Senior Manager - Research Prioritisation and Utilisation

Job summary

Science Research Evidence division (SRE) is part of the Health, Care, and Prevention Group in Welsh Government. Our purpose is to work to Cabinet Ministers and support the Chief Scientific Advisor for Health (CSAH) and the Chief Medical Officer, through the facilitation and use of high-quality Science, Research and Evidence, to improve health and care outcomes for people and communities in Wales. SRE division has a role to develop and implement the policies and priorities for health and social care research and development in Wales to ensure that research and development activity meets the needs of the Welsh Government’s priorities. The Division also provides funding to support a research infrastructure across Wales in health and social care as well as running a range of programmes that build capacity and fund excellent research, all of which come under the brand of Health and Care Research Wales.

The post holder will have responsibility for delivering activities within SRE health and social care research prioritisation and utilisation workstream, and managing and supporting a range of initiatives linked to evidence generation and research knowledge mobilisation. They will work directly to, and be line-managed by, the Head of Research Prioritisation, Commissioning and Knowledge Mobilisation (G7). They will need to support strategic partnerships with Welsh Government policy officials working in this field, as well as public and practice stakeholders (such as NHS, social care, third sector and public) to enable SRE to identify, develop and address priority research questions and research evidence gaps. They will have responsibility for creating engagement processes and opportunities with users of research to ensure that research knowledge is mobilised and can inform policy and practice. They will support the Head of Research Prioritisation, Commissioning and Knowledge Mobilisation in providing operational, technical and strategic advice, and assistance to the Head of Programmes and Deputy Director Science, Research, Evidence/Director of Health and Care Research Wales. As well as leading and supporting the delivery of Welsh initiatives, the post holder will be expected to engage with other UK funders, as appropriate, to ensure that funding opportunities for research questions relevant to the needs to Wales are offered through UK programmes.

Please find more information by following the below link - Welsh Government vacancy site.

Job description

• Manage the delivery of core initiatives in support of research prioritisation and research findings utilisation activities;
• Contribute to the development of strategies, programmes, and implementation plans focused on the Welsh environment and/or in line with developments in the UK as appropriate;
• Develop and manage the delivery of effective processes to ensure the effective implementation of Welsh initiatives, seeking funding when appropriate and ensuring value for money;
• Liaise with key external bodies to ensure successful implementation of relevant Research and Development programmes in Wales, including, where relevant, NHS, social care sector, UK government departments, UK funding agencies, higher education institutions, voluntary organisations and industry;
• Where appropriate represent Wales and/or support the Head of Research Prioritisation, Commissioning and Knowledge Mobilisation at UK meetings to ensure that Welsh interests are promoted and taken into account by the UK Government, UKRI and other research agencies;
• Engage widely (Wales and broader UK) to seek specialist advice from the research community where required, establishing and maintaining links;
• Draft briefings and contribute to Ministerial correspondence, as required, and draft/contribute to the drafting of divisional level analyses and reports, at all times sifting and presenting information on relevant issues in a clear, concise and timely way to inform strategic discussions and decisions;
• Draft material to inform relevant publicity and communications activity;
• Contribute to team-level activity relevant to the post, including where required, activity in relation to open access, impact evaluation, and dissemination and knowledge mobilisation activity;
• Liaise effectively and develop strong communication with other relevant Welsh Government policy leads and represent Research and Development Division at meetings;
• Maintain information on activities and offer advice to the Head of Research Prioritisation, Commissioning and Knowledge Mobilisation, Head of Programmes, Head of Policy and Deputy Director Science, Research, Evidence on issues related to the role;
• Ensure effective financial management of any budgets allocated in accordance with corporate and divisional requirements;
• Contribute, as required, to strategic and operational plans within Research and Development Division;
• The post holder will work both independently and in a close team environment, ensuring harmonization of all activities associated with relevant research initiatives.

Person specification

The post holder will be expected to work with autonomy and with minimal supervision. They will have considerable discretion and have responsibility for the achievement of defined objectives and for identifying issues which have political or policy implications, and taking work forward appropriately. As a direct result of the high profile associated with all of these work areas, the post holder will also have significant influence on the organisation’s reputation with internal and external stakeholders.

Behaviours

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

• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service
• Communicating and Influencing

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £47,675, Welsh Government contributes £13,811 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• 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 Behaviours and Experience.

In the event of a large number of applications, an initial sift will be conducted against the lead assessment criterion: Experience 1. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.

A reserve list may be