Senior Policy Adviser - Research Funding

Hours: Full time or Part time (minimum 0.8FTE)

Contract Type: Fixed Term - March 2030

Location: Bristol (Hybrid)

About us

The role will sit within the research directorate of Research England. The directorate is responsible for Research England’s policy development, evaluation and implementation aimed at maximising the excellence and impact of research in universities in England. There are three teams in the directorate: funding, environment and infrastructure.

Purpose of the job

To develop and/or implement RE policy with engagement with colleagues across UKRI, government, universities, and other external organisations.

The primary focus of the role will be to work on the ongoing review of Research England’s Strategic Institutional Research Funding (SIRF) which is a fundamental review of our approaches, leading to potentially significant reform of the funding model for research. You will lead SIRF work packages and contribute to the policy developments and analytical insights of the SIRF programme, working closely with colleagues in the Research Funding team, as well as the Analysis team. 

Main outputs and activities  

• Lead the development of work packages to evaluate the effectiveness of individual SIRF streams to contribute to wider SIRF Review outcomes.
• Support senior colleagues in the development and implementation of wider work packages within the SIRF Review including the Transparency Programme aiming to improve understanding of approaches to funding within higher education providers in England.
• Liaise with and support the Head of Research Policy, Data and Analysis to develop understanding of, and analyse formula funding methodology.
• Initial preparation of Research England Council and UKRI Executive Committee papers and other documents.
• Develop and maintain a thorough knowledge of research policy and interpretation of analysis with the ability to distil key points for a range of audiences.
• Contributing to comprehensive spending review commissions and the development of key evidence of the impacts and benefits of RE funding. 

Shortlisting criteria 

• Experience of policy or strategy development and delivery, or of strategic engagement for policy or strategy development
• Experience of synthesising information from different quantitative and qualitative sources, drawing conclusions to inform policy outcomes
• Experience of building, maintaining and influencing a strategic network of stakeholders to work collaboratively and find the best possible outcomes
• Highly collaborative, able to take responsibility for delivery, and to trust and empower others to take ownership and deliver independently
• Proven ability to motivate, empower and inspire others to work effectively to deliver personal and team objectives
• Ability to appropriately tailor written and oral communications in style and content according to audience
• Flexibility to travel to meetings, including in locations that may require travel outside of work hours 

Additional information 

Developing talent: 

We are committed to developing employees in their roles throughout their career. Learning and development plans enable employees to continue their professional development through training and development opportunities such as e-learning, classroom training and on-the-job experiences. We encourage our employees to share their learning across teams and organisations.

Benefits:

UKRI can offer the successful candidate: 

- Flexible Working

- 30 days annual leave + Public Holidays

- Access to Civil Service Pension Scheme

- Various everyday discounts through our dedicated provider

Visit our dedicated benefits webpage for more info: Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

Advert information