DIGITAL EVALUATOR – SENIOR SOCIAL RESEARCHER

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Digital Evaluator (GSR SEO Analyst) to join our dynamic team. The Digital Evaluator will lead on the delivery of the evaluation for the Licencing for International Trade and Enterprise (LITE) product. The Digital Evaluation will work closely with the G7 Head Performance Analysis for the portfolio to identify and address gaps on data and evaluation needs.
The LITE project was established in 2015 by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) to replace the existing export licencing system, SPIRE. The vision of the LITE project is to create a secure, streamlined, effective, and user-friendly licence case management system for exporters of strategic and controlled goods. LITE aims to automate processes, adhere to modern Government Digital Service (GDS) standards, follow DDaT practices, and remain adaptable to geopolitical changes. In contrast to SPIRE, LITE is designed to be more intuitive and user-friendly.
The ECJU export licence system processes over 17,000 applications annually, worth up to £41bn, supporting British industry and HMG’s international, human rights, and security commitments. Due to its importance, ECJU’s work attracts significant public and political attention, and licensing errors can have serious consequences.
The public and ministers expect the licensing system to function efficiently and effectively with minimum error. The digital element of the process accounts for 30% of the overall process and it is essential that the digital solution operates robustly.
The evaluation of LITE is a high-level project that needs to be delivered at pace as the findings are feeding straight to the development team. Securing an effective ROAMEF is a crucial part of the work. To achieve this, it is essential to cultivate strong relationships and governance, facilitating the transmission of evidence and fostering a culture of continuous learning in the development and delivery of digital products.
Working in this role, you’ll be embedded in DDaT missions and with development teams to ensure the right data collection methods at each stage of the product development cycle.
This post provides an excellent opportunity to develop both your analytical and communication skills and competencies to the full.
There is no immediate direct line management responsibility, but some projects might require matrix manage teams of researchers.
This role is available in seven UK locations and can only be worked from within the UK, not overseas.
Travel to your primary office location will not be paid for by DBT, but costs for travel to an office which is not your main location will be covered.
Find out about life at DBT, our benefits and meet the team by watching our recruitment video, visiting our website or reading our blog

DESIRABLE SKILLS:

The below criteria are desirable only. These will not be assessed throughout the recruitment process, but will be used in the event of tied scores between candidates;

• Understanding of Digital Evaluation.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis tools, particularly R.
• Experience of working within an Agile Delivery team.

We offer a vibrant and inclusive work environment, committed to supporting your professional growth and ensuring the success of our digital products and services. If you are passionate about digital evaluation and continuous improvement, we encourage you to apply.

QUALIFICATIONS

To be eligible to apply you will need to hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:2. The degree must contain substantial social research methods training (comprising around one third of modules taken on the course) including quantitative research methods and at least three of the following: systematic/literature reviews; qualitative methods; interpretation of data and presentation of results; study design, hypothesis testing and application of ethics to research. OR hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:2, in any subject, or a degree equivalent (e.g. an advanced Certificate or Diploma from MRS), plus have at least 4 years’ social research practice experience. Social research practice experience consists of experience working in a research agency, market research agency or specialist research team. To enter the GSR through this route you must make explicit the breadth and depth of your research experience and skills, which must include quantitative research methods and three of the following: systematic/literature reviews; qualitative methods; interpretation of data and presentation of results; study design, hypothesis testing and application of ethics to research.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

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

• Senior Research Officer: Technical Skills
• Senior Research Officer: Using and Promoting Social Research

We only ask for evidence of these technical skills on your application form:

• Senior Research Officer: Technical Skills

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible to apply you will need to hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:2. The degree must contain substantial social research methods training (comprising around one third of modules taken on the course) including quantitative research methods and at least three of the following: systematic/literature reviews; qualitative methods; interpretation of data and presentation of results; study design, hypothesis testing and application of ethics to research. OR hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:2, in any subject, or a degree equivalent (e.g. an advanced Certificate or Diploma from MRS), plus have at least 4 years’ social research practice experience. Social research practice experience consists of experience working in a research agency, market research agency or specialist research team. To enter the GSR through this route you must make explicit the breadth and depth of your research experience and skills, which must include quantitative research methods and three of the following: systematic/literature reviews; qualitative methods; interpretation of data and presentation of results; study design, hypothesis testing and application of ethics to research.

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 European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with the G7 Head Performance Analysis you will use strategic thinking and evidence to inform continuous improvement and development.
• Evaluation planning and Strategy.
• Lead the delivery of the LITE evaluation project, ensuring timely and accurate feedback to the development team.
• Manage the day-to-day development of monitoring, evaluation and analytical tools, and then embed the outputs within the team. This includes supporting the business case work, maintaining the Theory of Change, designing and conducting qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys with business users, analysing interview and survey results, working with economists and other digital professions to report regularly on economic indicators and ensuring Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are tracked and reported effectively in the program dashboard.
• Delivery of the production and publication of analytical evaluation reports in line with the GSR Code of Practice.
• Development of strategic analytical advice, presentations and dissemination of emerging findings to senior officials, including chairing and managing steering groups, ensuring stakeholder views are integrated into the evaluation work. This requires good presentation and communication skills as well as the ability to identify those messages important to senior managers and external stakeholders.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, deliver, and analyse qualitative interviews and surveys.
• Conduct statistical analysis in R, ensuring quality assurance and reporting.
• Set up and chair evaluation advisory groups.
• Perform rapid evaluations and feedback in collaboration with user researchers.
• Develop Theory of Change and dashboards in partnership with performance analysts.
• Scope and develop baseline data and monitoring for products.
• Conduct impact evaluation scoping studies.