Head of Data Management, Reporting & Analysis

UK Research and Innovation

Salary: £54,043
Hours: Full Time 
Contract Type: Open Ended
Location: Polaris House, Swindon 

Closing Date: Monday 29th April 2024 with interviews due to take place from 15th May 2024.

** The International Research and Innovation Portfolio Management Office (IRI-PMO) is a UKRI team that works closely with DSIT on the delivery of DSIT Funds across UK partner organisations. Applicants should be aware this role is likely to transfer to DSIT in early 2025.

Job Overview:

This role is an opportunity to apply your analytical leadership skills to the further development of the reporting, data and analysis activities underpinning the governance, management and evaluation of DSIT’s International Research and Innovation funds. As a key part of the IRI-PMO you will be driving delivery of DSIT international R&I funds such as the International Science Partnerships Fund working with UK Partner Organisations. You will ensure that DSIT and cross-HMG priorities are delivered, UK and international legislation are complied with, and changes in strategy and policy are reflected in Partners’ approaches to the funds.

You will work closely and collaboratively with a range of policy teams and regularly interact with senior officials, Government Departments and partner organisations. You will also lead, develop and motivate a team of data analysts providing crucial insights into fund management and delivery. This is a fascinating post, with opportunities to develop leadership, research infrastructure, and data analysis and dissemination skills, and be innovative in your approach to doing so. It is also an excellent opportunity to develop your analytical career; with considerable space for development, training and working with analysts across DSIT, partner organisations and government more widely.

Key Responsibilities:

• The role is varied and involves applying analytical insight and creativity alongside data analysis and management to the delivery of a package of work in a complex partnership environment. It includes close working with DSIT policy colleagues and governance groups, plus engagement with national academies, other government departments and external scrutiny bodies. Key elements of the job are as follows:
• Oversee the collection, management, analysis and reporting of qualitative and quantitative data in relation to DSIT’s international R&I funds: the International Science Partnerships Fund, the Global Challenges Research Fund, the Newton Fund and the Ayrton Fund.
• Work with data systems colleagues in the team in a) managing external suppliers of data management software/infrastructure and the associated contracts and budget; and b) developing existing data systems to fit user needs over time and improve user experiences, including the incorporation of Monitoring & Evaluation requirements.
• Work with the team to deliver, and implement structures and processes to ensure, quality assurance of data collection, analysis and reporting.
• Work with your team to design, develop and refine reporting products and data visualisation tailored to a variety of users, such as the ISPF dashboard.
• Lead on the production, Quality Assurance, reporting and submission of the following:
  • Quarterly returns on spend from partner organisations.
  • Official National Statistics (Statistics on International Development) reporting.
  • DSIT ODA transparency reporting (International Aid Transparency Initiative).
  • Updates to the Mapping ODA Research and Innovation (Modari) dataset.
  • Data and statistical contributions to Other Government Department priorities such as the International Climate Finance and Gilbert Initiatives.
• Work with the team on, and implement structures and process to ensure, the accurate provision of near real-time data by theme and by country for Ministerial briefing, external bodies, policy colleagues, and in response to PQs.
• Work with team and policy and evaluation colleagues to ensure the collation and provision of tailored reporting for Governance Boards, including in relation to Benefits Management. 
• Work with DSIT Analysts to ensure that, at a fund level, all Partners are using and reporting on Key Performance Indicators based on the Monitoring & Evaluation plan.
• Engage with partner organisations and other key partners on the submission and reporting of grant data, and the development of the suite of reporting measures and products
• Help the team be transparent in its use of data and comply with the Code of Practice for Statistics and any relevant professional guidance books.
• Provide leadership, management and oversight for your team, ensuring their well-being and professional development.
• Show initiative and adaptability in what can sometimes be a changing or ambiguous situation, able to think on your feet and operate independently when required.
• Provide analytical support and advice more generally including identifying and designing new projects or analysis to support international research and innovation policy.
• Be flexible and adaptable in an environment of evolving policy, structures and demand, including in how the team delivers the programme of work. This also means adapting to changing roles and responsibilities within the post and those of the team to meet business need.

Direct Reports

• Senior Data Manager x 2
• Senior Project Manager

Reports To

• Chief Operating Officer, UKRI International

Person Specification:

Essential

Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) & Test (T)

• Experience of leading a team collecting, analysing and reporting data for policy development and publication. (S&I)
• Experience of statistics/research governance and data protection and GDPR principles and processes. (S&I)
• Experience working with the users of data and statistics, understanding their needs and contexts, providing solutions, and developing accessible and interactive reporting and data visualisation products. (S&I)
• Analytical software skills – intermediate to advanced knowledge of Excel, PowerBI or similar tools for use in data analysis and reporting. (S&I)
• The ability to work at pace and effectively plan, organise and manage your time and activities and those of your team. (S&I)
• Experienced in quantitative data analysis techniques. (I&T)
• Ability to translate complex and multiple data sources into clear and accessible briefing materials and developing a team to do the same. (I)
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to create and maintain positive professional working relationships with team members and a wide variety of people both within and outside the organisation. (I)
• Understanding best practice principles for the above and in relation to quality assurance and documentation, and the Code of Practice for Statistics. (I)

Desirable

• Knowledge and experience of using coding languages such as R or Python for visualisation and analysis. (S&I)
• Knowledge and experience of data systems development. (S&I)
• An understanding of research and innovation and / or of Official Development Assistance (ODA) spend. (S&I)

Please note that at interview stage you will be asked to take a test to assess the competency "Experienced in quantitative data analysis techniques"