Data and Policy Analyst - Research and Insights Team, External Relations

The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) supports the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in delivering the Government's strategic priorities for Northern Ireland. The Secretary of State's vision is to make Northern Ireland a better place to live, work and invest and in working towards this, the NIO has identified four priority outcomes which are:

• Level up the NI economy and Champion Northern Ireland's economic growth across Whitehall


• Support greater reconciliation and integration in Northern Ireland;


• Contribute to a safer Northern Ireland; where terrorist and paramilitary groups are less able to cause harm of communities


• Ensure that governance in Northern Ireland is responsive, transparent, and able to deliver effective public services, The Research and Insights Team is responsible for gathering and analysing data to inform departmental strategy, decision making and delivery. The team contains two positions, the Data and Policy Analyst (this role) who supports (and reports to) the Head of Performance Management. Based within the wider External Relations Team, the Research and Insights Team works with teams across the department to bring better evidence and data to the heart of what the department does and, in particular, to:


• Examine and understand the context of Northern Ireland, including ongoing social, economic, security and political trends and stakeholder relationships, to horizon scan and inform strategy and policy.


• Monitor implementation to assess delivery and inform better operational performance


• Evaluate and assess outcomes against departmental strategic objectives


As the jobholder, you will support the Head of the Team in working to build capability and best practice in data analysis across the department by working across teams, in a range of policy areas to help them make better use of data, demonstrate the value of robust evidence and enhance capacity in performance management. You will also work closely with a strong and extensive network of stakeholders in the Cabinet Office, other Territorial Offices, other UK government departments as well as with colleagues in the NI devolved government and other external delivery partners. Opportunity also exists to participate in, as relevant, the Government Economic or Social Research Membership., Specific responsibilities are likely to include:

• Collecting, analysing, interpreting and presenting data and other forms of evidence to assess progress of departmental initiatives, evaluate outcomes, and to help inform new policy proposals and approaches.


• Developing data collection, evaluation and performance reporting mechanisms, including routine reporting such as KPIs and conducting a deep dive analysis of particular issues, to assess the department's priority outcomes.


• Helping design new areas of research enquiry to gather insights on Northern Ireland regarding social, political, security and economic trends.


• Supporting a range of policy teams in the thoughtful, challenging and constructive analysis of data and evidence (within the wider policy and strategic context) to develop and test hypotheses relating to policy interventions.


• Working with a variety of qualitative and quantitative data, ensuring data and analysis is of high quality and accuracy.


• Communicating and sharing monitoring and evaluation findings, knowledge and expertise.


• Helping stakeholders to translate evidence, monitoring and evaluation results into practice.


• Building and maintaining strong, constructive relationships with NIO policy teams, as well as external partners, to scope data and evidence requirements, and build and manage a shared departmental data repository.


• Contributing to a continuous review of processes in order to ensure consistency and efficiency of data collection and reporting, which continues to meet the requirements of the department., We will assess you against the following Success Profiles behaviours at Level 4 during the selection process.


• Communicating and Influencing


• Working Together


• Making Effective Decisions, The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity.


Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone's circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.

For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre-employment checks.

Some of MoJ's terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.

MoJ candidates who are on a specialist grade, will be able to retain their grade on lateral transfer.

All candidates who are currently in receipt of Mark Time / Pay Protection should ensure they are familiar with the new policy on permanent and temporary promotion which can be found on the employee intranet.

Flexible working hours

The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week. MoJ welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the MoJ's Flexible Working policy.,
• You've been serving overseas with HM Forces or in some other official capacity as a representative of HM Government


• You were studying abroad


• You were living overseas with parents


In such cases you will need to be able to provide referee cover for the period(s) of residence overseas. The duration of overseas residence and the country of abode will also be taken into account.
Success Profiles, The "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans" initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs. Allowing veterans to continue to serve their country, and to bring highly skilled individuals with a broad range of experience into the Civil Service in an environment, which recognises and values your previous service in the Armed Forces.
For further details about the initiative and eligibility requirements visit : https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans

Redeployment Interview Scheme

Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ are committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.

MoJ are able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidate's will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.

We are looking for someone with a strong track record in collection, collation and analysis of data, using a range of research methods, as well as experience in communicating the findings from data to assess outcomes and inform the development of strategy and policy interventions. Practical experience in developing and implementing appropriate performance (or analytical) frameworks will be important for this position.

As different teams will have different pressures, priorities and development paths regarding data, evidence and performance management, good communication skills and the ability to provide confident persuasive advice will also be critical. The post holder will also require the ability to grasp new ideas and topics quickly and have a willingness to take on new challenges with enthusiasm and commitment. A strong political antenna is not essential but desirable.,
• A third level qualification in which policy analysis, policy studies, data analysis, research methods or evaluation forms a large part, or equivalent related qualification to the Analysis Profession. This role is a Data and Policy Analyst but all badged and non-badged analysts are welcome to apply given the broad nature of the role and work of the team.


• Strong and demonstrated analytical ability - in particular knowledge of the main quantitative, qualitative and evaluation research methods and experience (minimum of 2 years working experience) of their application in more complex projects


• Strong experience in data collection, collation, data quality assurance, monitoring and performance reporting with a good understanding of the pros and cons of different research methods to help teams identify data/evidence requirements and establish a programme of activity to address these requirements.


• Strong written and oral communication and interpersonal skills, as well as an ability to synthesise critical information to disseminate findings and recommendations effectively (using a variety of methods, as relevant) to a range of audiences.


• The ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.


• Technical ability to utilise information and analysis tools to gather and analyse data and produce clear graphical representations and data visualisations. This includes tools such as Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, Google Looker Studio and Power BI.


Desirable Criteria:

• A good understanding of the political, socio-economic and security environment in Northern Ireland.


• The ability to clearly provide guidance and training to non-experts on the effective use of data., Knowledge of research methods, techniques, & application of these


• Identifying research needs, designing & specifying research


• Undertaking analysis and providing insight through strong communication skills (including data visualisation).


(We will assess this at Level 3 of the Government Analysis Career Framework)

Please note that in the event of a large number of applications being received we may run the initial sift on the lead Behaviours "Communicating and Influencing".

Interview

The interview will be of a blended nature consisting of behaviours, technical skills and experience based questions., To apply for roles in MOJ you will need to confirm your employment history for at least 3 years prior to the date of application so that pre-employment checks (BPSS) can be undertaken. If you have spent significant time abroad (a total of 6 months in the past 3 years) you would be required to give a reasonable account of the reasons why.

For some roles you will be required to successfully complete National Security Vetting at Counter Terrorism (CTC), Security Clearance (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV) level as a condition of appointment. To meet CTC/SC/DV requirements you will normally need to have been resident in the UK for at least 3/5/10 years prior to the date of application (The level of checks that are required are stated in the advert)., Communicating and Influencing - 250 word limit
Working Together - 250 word limit
Making Effective Decisions - 250 word limit
Experience
Statement of Suitability - 500 word limit
A sift based on the lead behaviour, Communicating and Influencing, may be held if a large number of applications are received. If a large number of applications remain after the initial sift, your application will be progressed to a full sift, where all behaviours will then be considered., Communicating and Influencing
Working Together
Making Effective Decisions
Technical Skills
We will also be assessing your suitability against the following technical skills at interview
Knowledge of research methods, techniques, & application of these

• Identifying research needs, designing & specifying research


• Undertaking analysis and providing insight through strong communication skills

(including data visualisation).

We are a small and friendly department of approximately 180 staff. Our small size and diverse portfolio create a stimulating, fast-paced and challenging working environment, with regular engagement with a range of Ministers and senior officials. We support flexible working and have a modern, flexible IT system which helps enable this.

The Northern Ireland Office is committed to being an inclusive employer with a diverse workforce. We encourage applications from people from the widest possible diversity of backgrounds, cultures and experiences. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates, as they are under-represented within (department/business area) at this level.

The Northern Ireland Office is recognised by its staff and externally as being an employer where Diversity and Inclusion are valued. We hold a Diversity & Inclusion Charter Mark and are an accredited Disability Confident Leader organisation. We also have an active Diversity and Inclusion network supporting colleagues through Diversity and Inclusion Advocates.

We want all our people to feel valued for who they are and we are confident that you will find the NIO a warm, welcoming and inclusive place to work.

The NIO offers a pleasant, modern work environment which allows consideration of a range of flexible working arrangements which support a good work / life balance. Depending on the role, these may include flexible / alternative working patterns, part-time and job-share options. Benefits include:

• Interest-free season ticket and bicycle loans


• Reward & Recognition scheme


Guaranteed Interview Scheme and other information on Civil Service Careers

The Northern Ireland Office operates the Guaranteed Interview Scheme, details of which are attached to the application form for this post.

The national salary range is £39,868 - £43,535, London salary range is £45,824 - £50,039. Your salary will be dependent on your base location, Duration: Permanent position (subject to successful completion of a six month probation period)

Salary: Salary scale: Inner London £45,824-£50,039 and National £39,868-£43,535, The MoJ offers a range of benefits:

Annual Leave

Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years' service.

There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.

Pension

The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.

Training

The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.

Networks

The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

Support

• A range of 'Family Friendly' policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.


• Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.


• For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.


• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.


• Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.


Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order

• To Shared Service Connected Ltd (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com);


• To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team (resourcing-management-office@justice.gov.uk);


• To the Civil Service Commission (details available here)


As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.

For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, please see our Disability Confident Scheme Frequently Asked Questions webpage.

You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team.

Diversity & Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

Interview dates
To be confirmed
Closing Date