Research Manager/ Economist (RME1602)

Transcription

1 Research Manager/ Economist (RME1602) Researcher 2015 Application Pack

2 Welcome from the Director I am very pleased that you are interested in applying for the position of Research Manager/ Economist at the Institute for Government. The Institute was established in 2009 with the aim of making government more effective and improving the way it makes decisions. Our aim is to be a catalyst for improvements in government - we don t just conduct research but work closely with people in Westminster and Whitehall to fulfil our mission. We offer you the opportunity to be a core part of an organisation which is making an impact in the world of government and politics and to work in a stimulating and challenging environment. We are based close to Whitehall and Westminster and offer excellent working conditions. The Research Manager/ Economist role has been created to play a major role across the Institute s work starting with an exciting new project on infrastructure in the modern economy. We would also like our Research Manager/ Economist to contribute to a range of other projects, which currently include subjects ranging from better tax policy making, public service performance and Brexit. We are keen to provide opportunities for our research staff to learn and develop at the Institute. As well as working with colleagues from a wide range of backgrounds and experience, you will have opportunities to enhance your skills through a mix of internal and external training courses and informal skill sharing sessions. We also encourage all staff to attend our rich and varied programme of events. In the last few months we have held events series of events on the implications of Brexit, as well as a hosting a speech by Julia Gillard, former prime Minister of Australia and a panel event launching a major piece of our work on digital government. I very much hope you will consider joining us at IfG. Bronwen Maddox Director, Institute for Government 2

3 Research Manager/ Economist at the Institute for Government The Institute for Government is currently inviting applications for a Research Manager/ Economist (Job Reference: RME1602). He or she will use a background in economics and public policy to contribute to a range of Institute for Government projects, beginning with managing an exciting new stream of work on infrastructure in a modern economy. They will be managed by a Programme Director. What we are looking for We are looking for someone with the ability to: Bring a strong academic background in economics, i.e. a good 2:1 or first class honours degree in economics or an exceptional track record of economic research in academic, the public or private sector. Bring experience of applying economic analysis to public policy questions, with a willingness to be involved in all aspects of research projects from empirical analysis to writing final reports and giving presentations; Use their outstanding quantitative and numeracy skills, including knowledge of statistical techniques used in applied economics and experience of developing economic models to support decision making; Represent and promote the Institute to key external stakeholders in government, think tanks and research organisations; Regularly speak on platforms at events outside and inside the Institute Develop relationships with new and existing corporate funders and foundations to fund our work Promote the Institute s work in broadcast and written media Produce argument-driven written work of a publishable standard Manage teams to deliver research projects, helping staff to develop their skills Experience/ knowledge of economic and policy issues relating to infrastructure (e.g. infrastructure financing, cost benefit analysis) would be useful but is not a necessity. Strong external networks would be desirable, as would experience of helping to secure funding for projects. We are recruiting to fill a vacancy in the team currently working on a new programme of work on infrastructure. However, the successful candidate may also be asked to contribute to other areas of the Institute s work programme. We are looking for some who is interested in the breadth of the Institute s work and who is flexible about working across the Institute s work programmes. Our offer to you We will give you the opportunity to: become a core member of the research and learning team in a highly-respected institution at the heart of Westminster with close connections to government and all political parties; take a fresh, evidence-based look at a range of issues including infrastructure and industrial strategy, to understand the problems facing government, develop innovative solutions to these problems and influence senior decision makers to undertake improvements; lead and enhance the Institute s application of economic analysis to public policy questions; work with other Institute staff and external partners to deliver the Institute s research and learning programme, and to lead specific project modules as required by the Institute; work on projects combining traditional research with practitioner and expert workshops and stimulating public and private events. The Institute s projects aim to generate insights while allowing senior leaders to explore the issues and generate their own solutions; and 3

4 produce high quality written reports and discussion papers, presentations, seminars and other events. About the Institute for Government Who we are: The Institute for Government is the UK's leading independent think tank promoting more effective government. We work with all the main political parties at Westminster and with senior civil servants in Whitehall, providing fresh thinking through research, events and leadership development. Our mission is: To help to improve the effectiveness of government in the UK. Why is that important? Good government is one of the most important factors driving the UK s social and economic performance and the health of democracy. But while Whitehall ranks among the world s best administrations, the sheer scale of today s political challenges demands ever more capable leadership from government, and challenges public trust in institutions The Institute s role is to inform and support the process of improvement, working at the highest levels of politics and the civil service to improve capacity and provide evidence-based advice that draws on best practice from across the globe. What we do: We focus equally on the needs of all political parties and of senior decision makers across Whitehall. We stimulate change by challenging current thinking and providing new ideas and models for shaping and developing better government. How we do that: We undertake high quality qualitative and quantitative research, focused on the mechanics and processes of government, producing practical recommendations for change. We provide tailored development opportunities for senior decision makers and their teams. We offer consultancy and advice to departments and political parties, leading and shaping opinion on improving performance and effectiveness. We organise and host regular high-level events addressing different aspects of government in the UK and internationally. Our headquarters are also a meeting place where senior officials from across Whitehall can discuss the challenges of making government work and access practical insights from public servants, academics and opinion formers from across the world. Our core values: We seek in all our activities to be: Innovative: we will push at the boundaries of current knowledge, exploring and experimenting with diverse approaches to find the best solution. Rigorous: we will be thorough and precise in our methods and aspire to produce the highest quality data and services. Impartial: we will be neutral and politically non-aligned. Trusted: we will earn the confidence of all those we work with, being open and challenging as well as a trusted guardian of knowledge. 4

5 Our work programme: Our work programme is structured around the following themes: Policy making with a current focus on tax policy making and infrastructure policy making. Brexit - the UK's future relationship with the European Union. Whitehall transforming the civil service, from digital change to the centre of government; Public services looking at issues from long-term planning in health, to managing public service markets; Devolution including the future of mayors, and decentralisation; Leadership for government including our landmark series Ministers Reflect; Parliament - the role of parliamentary committees, and the future of the Union; and Whitehall Monitor and Performance Tracker - a data-driven perspective on government. Recent projects: Examples of recent Institute projects include: Our new Brexit project aims to position the Institute as a key resource for information and analysis of the implications of the UK s exit from the EU for UK Government. Building on the Institute s existing knowledge of Westminster and Whitehall we are working with civil servants and politicians to support Whitehall s response to the challenges presented by Brexit, provide insights into the negotiation process and examine the implications of the UK s future relationship with the EU for different sectors of the UK economy. Improving tax policy making is an ongoing joint project between the Institute for Government, the Chartered Institute of Taxation and the Institute for Fiscal Studies. We are working with policy makers and tax experts to produce a clear set of recommendations to the Government, Opposition and other stakeholders on how to improve the UK tax policy making process and the process around Budgets. Earlier this year, we published a letter to the Chancellor, urging him to take steps in his first Budget and Autumn Statement to make reforms. Whitehall Monitor is an ongoing project providing a data-driven view of the size, shape and performance of government in the UK. We produce annual reports and more frequent blogposts which take government data on everything from staff numbers, department finances and government reshuffles and turns them into charts and graphs to explain what s going on. We aim to make government improve the way it publishes data as well as improving how we use data to understand government. Further information on our projects can be found on the IfG website: 5

6 Person Specification CRITERIA STANDARD /Desirable Experience A good 2:1 or first class honours degree in economics or an exceptional track record of economic research in academic, the public or private sector Five or more years of relevant work experience (in central or local government, consulting, a think tank or similar) and/or relevant post-graduate research experience with a focus on economic analysis and its application to policy questions Experience of: producing argument-driven written work of a publishable standard; organising roundtables, workshops or public events; securing funding for projects. Knowledge Knowledge of government, economy and public policy Skills Attitude Knowledge of economic and policy issues relating to infrastructure and industrial strategy Strong external networks in government or amongst those working in think tanks and research organisations Ability to communicate clearly and influence a range of audiences in writing and orally Outstanding quantitative and numeracy skills, including knowledge of statistical techniques used in applied economics and experience of developing economic models to support decision making Ability to scope, design and lead research projects, managing project teams and supporting and empowering others Ability to secure funding for projects Strong project management skills Commitment to the Institute s values, aims and objectives; a keen interest in public service improvement; and, the highest possible levels of professional integrity A proactive attitude to work; creating opportunities as they arise Desirable Desirable Desirable Desirable 6

7 Information for all applicants Employer: Location: Who can apply: Institute for Government 2 Carlton Gardens, SW1Y 5AA Applicants who can demonstrate they have the relevant skills and experience as set out in this pack and the person specification. Applicants must be able to and be entitled to work in the UK and either : i) be from within the European Economic Area (EEA) and have an entitlement to work in the UK or ii) already hold a relevant work visa. For an exceptional candidate a Tier 2 working visa may be available. Key dates: Expected key dates are: Closing date: Wednesday 14 th December 2016, 11:00. Interviews will be held in early January (likely to be 5 th & 6 th January 2017). Start dates: Terms: Salary: Benefits: The start date will be as soon as notice periods allow for. Successful candidates will join on a permanent contract subject to a threemonth probationary period. 47,500-56,000 (full time equivalent). Your starting salary will be based upon skills and experience. The Institute has a pension scheme which you will be auto-enrolled into in your 3 rd month of employment. The contribution is a minimum of 5% from the employee and a fixed 10% contribution from the employer. Death in service life assurance of 4 x salary is given to all staff. Working hours: You will normally work a 5-day week of 37.5 hours (9am 5.30pm with a one hour lunch break) but you will, as the occasion requires, work outside these hours. The Institute is committed to supporting flexible working and this role may be available on a part-time basis, subject to the needs of the Institute. Annual leave: For a full-time post your annual leave allowance will be 30 days in addition to 8 days of bank and public holiday. Annual leave and public holidays will be prorated for non-full-time posts. The Institute s leave year runs from September to August. Equal opportunities: All job applicants and employees will receive equal treatment. The Institute for Government collects equal opportunities monitoring information with applications. This information is anonymised and is not given to those involved in the recruitment process. It is used only for monitoring purposes and to help us better understand how we, as an employer, can ensure equality of opportunity for all. 7

8 How to apply Please your cover letter and CV to: Closing date: Wednesday 14 th December 2016, 11:00. NB: we would be grateful if you could please complete and return our equal opportunities monitoring form, which is available on our website. This form is for monitoring purposes only and should be ed separately to your application. Please send monitoring forms to: Contacts If any of this information is unclear, please contact us on: and leave your contact details. Further information about the Institute is available at: 8