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.

The Academy recently released its 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 established a new Monitoring & Evaluation team in 2023. 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 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, particularly with respect to the International Science Partnerships Fund. We are looking for dynamic individuals, either with experience in monitoring and evaluation, or transferable skills from other roles, who are keen to be part of a new team at the start of a new chapter at the Academy.

ROLE PURPOSE / OVERVIEW

The Monitoring & Evaluation Officer will be part of the Monitoring & Evaluation team, reporting to the Senior Data Analyst.

You will play a key role in advising on and delivering the monitoring and evaluation requirements of the Academy for their portfolio of funding under the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF). This includes developing streamlined data collection tools that minimise the burden on award holders and Academy staff whilst meeting stringent reporting requirements.

Other responsibilities include the analysis of data and statistics and their visual representation in reports and presentations for internal and external audiences including funders, as well as identifying how reporting requirements or strategies developed for ISPF might support other British Academy teams and wider Monitoring and Evaluation requirements.

The role is positioned within the Monitoring & Evaluation team of the British Academy’s Research Directorate and works closely with colleagues in the International team 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

1. Develop streamlined data collection tools for ISPF monitoring and evaluation that minimises the burden on award holders and Academy staff whilst still meeting stringent reporting requirements.

• Work with the Senior Data Analyst in determining the viability of existing data management systems to fulfil the requirements of ISPF reporting.

• Develop appropriate methodologies and templates on British Academy information management systems to ensure the timely and accurate collection of data within an appropriate format for ISPF reporting purposes.

• In collaboration with colleagues in the International team, continually identify, review and implement efficiencies within existing reporting processes and platforms.

• Monitor and report on data quality, liaising with data owners within the Academy to ensure the accurate capture of required information.

2. Produce high-quality analysis of the Academy’s ISPF research funding portfolio.

• Extract data from a variety of sources, both internal and external, to produce accurate and insightful quantitative and qualitative analysis on applications and awards for ISPF schemes.

• Produce reports, infographics and visualisations as required for internal British Academy Committees, DSIT ISPF teams and their appointed evaluation consultants, producing work that engages and informs decision makers at all levels.

• Where appropriate, utilise data visualisation software to build reporting tools that allow for the regular monitoring of ISPF performance.

• Quality assure all data analysis before publication to ensure a consistently high standard of delivery.

3. Identify and communicate any reporting strategies developed for ISPF that might support other British Academy teams and wider Monitoring and Evaluation requirements.

• 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.

• Seek out innovative approaches to data analysis and presentation to improve reporting to internal and external partners.

• Work with the Senior Data Analyst to identify how lessons learned from the ISPF reporting and analysis can be cascaded to wider monitoring and evaluation work throughout the British Academy.

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

Internal

• Head of Monitoring & Evaluation

• Head of International Funding

• Head of Global Strategy, Policy & Engagement

• Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Lead

• Monitoring and Evaluation Officer

External

• Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

• External evaluation agencies/companies

• University and IRO research funding offices

• Other relevant funders in the HEI landscape

• EDI Caucus

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

N/A

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 of collecting, quality assuring and managing data to a high degree of quality within information systems and databases as required

• Experience in analysing both quantitative and qualitative data to produce reports and presentations for both internal and external audiences

• 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, or willingness to learn proactively in post

• Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation methodologies both qualitative and quantitative, or willingness to learn proactively in post

• High level of literacy and numeracy.

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

• Data Visualisation experience, ideally using packages such as Microsoft Power BI, or capability to expand data presentation skills with these or similar packages

• 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

• Offers appropriate challenge to potential waste or inefficiency in using resources.

• 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

• Willing to travel on British Academy business.

• Able to be flexible about working hours on occasion

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 involve a task component.

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.

The deadline for applications is 12:00 noon 8 August 2024, however, we may close this role sooner if we receive a high volume of applications.  In these circumstances we will give those who have shown interest 24 hours notice of the change of deadline.

Interviews for this role are currently scheduled for week commencing 2 September 2024 but this may be subject to change.