Research Assistant – Wales Centre for Public Policy (WCPP)

Job title:

Research Assistant – Wales Centre for Public Policy (WCPP)

Company

Cardiff University

Job description

School / DirectorateCardiff Business SchoolAdvertThis post is currently open to employees of Cardiff University only. Please do not apply if you do not have a current contract of employment with the University.Internal Applicants Only – Research Assistant
Wales Centre for Public PolicyThe is a unique £9 million initiative which is co-funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and Welsh Government, with additional support from Cardiff University. Its mission is to increase the use of research evidence by government and public services in order to improve policy decisions and outcomes for the public.The Centre is independent of government but works closely with ministers, civil servants, local government, and the health service to generate high quality evidence and analysis that informs and improves national and local strategies, policies, and programmes. It is part of the UK’s What Works Network and collaborates with colleagues from across the UK and internationally to mobilise evidence that addresses major economic, environmental and societal challenges. The Centre was a finalist in the prestigious ESRC Celebrating Impact Prize, and is recognised internationally for its pioneering, demand-led approach to evidence use, and knowledge mobilisation.The Centre is seeking an outstanding graduate who can bridge the worlds of research and policy and is committed to producing high quality, policy relevant research and analysis. This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of current policy debates, and particularly in our three priority areas of the Environment and Net Zero, Tackling inequalities, and Community wellbeing.You will work with experienced researchers to scope and undertake assignments for Welsh Government ministers and public service leaders and be mentored by the Centre’s senior staff.The Centre offers a stimulating and supportive working environment within a highly motivated and collegiate team. You will have access to the wealth of training opportunities provided by Cardiff University. The post is full-time. We support hybrid working and other flexible working arrangements but expect staff to work from our offices in the new purpose-built Social Science Research Park (SPARK) located on Cardiff University’s £300 million Innovation Campus at least two days per week.If you have any questions about the role, please contact the Acting Centre Director, Professor James Downe (email: James.Downe@wcpp.org.uk).Applicants are asked to answer the following question at the start of their supporting statement. Your answer must NOT exceed 300 words in total.The Wales Centre for Public Policy (WCPP) provides evidence to enable Welsh Government, local authorities, health boards and other public bodies in Wales make policy decisions and improve public services. Choose a policy area you have demonstrable experience with and explain whether it relates to WCPP’s priority areas. Then outline your approach to how you would synthesise the evidence to answer a challenging question in this policy area. Finally, highlight the key factors which need to be considered about the quality of this evidence to ensure it is sufficiently robust to help Welsh policy makers.This post is full-time (35 hours per week), advertised on a fixed term basis until 31 March 2028.Salary: £33,232 – £35,880 per annum (Grade 5)Closing date: 13 January 2025External applications are currently not being considered for this post. If the decision is made to open the post to external candidates, the strapline at the top will be removed and you will be given ample time to apply – please check back periodically for details.Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in EnglishCardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at:Post Reference Number19496BRJob DescriptionMain function
You will work alongside experienced researchers in the Wales Centre for Public Policy (WCPP) on projects that directly address the evidence needs of Welsh Government ministers and Welsh publicMain duties

• To undertake research to address the evidence needs of government ministers’ and public service leaders by scoping to evaluate the evidence base, conducting literature reviews, informing project planning, identifying and commissioning experts, and drafting/editing reports.
• To analyse and communicate complex ideas and concepts using appropriate methods.
• To communicate the Centre’s research via policy reports, seminars, newsletters, blogs, and social media.
• To support the organisation of events including seminars, workshops and briefings for ministers and public service leaders.
• To proactively engage in a range of personal and professional development activities that will enhance performance in the role, including those within the Cardiff Researcher Programme.
• To participate in Centre administration and activities to promote our work to the wider University and the outside world.
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Other

• To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
• To ensure that an understanding of the importance of confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties
• To abide by the University policies on Health and Safety and Equality and Diversity
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role

Salary Range Max.35,880GradeGrade 5Salary Range Min.33,232Job CategoryAcademic – ResearchAdditional InformationIMPORTANT NOTE TO CANDIDATES
It is the University’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing and we only invite candidates to interview who clearly evidence that they meet (or partially meet) each of the essential criteria. During the application process you will be asked to attach a supporting statement. This statement must outline how you meet the criteria below and we recommended formatting this by using each criterion as a sub-heading and providing your relevant experience/evidence below each sub-heading. It is crucial that you save your supporting statement with the vacancy number (BR) in the filename as failure to do so may result in it being omitted from your application.Cardiff Business School
Cardiff Business School is a leading business and management school in the UK, holding AACSB and AMBA accreditations and ranked 1st for its Research Environment and 2nd on Research Power (REF2021). The School has a Public Value purpose and focuses on the co-creation of high quality, interdisciplinary education and knowledge that delivers economic, social and environmental value. The School’s activities are oriented towards five Grand Challenges: , , , , and ..Career PathwayResearchPerson SpecificationEssential CriteriaQualifications and Education
1. A degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., social sciences including politics, economics, sociology, public policy etc.) or equivalent experienceKnowledge, Skills and Experience
2. Knowledge of appropriate research methods and techniques.
3. Experience of managing, conducting and/or using research.
4. Proven ability to analyse complex information and data and to summarise appropriately.
5. Strong organisational skills and the ability to ensure that projects are delivered on time, working in collaboration with senior researchers.
6. Interest in and knowledge of current public policy challenges in Wales and beyond.Communication and Team Working
7. Demonstrable ability to communicate effectively in ways that will be applicable to policymakers, practitioners and/or academic audiences, using a range of communication methods.
8. Demonstrable ability to work creatively and innovatively within a team and proven inter-personal skills.
9. Proven ability to work without close supervision and prioritise tasks appropriately.

Expected salary

£33232 – 35880 per year

Location

Cardiff

Job date

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 03:33:16 GMT

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