knowledge of how UKRI operates within the higher education sector
• Experience of working effectively in a team, including planning and leading activities. (S+I)
• Strong project management and organisational skills, particularly relating to commissioning research/knowledge exchange awards, with the ability to forward plan time and resources accordingly.
• Numerate, with strong analytical skills and the ability to evaluate and interpret information to form judgements, with an ability to present complex data clearly and effectively, both visually and in writing.
• Ability to write clear and accurate correspondence, appropriately tailored to the audience.
• Strong IT skills using Microsoft software packages (Word, Outlook, Excel & PowerPoint) and confident in working alongside/engaging with IT professionals engaged in technical delivery.

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