Head of Research Programmes Analysis, Development and Management
Llywodraeth Cymru / Welsh Government
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Welsh Government is seeking a dynamic Head of Research Programmes Analysis, Development and Management to lead the design, analysis and delivery of strategic research and innovation programmes. Based in Pan Wales, the post interfaces science, policy and public impact.
The role requires a STEMM higher degree and experience in managing research projects, with responsibility for performance analysis, ministerial briefings, stakeholder engagement and policy advice at senior levels.
Qualifications
- A STEMM higher degree qualification is required.
Responsibilities
- Lead strategic partnerships with key research funders and national/international RD&I bodies.
- Advise on funding mechanisms, delivery structures and research translation.
- Conduct performance analysis of funded programmes to identify what works and what needs improvement.
- Provide expert advice to the Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales on science and technology policy and programme impact.
- Lead the development and delivery of high-impact Welsh science and technology programmes.
- Analyse complex datasets, prepare technical reports and Ministerial briefings.
- Engage with stakeholders across health and life sciences and external partners to promote programme visibility and impact.
- Represent the Office for Science on internal/external groups and promote Welsh interests in UK-wide/international forums.
- Draft high-quality technical reports and Ministerial papers; support strategic discussions on science and innovation.
Education
Job description
The Welsh Government operates name-free recruitment. The recruiting panel will not see personal information such as a candidate’s name and address during the sifting process. This policy is in line with our commitment to end bias and promote equality and diversity.
ID 3830
29/09/2026, 16:00
Advertising basis Permanent
Salary range or pay band Grade 7 £61,098 to £73,057
Work pattern Full time (applications are welcome from people who work part time, as part of a job share or who work full time)
Group Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy Group
Directorate Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales
Branch Research Programmes
Location (s) Pan Wales
‘Pan Wales’ means the post holder can be based in any Welsh Government office, subject to business needs. Roles based outside Wales, including London, are not available unless explicitly stated in the advert.
A list of the Welsh Government’s offices can be found on www.gov.wales/welsh-government-offices. Please note it may not always be possible to accommodate a preference for a specific office location.
The post holder’s travel from their home to their assigned Welsh Government office is considered their ‘ordinary commute’ and must be done in their own time and at their own cost.
The Welsh Government Office for Science, led by the Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales, plays a pivotal role in ensuring that government programmes, policies and decisions are informed by robust scientific evidence and strategic foresight.
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to lead on the design, analysis and delivery of strategic research and innovation programmes. This is a unique opportunity to work at the interface of science, policy and public impact.
- Lead strategic partnerships with key research funders such as Medr (Commission for Tertiary Education and Research) and other national and international RD&I bodies.
- Advise on funding mechanisms, delivery structures and research translation, ensuring that science and technology investments deliver real-world benefits.
- Conduct performance analysis of Welsh Government, UKRI and European Commission-funded programmes to identify what works, what doesn’t, and how future programmes can be improved.
- Provide expert advice to the Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales on science and technology policy, evidence generation, and programme impact.
Science is about more than discovery — it’s about impact. This role ensures that research programmes are not only well-designed but also deliver measurable outcomes that benefit society, the economy and the environment. You’ll help shape how Wales invests in science and innovation, ensuring maximum return on investment and long-term strategic value.
- Strategic Programme Leadership
Lead the development and delivery of high-impact programmes, including the potential launch of a Technology Transfer Office in Spending Review 2026/27. - Scientific Analysis & Reporting
Analyse complex scientific and technical datasets, producing clear and timely insights to inform strategic decisions. Prepare technical reports and Ministerial briefings that influence policy and funding. - Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
Drive engagement across the health and life sciences sectors, working closely with Welsh Government colleagues and external partners. Lead on marketing, publicity, and events to promote programme visibility and impact. - Policy & Advisory Support
Provide expert advice to the Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales, Ministers, and senior officials on research strategy, funding mechanisms, and performance outcomes. Conduct horizon scanning to identify emerging opportunities and risks. - Cross‑Government Collaboration
Represent the Office for Science on internal and external working groups, ensuring alignment across departments and promoting Welsh interests in UK-wide and international research forums.
- Lead the analysis, development, and delivery of Welsh science and technology initiatives, ensuring value for money and measurable success.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including UKRI, research charities, and industry partners.
- Advise on administrative and policy matters affecting external research organisations and funders.
- Influence UK Government and UKRI strategies to ensure Welsh priorities are reflected and supported.
- Support the CSA in promoting scientific excellence, attracting investment, and maximising societal and economic benefits from RD&I.
- Maintain active links with the academic sector and contribute to strategic discussions on science and innovation.
- Analyse large volumes of research portfolio data and present findings to senior colleagues in a clear, concise format.
- Lead on data gathering, communications, and event planning related to your programme areas.
- Draft high-quality technical reports and Ministerial papers.
- Undertake any additional duties as required by the CSA or Head of Science.
This is a high-trust, high-impact role. You will be expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy, using your expertise and judgement to drive forward complex work programmes with minimal supervision. You’ll have significant discretion in how you approach your objectives and will be responsible for identifying and navigating issues with potential policy or political implications.
Given the strategic importance and visibility of the work, your contributions will directly influence the Welsh Government’s reputation with both internal and external stakeholders. This is an opportunity to shape science and innovation policy at a national level, while working closely with senior leaders and decision‑makers.
The Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales is based in Cathays Park, Cardiff. The successful candidate will be expected to travel within Wales and elsewhere to visit stakeholders and others in pursuit of the role. They will be expected to travel to Cardiff CP2 frequently for team meetings and workshops.
An in‑tray exercise on Technical 1 will be required at the start of the interview process, i.e. the first engagement activity. More information will be provided in the invitations to that stage. Interviews will be held in person at our Cathays Park office in Cardiff.
A reserve list may be held for this opportunity. Any candidate who is successful in being offered a reserve status, will remain on the reserve list for 12 months.
In the event of a large number of applications, an initial sift will be conducted against the assessment criteria: Experience 2.
Technical 2. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
In the case of more than one candidate scoring the same, the panel has decided the following criteria to determining the merit order:
- Experience 2.
- Technical 1.
- Experience 3.
- Technical 2.
- Experience 1.
Previous candidates for this post are welcome to reapply with a fresh application, noting that the criteria have been amended slightly.
A STEMM higher degree qualification is required and proof will need to be provided at interview.
Vetting level Basic
Number of posts 1
Contact point for further information regarding the post WGOS@gov.wales
Welsh language requirements 3 - Welsh language skills are not essential for this opportunity; you do not need Welsh language skills to apply. However, as the Welsh Government is a bilingual organisation, Welsh language skills are desirable and will be considered if two or more candidates receive the same score at the application or interview stage.
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our AI candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Welsh Government, like all other Government Departments use Success Profiles when we recruit. For each role we consider what you will need to demonstrate to be successful. This gives us the best possible chance of finding the right person for the job. It raises performance and improves diversity and inclusivity.
The selection process and stages are:
Number of Stages:
2 stage process
Stage 1 Application Form
Stage 2 Interview
We'll assess you against the following Experience criteria during the assessment process.
Evidence to provide Experience questions
Use of a higher degree (by research), such as a PhD or MRes in a relevant life science, health or physical sciences or other STEMM discipline in a science policy development context.
This will be tested at stage 2: Interview.
Demonstrable experience of development, management and conclusion of research projects and programmes. Describe a time when you have developed and managed a research and innovation project or programme.
This will be tested at stage 1: Application Form. This will be tested at stage 2: Interview.
Demonstrable experience of applying quantitative performance metrics and analytical methodologies to evaluate and communicate the outcomes of a scientific or technical programme. How did you assess the methodological robustness, data provenance, and statistical validity?
This will be tested at stage 1: Application Form. This will be tested at stage 2: Interview.
We'll assess the following technical skills during the selection process.
Providing and Handling Evidence: Generates, collates and provides succinct scientific or technical evidence to fulfil requirements. Provides critical analysis and investigation of sources, and contributes to the robustness of the evidence base.
This will be tested at stage 2: Interview.
Application of science principles to policy, delivery strategy and programmes. How has your academic training informed your approach to scientific analysis, evidence generation, or policy development in a professional context?
This will be tested at stage 1: Application Form. This will be tested at stage 2: Interview.
If you do not meet the eligibility criteria your application will not progress. If it becomes clear at a later stage in the process that you are not eligible to apply, your application may be withdrawn, or the offer retracted.
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre‑settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre‑settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Welsh Government has adopted the social model of disability, which recognises that barriers in society act to disable people who have impairments, or health conditions, who are neurodivergent or who use British Sign Language.
We are committed to removing barriers in the recruitment process so that all (or potential new) staff can perform at their best.
Recruitment adjustments can be made at any part of the recruitment process for candidates with an impairment or health condition, who are neurodivergent or who use British Sign Language.
We are committed to inclusive recruitment and offer interviews to eligible candidates who meet the minimum criteria for the role through the following schemes:
The Welsh Government is a Disability Confident Leader. As part of our commitment to this scheme we interview any candidate with an impairment, health condition, who is neurodivergent or who uses British Sign Language if they meet the minimum criteria for the post.
The Welsh Government operates the Great Place to Work for Veterans Initiative. As part of our commitment to this scheme we interview any eligible candidates who meet the minimum criteria for the post.
Civil Service employers can offer an interview to a fair and proportionate number of civil servants who are at risk of redundancy and who meet the minimum criteria for the post
By ‘minimum criteria’ we mean that candidates must provide us with evidence in their application (and/or test) that they meet the minimum level of competence for the role - usually defined as a minimum score of 4 per criterion.
In Welsh Government, the relationship between the employer and trade unions is based on social partnership. We believe our goals can best be achieved by management and trade unions working together.
Our 3 recognised trade unions are:
- PCS
- Prospect
- FDA
This relationship is underpinned by a partnership agreement. This sets out how our unions work with Welsh Government on issues such as:
- Pay
- Terms and conditions
- HR Strategy, policies and procedures
- Health, safety and well-being
- Organisational change
Our Welsh Government trade union colleagues work together to give their members a real say in the workplace. They make sure that the interests of their members are promoted and protected. They also help reduce inequalities and improve terms and conditions.
The Welsh Government has an excellent track record of working in partnership with its trade unions. We support you to join a recognised trade union, to ensure your voice is heard in the workplace. We encourage you to learn more about our trade unions, partnership working and to get involved in their work.
All Welsh Government staff are members of the Civil Service, and as a result are eligible for:
- 31 days annual leave (pro-rated for part time)
- training and development opportunities
- Cycle2Work Scheme
- Smart Working flexible working arrangement
- Green Car Scheme (subject to availability)
If you are an active Civil Service Pension member you can continue your membership throughout your employment with us.
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and wish to make a complaint please email complaints@gov.wales . Please ensure that you refer to the vacancy reference number.
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Welsh Government, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: info@csc.gov.uk.
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