Chief of Evidence & Improvement for Impact & Evaluation

Nesta; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Dental insurance

Buy/sell annual leave

Job summary

Nesta is seeking a Head of Evidence & Improvement to lead the programme’s development and evaluation work. This is a 3-year fixed-term role based in London with a hybrid work arrangement.

Responsibilities include setting strategy, overseeing feasibility, piloting and impact evaluations (RCTs and QEDs), and ensuring high-quality evidence and value-for-money analyses across a broad portfolio.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in designing, delivering and/or commissioning complex evaluations (RCTs, quasi-experimental, mixed-methods).
• Experience improving products, services or programmes via short learning cycles and multidisciplinary R&D.
• Exceptional strategic thinking to translate objectives into portfolio priorities and plans.
• Experience leading a substantial portfolio with senior technical oversight.
• Track record of driving high standards in research and evaluation and judging evidence strength.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong relationship and stakeholder management with funders and partners.

Responsibilities

• Shape EIP strategy and translate into portfolio priorities and delivery plans.
• Oversee a portfolio of evaluations, feasibility studies and value-for-money analyses.
• Lead test-and-learn support to improve engagement and effectiveness.
• Develop and continuously improve evaluation standards, policies and processes.
• Provide senior technical oversight across portfolio and stage-gate decisions.
• Assist with budget and resource planning for the portfolio.
• Manage relationships with funders, local authorities, practitioners and evaluators.
• Lead and develop the Evidence & Improvement team.

Skills

Designing evaluations

Delivery of evaluation

Short learning cycles

Strategic thinking

Portfolio leadership

Stakeholder management

Collaborative culture

Education

PhD or equivalent in relevant field

Job description

Nesta is seeking a Head of Evidence & Improvement to lead the programme’s development and evaluation work. This is a 3-year fixed-term role based in London with a hybrid work arrangement.

Responsibilities include setting strategy, overseeing feasibility, piloting and impact evaluations (RCTs and QEDs), and ensuring high-quality evidence and value-for-money analyses across a broad portfolio.