Operational Researcher (SEO)

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP); Cardiff; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is seeking analysts to join cross-disciplinary teams across policy, operations and wider analytical groups. Analysts will contribute to the evidence base and support decisions underpinning departmental policies and projects.

We offer flexible working within a large, mission-driven organisation with strong training, progression opportunities and exposure to high-impact government analysis used by ministers and senior leaders.

Qualifications

• Proven analytical experience applying professional tools and techniques to solve complex problems and ensuring appropriate quality assurance of analysis.
• Proven experience of using and communicating analytical findings, context, caveats and limitations clearly and effectively to maximise the value and impact of analysis in decision making.
• Proven experience of proactive ownership and leading complex analytical projects, proactively engaging and building relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and balancing competing priorities to deliver high-quality outcomes.

Skills

Analytical experience

Communication of findings

Project leadership

Job description

DWP has an excellent reputation for ensuring its work is underpinned by robust evidence and award-winning analysis. Analysts work flexibly, in multi-disciplinary, multi-site teams across the organisation, embedded within policy, operational and wider analytical teams, to develop DWP’s evidence base and provide analysis that supports key decisions underpinning Departmental policies and projects. The wealth of data we have access to is unprecedented and allows us to work in real time, quickly being able to see the outcome of those decisions.

DWP’s Analytical Community (AC) has over 900 analysts made up of Economists, Operational Researchers, Social Researchers, Statisticians, Data Scientists and Data Analysts. Analysts are grouped into 23 Lead Analyst areas, embedded across the Department. Our services are in high demand from ministers, senior leaders and policy and operational stakeholders. The DWP AC is an excellent place to work and being one of the largest in Government we can offer a wide variety of development, training and progression opportunities, making us a great place to grow as an analyst. Many DWP analytical roles are profession neutral, offering analysts access to a wide range of analytical roles.

Through this campaign, if you are not already a badged member of GORS you will become one.This means that as well as joining the community of analysts in DWP you will join a community of analysts working across many Government departments, agencies and public bodies, playing a pivotal role in Government decision-making.

Person specification

We are looking for applicants who are able to demonstrate experience against the following criteria:

• Proven analytical experience of applying relevant professional tools and techniques to solve complex problems and ensuring appropriate quality assurance of analysis. (Lead Experience Criterion).
• Proven experience of using and communicating analytical findings, context, caveats and limitations clearly and effectively to maximise the value and impact of analysis in decision making.
• Proven experience of proactive ownership and leading complex analytical projects, proactively engaging and building relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and balancing competing priorities to deliver high-quality outcomes.