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"""_____________________________________________________________________________________________ BLAVATNIK SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT Summary Job title Research Assistant (Government Outcomes Lab) Division Social Sciences Department Blavatnik School of Government Location Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG Grade and salary Grade 6: £32,332 - £38,205 per annum, dependent on experience Hours Full time. Part time applications (minimum 0.6 FTE) will also be considered. Contract type Fixed-term until 31 March 2025 Reporting to Postdoctoral Research Fellow Vacancy reference 171285 Additional information The closing date for application is 12 noon (UK time) on Monday 11 March 2024 The role At the Blavatnik School of Government, part of the University of Oxford, our vision is of a world better led, better served and better governed. The Government Outcomes Lab (GO Lab) is a world-leading centre of academic excellence to advance the study of cross-sector partnerships for better social outcomes, establishing this as an area of top-class academic research. The research centre was originally set up through a partnership between the Blavatnik School of Government and UK Central Government. The GO Lab has established its international reputation by gathering and sharing evidence on how to better organise the provision public services to address complex, costly and persistent social problems, to lead to better outcomes. In particular, the team has improved the availability of evidence on social impact bonds, a type of contract between the public, private and not-for-profit sector. Underpinned by our research, the GO Lab provides practical, on the ground support to local commissioners, through a mix of peer-learning, advisory workshops, convening and executive education. The GO Lab is entering an exciting new phase and is quickly and significantly expanding its scope to determine the impact of different commissioning models on social outcomes. Historically, governments have commissioned social services based on a fee-for-service (FFS) model where payments are made for activities (e.g. number of clients seen). More recently, this has shifted to innovative financing models such as social impact bonds (SIBs) where payments are only made if pre-defined outcomes are achieved (e.g. a reduction in the homelessness). SIBs are thought to deliver better outcomes than FFS but no study has been able to determine this empirically. This research project brings an exciting opportunity to contribute towards new knowledge in this field and directly inform how governments should commission social services to deliver better societal outcomes. The postholder will provide a key contribution to this work by undertaking an impact evaluation and economic evaluation / value for money analysis of a homelessness prevention and employment support intervention in a local authority in England. With direction from the Postdoctoral Research Associate, the role will involve working closely with stakeholders from the UK Government, local authorities and delivery partners. This work forms an important component of the GO Lab’s broader evaluation of the Life Chances Fund, one of the world’s largest outcomes funds comprising 29 different projects across a diverse range of policy areas. The postholder will demonstrate sound knowledge of econometric research methods (including methodologies for causal inference) using linked administrative data and economic evaluation and/or value for money assessment methodologies. The successful candidate will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work closely with key stakeholders and translate complex analytical concepts to a nontechnical audience. The postholder will actively work at the interface between research and policy design and implementation. As such, you will have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to government decision-making. Responsibilities • Support the delivery of a quantitative impact evaluation of an intervention delivered by alternative commissioning models in a local authority. • Undertake an economic evaluation / value for money assessment for alternative commissioning models in a local authority including sensitivity analysis. • Work with key stakeholders (from central and local government, and delivery partners) to prepare datasets, link multiple administrative datasets and management information, prepare key descriptive statistics to inform research design and model specifications. • Gather, analyse and interpret data, patterns and key findings • Select, follow, and adapt specialist methodologies to confirm or refute theories, and identify suitable alternatives where information or research material is restricted • Contribute to the design of research materials • Identify technical issues and report as necessary to the Postdoctoral Research Associate • Contribute to research publications and outputs including reports, papers, workshops and presentations • Contribute to wider project planning 2 Selection criteria Essential selection criteria • Hold a relevant first degree in economics or a social science discipline with a strong quantitative component, together with some relevant experience; • Possess sufficient specialist knowledge of econometrics, methodologies for causal inference and economic evaluation / value for money assessment; • Experience of following and adapting methodologies; • Excellent skills in statistical programming (e.g. Stata); • Meticulous attention to detail and confidence in identifying and relaying issues to senior colleagues; • Excellent communication, report writing, interpersonal and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate in different styles and formats for a diverse range of audiences; • Ability to manage own research and administrative activities; • Passionate about working with government to improve public services and deliver better social outcomes. Desirable selection criteria • Experience in preparing and analysing government administrative datasets and/or quantitative management information; • Hold a Masters in a course with quantitative analysis component; or hold professional experience of a comparable level; • Experience in public policy environments; • Experience of contributing to research publications; • Prior experience working with central and/or local governments, and non-academic stakeholders; • Experience of working in a research team and contributing ideas for new research projects. Pre-employment screening Standard checks If you are offered the post, the offer will be subject to standard pre-employment checks. You will be asked to provide: proof of your right-to-work in the UK; proof of your identity; and (if we haven’t done so already) we will contact the referees you have nominated. You will also be asked to complete a health declaration so that you can tell us about any health conditions or disabilities for which you may need us to make appropriate adjustments. Please read the candidate notes on the University’s pre-employment screening procedures at: https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/pre-employment-checks 3 About the University of Oxford Welcome to the University of Oxford. We aim to lead the world in research and education for the benefit of society both in the UK and globally. Oxford’s researchers engage with academic, commercial and cultural partners across the world to stimulate high-quality research and enable innovation through a broad range of social, policy and economic impacts. We believe our strengths lie both in empowering individuals and teams to address fundamental questions of global significance, while providing all our staff with a welcoming and inclusive workplace that enables everyone to develop and do their best work. Recognising that diversity is our strength, vital for innovation and creativity, we aspire to build a truly diverse community which values and respects every individual’s unique contribution. While we have long traditions of scholarship, we are also forward-looking, creative and cutting-edge. Oxford is one of Europe's most entrepreneurial universities and we rank first in the UK for university spin-outs, and in recent years we have spun out 15-20 new companies every year. We are also recognised as leaders in support for social enterprise. Join us and you will find a unique, democratic and international community, a great range of staff benefits and access to a vibrant array of cultural activities in the beautiful city of Oxford. For more information, please visit www.ox.ac.uk/about/organisation. The Blavatnik School of Government Our vision is of a world better led, a world better served and a world better governed. We are a global school committed to improving the quality of government and public policymaking worldwide, through three routes: teaching current and future leaders; applied research; and engagement with government and practitioners. The School was founded in 2010 and our founding dean is Professor Ngaire Woods. We admitted the first 38 Master of Public Policy (MPP) students in 2012 and we currently accept around 140 MPP students and five doctoral students a year. The Blavatnik School of Government holds a bronze Athena Swan award to recognise advancement of gender equality: representation, progression and success for all. You can find more information on the Blavatnik School of Government’s website. 4 How to apply Applications are made through our online recruitment portal. Information about how to apply is available on our Jobs website https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/how-to-apply. Your application will be judged solely on the basis of how you demonstrate that you meet the selection criteria stated in the job description. As part of your application you will be asked to provide details of two referees and indicate whether we can contact them now. You will be asked to upload a CV and a supporting statement. The supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. This may include experience gained in employment, education, or during career breaks (such as time out to care for dependants) Please upload your CV and supporting statement as PDF files with your name and the document type in the filename. All applications must be received by midday UK time on the closing date stated in the online advertisement. Information for priority candidates A priority candidate is a University employee who is seeking redeployment because they have been advised that they are at risk of redundancy, or on grounds of illhealth/disability. Priority candidates are issued with a redeployment letter by their employing department(s). If you are a priority candidate, please ensure that you attach your redeployment letter to your application (or email it to the contact address on the advert if the application form used for the vacancy does not allow attachments). If you need help Application FAQs, including technical troubleshooting https://staff.web.ox.ac.uk/recruitment-support-faqs advice is available at: Non-technical questions about this job should be addressed to the recruiting department directly recruit@bsg.ox.ac.uk To return to the online application at any stage, please go to: www.recruit.ox.ac.uk. Please note that you will receive an automated email from our online recruitment portal to confirm receipt of your application. Please check your spam/junk mail if you do not receive this email. 5 Important information for candidates Data Privacy Please note that any personal data submitted to the University as part of the job application process will be processed in accordance with the GDPR and related UK data protection legislation. For further information, please see the University’s Privacy Notice for Job Applicants at: https://compliance.admin.ox.ac.uk/job-applicant-privacy-policy. The University’s Policy on Data Protection is available at: https://compliance.admin.ox.ac.uk/data-protection-policy. The University’s policy on retirement The University operates an Employer Justified Retirement Age (EJRA) for very senior research posts at grade RSIV/D35 and clinical equivalents E62 and E82 of 30 September birthday. The justification for this is explained at: before the 70th https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/the-ejra. For existing employees on these grades, any employment beyond the retirement age is subject to approval through the procedures: https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/the-ejra. There is no normal or fixed age at which staff in posts at other grades have to retire. Staff at these grades may elect to retire in accordance with the rules of the applicable pension scheme, as may be amended from time to time. Equality of opportunity Entry into employment with the University and progression within employment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria which are related to the duties of each particular post and the relevant salary structure. In all cases, ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration. No applicant or member of staff shall be discriminated against because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. 6 Benefits of working at the University Employee benefits University employees enjoy 38 days’ paid holiday, generous pension schemes, travel discounts, and a variety of professional development opportunities. Our range of other employee benefits and discounts also includes free entry to the Botanic Gardens and University colleges, and discounts at University museums. See https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits University Club and sports facilities Membership of the University Club is free for all University staff. The University Club offers social, sporting, and hospitality facilities. Staff can also use the University Sports Centre on Iffley Road at discounted rates, including a fitness centre, powerlifting room, and swimming pool. See www.club.ox.ac.uk and https://www.sport.ox.ac.uk/. Information for staff new to Oxford If you are relocating to Oxfordshire from overseas or elsewhere in the UK, the University's Welcome Service website includes practical information about settling in the area, including advice on relocation, accommodation, and local schools. See https://welcome.ox.ac.uk/ There is also a visa loan scheme to cover the costs of UK visa applications for staff and their dependants. See https://staffimmigration.admin.ox.ac.uk/visa-loan-scheme Family-friendly benefits With one of the most generous family leave schemes in the Higher Education sector, and a range of flexible working options, Oxford aims to be a family-friendly employer. We also subscribe to the Work+Family Space, a service that provides practical advice and support for employees who have caring responsibilities. The service offers a free telephone advice line, and the ability to book emergency back-up care for children, adult dependents and elderly relatives. See https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/my-family-care Childcare The University has excellent childcare services, including five University nurseries as well as Universitysupported places at many other private nurseries. For full details, including how to apply and the costs, see https://childcare.admin.ox.ac.uk/ Disabled staff We are committed to supporting members of staff with disabilities or long-term health conditions. For further details, including information about how to make contact, in confidence, with the University’s Staff Disability Advisor, see https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/disability-support Staff networks The University has a number of staff networks including the Oxford Research Staff Society, BME staff network, LGBT+ staff network and a disabled staff network. You can find more information at https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/networks The University of Oxford Newcomers' Club The University of Oxford Newcomers' Club is an organisation run by volunteers that aims to assist the partners of new staff settle into Oxford, and provides them with an opportunity to meet people and make connections in the local area. See www.newcomers.ox.ac.uk. Oxford Research Staff Society (OxRSS) A society run by and for Oxford University research staff. It offers researchers a range of social and professional networking opportunities. Membership is free, and all researchers employed by Oxford University are welcome to join. Subscribe at researchstaff-subscribe@maillist.ox.ac.uk to join the mailing list to find out about upcoming events and other information for researchers, or contact the committee on committee@oxrss.ox.ac.uk. For more information, see www.ox.ac.uk/oxrss, Twitter @ResStaffOxford, and Facebook www.facebook.com/oxrss. 7 """^^ . . "Document" . 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