Data Analyst- MODARI

MODARI Data Analyst (UKRI Grade D)

Salary: £31,931
Contract Type: Fixed Term, 12 months
Hours: Full Time/Part Time – Job Share
Based at: London

Overall purpose:

The UK Collaborative on Development Research (UKCDR) Secretariat works with funders of research relevant to international development to bring people together, share information and promote opportunities. We exist to amplify the value and impact of research for global development by promoting coherence, collaboration, and joint action among UK research funders. This role will contribute to delivering UKCDR’s overall mandate, leading and supporting a number of areas of work.

The MODARI (Mapping ODA Research and Innovation) project aims to map the ODA Research and Innovation investment across His Majesty’s Government (HMG) to deliver timely, tailored outputs to HMG funders in support of, mainly, portfolio prioritisation and engagement with in-country partners. The project launched in March 2020 and initially ran for two years, UKCDR aims to restart the project in early 2023 following a pause in activity.

More information about the project can be found on the project website: https://www.ukcdr.org.uk/what-we-do/our-work/data-on-uk-funded-research-and-innovation/

The jobholder will implement and enhance the Mapping ODA Research and Innovation (MODARI) project, under the leadership of the UKCDR Head of Operations and Strategic Projects, and the MODARI Senior Data Analyst (an FCDO secondee). Working on large data sets, cleaning, coding, validation, as well as mapping and analysis work.

The jobholder will also work on other UKCDR priority work strands, including providing research and policy advice, convening stakeholders, and supporting outreach activities. In the UKCDR Strategy Period 2022-2025, UKCDR project work focuses on impact (e.g. analysing REF2021 impact case studies), equitable partnerships, effective funding mechanisms and a shift towards climate focussed activity. There will be significant opportunities for the jobholder to work on other project activity.

Main duties / key responsibilities:

Data management

• Working with the Senior Data Analyst to access data and government systems, the postholder will be responsible for routine MODARI data management and will review operation of tools, design and implement enhancements to MODARI.
• Adding data to database and excel spreadsheets (e.g. ODA Research and Innovation funding).
• Verifying existing data on the database/spreadsheet.
• Working with technical staff in government departments with ODA R&D allocations (BEIS, DHSC, FCDO, DEFRA), as well as with UKRI.
• With colleagues, liaison with UKCDR Officials Group and others on the potential uses of the data for planning and communicating UK ODA R&D.

Data Analysis

• Analysis and coding of data to various established categorisation systems.
• Undertake specific repeat analyses (using established methodology) to contribute to the updates of MODARI data and publications.

• Under the guidance of experienced staff, develop new analyses and insights for regular mapping updates or for further stakeholder needs.
• Support the development of a system for the efficient generation of country level reports of current UK funded R&D activity, to enable timely updates to be provided to end users and key stakeholders.
• Draw on data analysis to identify areas for improvement and further development of the project.

Working relationships:

• Proactive member of a team working under supervision of senior personnel. Able to identify key stakeholders, and develop & maintain relationships with current partners, funders, collaborators, governance groups and other relevant external bodies.
• Though mainly focused on ODA R&D, the postholder will be expected to understand opportunities for the UK’s wider international science investments and engagement.
• Lead or assist with the co-ordination of relations and the communication of information with bodies such as Government Departments and agencies, higher education organisations, relevant private sector organisations and other charities, including representing UKCDR at meetings and conferences as and when relevant

Research and Policy Advice

• Support the UKCDR Executive Director and other Secretariat staff to provide research and policy advice to UKCDR member organisations and key stakeholders.
• Provide verbal/written briefing on policy, research, funding and delivery issues concerning research which may impact on international development outcomes.
• The jobholder will work on a range of different project activities, subject to the priorities of the secretariat and where possible in-line with the interests of the person appointed. The current areas of work include funding impact equitable partnerships, effective funding mechanisms. In the year to come there will also be significant activity on climate change. The jobholder will take the lead on discrete pieces of work alongside the key areas listed above.

Profile

Education / Qualifications / Training:

Essential:

• A first or upper second-class Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a subject relevant to the work of UKCDR.

Desirable:

• Qualifications relating to coding, data analysis and/or project management.
• Post-graduate qualification relevant to international development, or PhD.

Previous work experience required:

Essential:

• Quantitative analytical expertise, including experience working with statistical and visualisation software.
• Experience working on large data sets and mapping activities, including: collating, cleaning and validating data, as well as record keeping/ data analysis.

Desirable:

• At least 1 to 3 years’ experience in a research, funding or policy role relevant to science and/or international development, e.g. government, Research Council, NGOs (Non-Government Organisations), higher education, or consultancy.
• Experience of working in public sector partnerships, for example linking government departments, research councils, or research teams, or in partnerships between the public sector and stakeholders.

Knowledge and experience:

Essential:

• Competency in MS Excel, familiarity with manipulating spreadsheets and quantitative analysis techniques.
• Strong qualitative and quantitative skills including experience of coding, management information and systems.
• Working knowledge of MS Office programmes (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams).

Desirable:

• Experience of working to SOPs/standardised processes and computerised record keeping

Skills/behaviours/qualities:

Essential:

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to analyse complex information and summarise key conclusions or recommendations
• Strong attention to detail
• Able to work as part of a team, under the supervision of senior personnel but also to take the initiative in organising and prioritising work efficiently and independently.
• Ability to deliver results to a high standard and an agreed schedule.
• Good communication and prioritisation skills.