3830 - Head of Research Programmes Analysis, Development and Management

Job summary

The Welsh Government Office for Science, led by the Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales, plays a pivotal role in ensuring that government programmes, policies and decisions are informed by robust scientific evidence and strategic foresight.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to lead on the design, analysis and delivery of strategic research and innovation programmes. This is a unique opportunity to work at the interface of science, policy and public impact.

Job description

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead strategic partnerships with key research funders such as Medr (Commission for Tertiary Education and Research) and other national and international RD&I bodies.
• Advise on funding mechanisms, delivery structures and research translation, ensuring that science and technology investments deliver real-world benefits.
• Conduct performance analysis of Welsh Government, UKRI and European Commission-funded programmes to identify what works, what doesn’t, and how future programmes can be improved.
• Provide expert advice to the Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales on science and technology policy, evidence generation, and programme impact.

Science is about more than discovery — it’s about impact. This role ensures that research programmes are not only well-designed but also deliver measurable outcomes that benefit society, the economy and the environment. You’ll help shape how Wales invests in science and innovation, ensuring maximum return on investment and long-term strategic value.

Person specification

Main Responsibilities

As a senior member of the Welsh Government Office for Science, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of science and innovation policy in Wales. Your responsibilities will include:

• Strategic Programme Leadership
  Lead the development and delivery of high-impact programmes, including the potential launch of a Technology Transfer Office in Spending Review 2026/27.
• Scientific Analysis & Reporting
  Analyse complex scientific and technical datasets, producing clear and timely insights to inform strategic decisions. Prepare technical reports and Ministerial briefings that influence policy and funding.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
  Drive engagement across the health and life sciences sectors, working closely with Welsh Government colleagues and external partners. Lead on marketing, publicity, and events to promote programme visibility and impact.
• Policy & Advisory Support
  Provide expert advice to the Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales, Ministers, and senior officials on research strategy, funding mechanisms, and performance outcomes. Conduct horizon scanning to identify emerging opportunities and risks.
• Cross-Government Collaboration
  Represent the Office for Science on internal and external working groups, ensuring alignment across departments and promoting Welsh interests in UK-wide and international research forums.

Key Tasks

• Lead the analysis, development, and delivery of Welsh science and technology initiatives, ensuring value for money and measurable success.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including UKRI, research charities, and industry partners.
• Advise on administrative and policy matters affecting external research organisations and funders.
• Influence UK Government and UKRI strategies to ensure Welsh priorities are reflected and supported.
• Support the CSA in promoting scientific excellence, attracting investment, and maximising societal and economic benefits from RD&I.
• Maintain active links with the academic sector and contribute to strategic discussions on science and innovation.
• Analyse large volumes of research portfolio data and present findings to senior colleagues in a clear, concise format.
• Lead on data gathering, communications, and event planning related to your programme areas.
• Draft high-quality technical reports and Ministerial papers.
• Undertake any additional duties as required by the CSA or Head of Science.

Qualifications

Do you have a higher degree (by research), such as a PhD or MRes in a relevant life sciences, health or physical sciences or other STEMM discipline?
Proof of STEMM higher degree qualification will need to be provided at interview.

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Providing and Handling Evidence: Generates, collates and provides succinct scientific or technical evidence to fulfil requirements. Provides critical analysis and investigation of sources, and contributes to the robustness of the evidence base.
• Application of science principles to policy, delivery strategy and programmes. How has your academic training informed your approach to scientific analysis, evidence generation, or policy development in a professional context?

Benefits

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Experience and Technical skills.

Welsh Government, like all other Government Departments use Success Profiles when we recruit. For each role we consider what you will need to demonstrate to be successful. This gives us the best possible chance of finding the right person for the job. It raises performance and improves diversity and inclusivity.

The selection process and stages are:

Number of Stages:2 stage processStage 1Application FormStage 2Interview

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the