About the role
We are seeking a Research Evaluation Manager to join the recently restructured Public Health team in North Northamptonshire Council. Our Public Health team formed, following a split in 2021 from the Northamptonshire County Council into two unitary councils. The new team are highly dynamic, open minded to new ideas and aim to be best in class which is why this new role will be critical to the function.
The post holder will work with the Public Health Team to conduct robust process and outcome evaluations of a variety of projects and interventions focusing on health and wellbeing. They will be using both quantitative and qualitative methods, while drawing on their specialist knowledge and experience of health and community services evaluation.
The post holder will be required to work across the Public Health directorate, and other areas of the council in a seamless manner. The role will require proactive and effective joined up working with a range of colleagues in Public Health, and other directorates within the Council, as well as partner organisations.
As a new team, we’re welcoming, open to new ideas and approaches and committed to investing in you and your development. The successful applicants will join our friendly and enthusiastic team committed to improving health and tackling health inequalities in North Northamptonshire.
North Northamptonshire Council is committed to flexible and hybrid working, and we welcome discussions with potential applicants on working arrangements including part time working and job shares. You will need to be able to travel between sites in the North Northamptonshire area.
If you would like to discuss this role in more detail, please contact Shirley Plenderleith Assistant Director, Public Health, shirley.plenderleith@northnorthants.gov.uk
The closing date for this role is 20th December 2023. Interview dates will be advised to those applicants successfully shortlisted.
What will you be doing?
Key Responsibilities
1. Work closely with the wider PH Team, and a variety of stakeholders to develop robust, deliverable process and outcome evaluation frameworks for a range of projects, and develop a research programme within Public Health and the wider council where appropriate
2. Provide line management support and work planning support in line with the Council’s policies and procedures, to the Evidence Reviewer, Behavioural Scientist and the Engagement Manager.
3. Proactively manage evaluations, including:
- identifying and overcoming barriers to delivery of robust evaluations escalating issues as appropriate
- working closely with internal and external stakeholders to put in place appropriate qualitative and quantitative data collection processes to meet the needs of evaluations
- ensuring join-up between the quantitative and qualitative elements of the evaluations
4. Keep key stakeholders (internal & external) and Public Health colleagues informed of the progress of evaluations through verbal and written updates and attendance at relevant group meetings as required.
5. Lead on and contribute to the writing of high-quality evaluation reports.
6. Undertake qualitative and quantitative data collection and apply appropriate qualitative analysis methods
7. Supervise and support the team to undertake work as required. Undertake quantitative data collection and analysis using appropriate methods
8. Develop effective links to the ICS and academic institutions to maximise research opportunities and capacity for the PH Team
9. Provide training in evaluation to colleagues in PH and across the council
About you
Qualifications and Education
Applicant must have a Masters Degree or equivalent management qualification and relevant professional and technical experience a professional specialist knowledge gained through degree and postgraduate qualification, ideally an undergraduate degree in psychology, social science or related discipline.
Experience and Knowledge
Professional background including specialist knowledge in more than one of the following areas for a significant time: designing and leading research/evaluation projects.
- Experience of evaluating health and/or community interventions using robust methods (preferably as part of a university research/evaluation team).
- Experienced in undertaking mixed methods research.
- Skilled in qualitative and quantitative data collection.
- Skilled in qualitative and quantitative analytical methods.
- Advanced knowledge of using Microsoft Excel to analyse ‘raw’ data using pivot tables and formulas.
- Experience in developing research programmes
- Project management experience with ability to plan, manage risk, manage benefits, and manage resources.
- Excellent organisational skills, particularly in terms of management of multiple projects / priorities simultaneously.
Skills and Capability
- Commercial acumen and judgement in decision making that delivers cost effective and efficient results and enables more effective commissioning of services by the PH health Team, the wider council and external partners
- Ability to design research & and evaluation project specifications.
- Experience of successful funding bid writing both standalone and as part of a partnership.
- Experience of commissioning effective research & evaluation projects and contract award
- Ability to critically appraise published research, draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations
- Ability to produce effective reports on activities for a range of stakeholders, including publication for peer reviewed journals, policymakers, members of the public, and other professional groups
- Ability to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders in verbal and written form.
Our benefits
We offer:
- a competitive salary
- a pension scheme, where we pay a significant contribution on top of your contribution. It provides life cover and ill-health protection.
- opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and potential in a large unitary council
- generous leave entitlement (28 days, rising to 33 days) and bank holidays, plus the option to buy up to an extra 10 days
- agile and flexible working arrangements to help you with a healthy work-life balance.
About us
We are a new unitary council, established in April 2021; we are one of the largest unitary councils in the country. Our vision for North Northants is to be 'A place where everyone has the best opportunities and quality of life'.
Our priorities are:
- helping people live active fulfilled lives
- caring for our young people, providing them with high quality education and opportunities
- enabling a thriving and successful economy
- leading on a green and sustainable environment
- ensuring our communities are connected so they can shape their lives and where they live
- providing modern public services
Our values, as chosen by our staff, are - Customer-focused, Respectful, Efficient, Supportive and Trustworthy.
Your differences make us different - Achieve Together.
We are undertaking consultation with the Trade Unions on terms and conditions and the future NNC pay structure and during this time are appointing new employees on interim spot salaries. You will be advised of the outcome and any impact on your role once this work is complete.
Attached documents
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