Senior Researcher

Essex

n/a - n/a

£42,165-£49,606

Chelmsford

Fixed-Term

Strategy and Policy

Role

Senior Researcher

Fixed Term (2 years), Full Time (37 hours per week)

£42,165 to £49,606 per annum

Location: Chelmsford*

Working Style: Anywhere worker

Closing Date: 16th March 2025

*This is a hybrid-working role, with attendance in the Chelmsford office expected to be to 2-3 days per month on average, depending on business need. This can be discussed further at interview stage.

Please note this role will be offered on a fixed-term contract or secondment basis for 2 years.

Essex County Council is working with Sport England, Active Essex and Active Essex Foundation to build healthier, stronger and more active communities.

We are recruiting a Senior Researcher to play a vital role in shaping the way we use data, research and insight to inform our decision-making, and to evaluate our impact, ensuring our investments deliver meaningful change in the communities we serve.

We need expert support in designing, expanding and implementing our ambitious, multi-programme approach. We need expert advice to ensure that physical activity interventions (at project and system level) are informed by appropriate data and insight, working with specialists across the public and private sector, and with leading academic advisors in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

About you

You will be a key member of the Active Essex team, leading our work in data, insight, measurement, and evaluation to shape the strategic direction of across a range of programmes. You’ll work across Active Essex and Active Essex Foundation to strategically design, develop and implement evaluation approaches, manage external contracts and influence decision making.

You’ll need a track record of managing high-level research, insight and evaluation projects. You’ll also demonstrate public sector and commercial acumen and an ability to get things done within complex multi-stakeholder environments.

You will have the attributes to work collaboratively with a wide variety of people, be comfortable leading those at senior level, build trusted relationships with stakeholders, and influence thinking and strategy. You’ll need a proven commitment to your own professional development and the drive to play a full part in the development of a small but highly influential team. The role will work directly to Active Essex and Active Essex Foundation, and will be hosted within Essex County Council’s wider Research and Citizen Insight function.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

We’re looking for someone with recognised technical ability. You may have relevant qualifications or be qualified by experience – either way, you’ll use a variety of tools and methods to make sense of large amounts of quantitative and qualitative data. You will have the ability to present the data findings in clear and compelling formats for a variety of audiences and can put this across in a way that’s compelling and easy to understand - using evidence to tell the story for senior decision-makers and stakeholders. Previous experience of using realist evaluation approaches would also be helpful.

In return, you can look forward an excellent rewards package, as well as flexible working and exposure to future career opportunities.

To read more about us please visit: People, Policy, Economy and Public Health - Working for Essex

Why Essex? Essex County Council has a location to be proud of. Our 1,300 square miles stretch from Constable Country to the Thames Estuary, from the dynamic M11 corridor to the traditional seaside resorts of Clacton and Walton. England’s oldest town, Colchester, and two of its newest – Basildon and Harlow – are right here. Along with the City of Chelmsford, the county town, they form our major population centres. It means real choice and makes Essex the ideal place for your career. Read more about us here.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process.

We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

What you should do next

If you are interested in finding out more about this role, please click apply.

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join The Essex Talent Community here.

If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk

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