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University of Essex
,
Colchester, Essex
Policy and Partnerships Manager, Institute for Social and Economic Research
Overview
Job Description
The Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER) The Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER), at the University of Essex, has a worldwide reputation as a multidisciplinary centre of quantitative social science research. Understanding Society tracks changes in people's lives over time - following everyone from an initial sample covering 40,000 households across the UK. It plays a pivotal role in generating data that enables researchers and policymakers to understand the changing lives of people. In these turbulent times, it offers unprecedented opportunities for investigating the implications of macro social, economic and policy changes on the populations of the four countries of the UK and different subgroups within it. This post is based in the Understanding Society Policy and Partnerships Unit, which aims to mobilise knowledge and maximise the impact from the Study on policy and practice. The Policy and Partnerships Unit has a growing reputation for effective working with government departments and third sector agencies and is now charting out a new direction of travel. This will involve negotiating and forging long-term collaborations with non-academic organisations and developing new ways to mobilise the data and knowledge from the Study. Across many sectors and organisations there is an appetite to do things differently to solve deep-seated social problems by scaling up innovation. Underpinning the work of the Policy and Partners Unit will be its 'theory of change' model on influencing policy and practice - that can be tested to develop a better understanding of what works in generating impact. Duties of the Role This post provides an opportunity to help build the use and impact of Understanding Society, and manage an ambitious programme of collaborative work with partner organisations. The successful candidate will relish the opportunity to drive social change and develop a deep appreciation of Understanding Society in Government, NGOs, social enterprises, think-tanks and business. The successful candidate will negotiate and forge longer-term partnerships and manage and develop a programme of collaborative work with other organisations. Duties of the role fall under six key categories, which are 'Relationship Management', 'Partnership Programmes and Innovative Events', 'Challenge Labs', 'Audiences and Communications', 'Monitoring and Impact Assessment' and 'Management and Internal Liaison'. A full list of duties and responsibilities can be found within the job pack. Qualifications and Skills required Applicants are required to hold a higher degree in a relevant social science discipline or equivalent experience in using or interpreting the findings of social science research. We are seeking an individual who possesses an interest and awareness of social and economic issues in the UK coupled with an understanding of UK policy-making processes and priorities, especially within government and devolved administrations. Experience of partnership working with government departments, public bodies, regulatory agencies, third sector organisations or business is also essential. Good organisational and networking skills applied in a variety of settings will be essential. You will enjoy dynamic working, cultivating strong relationships and working in a cross-disciplinary team environment. This post is available for two years in the first instance. Whilst it is a full-time post, part-time working will be considered at a minimum of 0.8 FTE (28.8 hours per week). At the University of Essex, internationalism and diversity is central to who we are and what we do. We are committed to being a cosmopolitan, internationally oriented university that is welcoming to staff and students from all countries, faiths and backgrounds, where you can find the world in one place. To support this commitment we have our Global Forum, a staff-led network that promotes and celebrates the rich cultural diversity among Essex staff, and our Colchester campus based Faith Centre, which hosts regular services, meetings and events organised by our chaplains and faith representatives. For more information see: Please see the attached job pack, which contains a full job description and person specification, which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role plus more information relating to the post. We recommend you read this information carefully before making an application. Applications should be made on-line, but if you would like advice or help in making an application, or need information in a different format, please telephone the Resourcing Team (01206 876559). *More information: Working at the University...[more details]