The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking a Monitoring & Evaluation Officer to join its newly established Monitoring & Evaluation team based in the Research Directorate, providing key support in the delivery of the Academy’s strategy.

You will be joining the Academy at an exciting time as we launch our new strategy for 2023-2027. Our three strategic priorities for this period are:

• Strengthening and championing the humanities and social sciences

• Mobilising our disciplines for the benefit of everyone

• Opening up the Academy

To support the success of these strategic priorities the Academy is establishing a new Monitoring & Evaluation team. The Academy recognises the growing importance of capturing, utilising, and visualising data effectively to ensure we can strongly advocate for SHAPE through appropriate monitoring and evaluation of the work we do and support.

You will play a key role in the new Monitoring and Evaluation team in supporting the development and implementation of a modern, streamlined approach to the way in which we monitor and evaluate our work. We are looking for dynamic, experienced individuals who are keen to be part of a new team and to be a part of the start of a new chapter at the Academy.

You can find out more about the British Academy here, including our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement.

ROLE PURPOSE / OVERVIEW

The Monitoring & Evaluation Officer will be part of the newly created Monitoring & Evaluation team, reporting to the Senior Monitoring & Evaluation Lead.

You will play a key role in advising on and delivering the monitoring and evaluation requirements of the Academy and their portfolio of funding schemes. This includes the analysis of data and statistics and their visual representation in reports and presentations for internal and external audiences including funders.

Other responsibilities include the production and publication of case studies on the findings of the research funded by the British Academy, conducting surveys and contributing to internal reviews of our key funding schemes.

A successful job-holder would be leading on production of reports containing visually-engaging and accessible analysis of data on a range of information gathered by the British Academy on its research funding and policy work.

The role is positioned within the Monitoring & Evaluation team of the Academy’s Research Directorate and works closely with a range of colleagues there as well members of the Policy Directorate and staff located in the Development and Communications Directorate.

OFFICE LOCATION - 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, St James Park, London, SW1Y 5AH

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Produce high quality and compelling visual representations of the Academy’s research funding data and statistics.  

• Collate data on applications and awards to the funding portfolio for the Panel and Committee meetings to award funding throughout the year and for the annual Diversity Report.

• Analyse this data to produce panel and committee papers for presentation where appropriate.

• Produce a visually compelling annual Diversity Report for the September meeting of the British Academy Council identifying trends and patterns.

Produce case studies on award-holders which reflect the Academy’s broad portfolio of funding and commitment to research excellence, working in liaison with the Communication and Development teams.  

• Establish key criteria for selecting case studies from the schemes across the funding portfolio and obtain consensus across the Research Directorate and Development Directorate taking into account the Academy’s EDI strategy.

• Engage with selected award-holders to obtain their approval and feedback on draft texts for the case studies based on the existing template as well as securing appropriate visual illustrations.

• Work closely with key colleagues in the Communications Directorate to publish the approved case studies on the evaluation page of the Academy’s website.

Consult with colleagues in other Academy teams, in particular the International and Policy directorates to identify and inform their M&E requirements and identify any activities that might support their needs, and opportunities to ensure joined up working where possible and appropriate.  

• Develop good working relationships with colleagues based in other Directorates to explore and identify what additional support they might require for their monitoring and evaluation requirements.

• Produce an agreed plan for the effective and efficient delivery of these specific projects and activities.

• Deliver visually compelling papers and reports to a high standard that meet the objectives of the activities and recommendations going forward.

Conduct the annual post-award survey of past award-holders of the Small Research Grants scheme preparing briefings and Committee papers as required.

• Obtain data from the Flexi-Grant online management system to establish the scope of the survey.

• Create a dataset of past award-holders to be approached.

• Create a tracker to monitor approaches and responses.

• Pro-actively approach the past award-holders with an engaging piece of communication to elicit a positive response as well as a follow-up email.

• Analyse the responses and produce a high quality and visually engaging report with commentary on trends and any recommendations on the production of the survey going forward.

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

Internal

• Monitoring & Evaluation team

• Head of Research Funding

• Deputy Head of Research Funding

• Head of International

• Head of Public Policy

• Head of Higher Education Policy & Skills

• Stewardship Manager

External

• Academy Funders – Government and non-Government

• University and IRO research funding offices

• Other relevant funders in the HEI landscape

• EDI Caucus

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Works and communicates effectively.

• Is proactive in developing and maintaining effective working relationships with others internally and externally

• Demonstrates a positive attitude towards helping others by providing appropriate support, using initiative, and not waiting to be asked

• Adopts a communication style appropriate to the situation and the audience, understanding that communication is two-way

• Seeks and responds to feedback from others, and does not take constructive criticism personally

• Values others’ input and expertise, treating everyone with respect

• Shares all relevant or useful information and shares knowledge and skills with others

• Is sensitive to different working styles and views, adapting where appropriate

• Is willing and able to compromise and negotiate, including to resolve possible conflicts

• Handles difficult situations with sensitivity & respect

• Communicates effectively with staff across departments

• Promotes a positive impression of the Academy both internally and externally

• Encourages commitment & positivity in self and others

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Demonstrates and develops appropriate knowledge and skills.

• Experience in analysing statistics and data and producing internal and external reports and presentations.

• Strong organisational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Experience of working independently with strong attention to detail.

• Understanding of the research funding landscape with knowledge of Humanities and Social Sciences.

• Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation methodologies both qualitative and quantitative

• High level of literacy and numeracy.

• Excellent IT skills, specifically Excel, and the capability to learn new IT skills readily.

• Excellent Data Visualisation experience, ideally using packages such as Microsoft Power BI or Flourish. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

PROACTIVITY AND PLANNING

Manages time and resources effectively in order to achieve own and organisational objectives.

• Prioritises tasks to meet deadlines

• Displays resilience in coping with workload

• Sets clear and structured objectives

• Keeps relevant colleagues informed and seeks input

• Evaluates and manages risks effectively

• Takes ownership of tasks, including delegating effectively where appropriate

• Monitors progress effectively and adapts plans where possible

• Evaluates and reflects on plans & delivery and applies learning to future planning

• Continuously manages, and monitors, resources, challenging waste or inefficiency

• Makes suggestions for improving the way things are done

• Is receptive to new ideas and change, adapting own ways of working as appropriate

PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING

Ensures good decisions are made through a rational and methodical approach.

• Identifies problems and opportunities and acts on them

• Has a pro-active, can do, attitude, taking personal responsibility for correcting problems or resolving issues

• Focuses on solutions and manages pressure

• Anticipates obstacles and thinks ahead

• Copes with the unexpected

• Sets the right balance between referring decisions to the appropriate level and taking things forward without referral

• Takes a flexible approach to their work, happy to take on different responsibilities in the interests of the Academy

• Is aware of own strengths and weaknesses, and prepared to admit own mistakes

• Seeks and uses opportunities to learn and develop, and is quick in picking up new tasks

• Encourages creativity and innovation, accepting that mistakes sometimes happen

LEADERSHIP

Gives a clear sense of direction while inspiring others with vision and actions.

• Is happy to support other team members during busy periods, whilst not compromising your own workload. 

• Treats other staff members and stakeholders with respect and honesty. 

• Sets the right balance between referring decisions to the appropriate level and taking things forward without referral.

• Takes ownership of their responsibilities

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must have the right to work in the UK.

• Willing to travel on British Academy business.

• Able to be flexible about working hours on occasion

BRITISH ACADEMY WORKPLACE VALUES

The Academy’s workplace values and supporting text are set out below. We share these core values with each other. They guide how we work together and with others. We demonstrate them through our behaviours.

COLLABORATION- We consistently work together to a common purpose, supporting each other, communicating openly and sharing knowledge. We are flexible and adaptable, receiving feedback constructively

CREATIVITY - We bring imagination and curiosity to our work, valuing learning, diverse thinking, and innovation. We are open-minded, receptive, and responsive, taking account of alternative perspectives

EMPATHY-We are understanding, sensitive, compassionate, and considerate, mindful of our own wellbeing alongside that of others

EXCELLENCE - We always do our best, without striving to be perfect, applying our expertise and experience to develop and grow

INTEGRITY - We are open and honest with each other, accepting personal responsibility and demonstrating loyalty. We are reliable and dependable, having belief that we will be transparent and clear

RESILIENCE - We are confident, bold, and tenacious, knowing when to listen as well as when to speak up. We respond positively to challenges and overcome problems

RESPECT - We are inclusive in our regard for each other, showing courtesy and appreciation. We treat people fairly and equally, welcoming everyone’s contribution and difference

APPLICATION PROCESS

We have a two-step approach to hiring, beginning with submitting an application through the Applied platform. This will be followed by a panel interview, and may incorporate a skills test.

Please note that you may be asked to reference any literature that you may refer to, as applications that are highly plagiarised and not your own work. e.g. ChatGPT, will be declined.