Researcher/Evaluator

This contract with our government client is for a Evaluation expert for 8 months. The role is remote working.  

Job Description:  

Initially, responsibility for the evaluation of programmes lies with the directorate responsible for implementing the programme. However, a review of these plans has revealed a capability gap for professional evaluation of programmes. They need to:  

• create a sustainable professionalised capability;  

• achieve independence of evaluation;  

• reduce overlap in the structure of the evaluations;  

• achieve best value for money and synergy.  

This to be achieved by:  

• a revised delivery model, and  

• restructuring the evaluation plans into a smaller number of thematic evaluations.  

A recent business case provides for thematic evaluations of 3 broad areas:  

The PSR contractors will scope and commence two of these significant evaluations. These are:  

i) An evaluation plan for evaluation of their Victims’ reform. This will include baselining performance and monitoring change.  

ii) An overarching evaluation of rape / RASSO activities, to complement the process evaluation of Soteria. This is the preferred solution of the Policy leads.  

For both these two significant thematic evaluations issues that will be resolved include:  

• further developing existing Theories of Change, to ensure these are detailed enough to enable the capture of the outputs, outcomes, and impacts of the programmes;  

• ascertaining a better understanding of timelines when outcomes and impacts might be expected to take effect and become measurable;  

• outlining likely measures and processes to ensure that measures are taken;  

• understanding programme contingencies that will impact on the evaluability of the programme;  

• setting out a plan for the evaluations, including methodology, workstreams, and resource needs;  

• where possible, the evaluations will be commenced during the coming year.  

iii) In addition, a third thematic evaluation of Strategic workforce planning and operational recovery (likely a VfM evaluation) will be contracted out in full to a competent supplier.  

The Principal Research Officer and commercial team are commissioning an external supplier to undertake the evaluation in full. However, once this is on contract there will be a support role for the PSR contractors in facilitating the work, eg liaising internally with operational teams.  

Additionally a number teams who are undertaking their own evaluations will come to the Research and Evaluation team for advice, and the contractors will be required to give ad hoc advice on evaluation.

Candidates MUST have:  

• Experience of designing evaluations, considering various methodological approaches, and determining which is most suitable  

• Experience of undertaking evaluations in the public sector  

• Knowledge of the Magenta Book, and expertise in delivering in accordance guidance therein  

• The ability to proactively identify data that will be of value, and critically appraise this  

• The ability to identify and if necessary undertake suitable analysis techniques (working with others in the Research team)  

• A pragmatic approach, with the ability to design and defend “good enough” solutions  

• Good consultancy skills and a willingness to provide ad hoc advice, without taking full responsibility for evaluations outside the scope of this  

• Good report writing skills  

Top 3 Skills required:  

1. Designing and conducting evaluations in public sector  

2. Provide decent track of record 3-5 years ideally  

3. Knowledge of the Magenta Book