Social Scientist/Analyst

On behalf of Defra, we are looking for a Social Scientist/Analyst (Inside IR35) for a 4 Month Remote contract.

About The Role:

This role will lead social science input to a large Accredited Official Statistics survey, with a focus on the Children's People and Nature Survey. They will be responsible for overseeing research design, analysis and presentation of results, as well as building partnerships with academia, across government and the third sector and with survey users to maximise the research value for the survey.

In 2020, Natural England, working with Defra, launched the People & Nature Survey. This built on and replaced the Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment. The survey is government's primary source of evidence on engagement with nature, experiences in green and natural places, and environmental attitudes and behaviours for both England and Wales.

The role will work with Natural England, Natural Resources Wales and Defra colleagues, contractors and external stakeholders to maximise the research impact of the survey. The post-holder will lead on specialist social science/technical input, as well as supporting the Senior Responsible Officer, survey steering group and project team in strategy and decision making.

Key Tasks
. Leading social science input to Children's People and Nature survey, including developing research questions and priority themes for analysis, leading the development of the survey inc questionnaire design to respond to priority social issues (eg inequalities and access, climate change concern).
. Overseeing methodological developments.
. Overseeing survey development, delivery and providing quality assurance of products and publications.
. Working with wider Defra policy teams to ensure the survey meets data and evidence needs, and that results are understood and used.
. Conducting statistical and if appropriate, qualitative analysis to ensure data contributes to Natural England and Defra evidence base.

Knowledge and Skills
. Demonstrable specialist knowledge of social science research, including within interdisciplinary teams, at expert level with at least two years of post-graduate work experience in identifying needs and evidence gaps, designing, delivering, and analysing robust research (quantitative and/or qualitative)/and or applying research for impact.
. Working knowledge of social science analysis techniques.
. Knowledge of relevant research themes (eg children in nature, environmental/conservation social science, behavioural science, social norms change, environmental justice, community engagement, health and wellbeing determinants and links between environment and health, environmental inequalities, governance and accountability)
. Working knowledge of social research surveys.
. Awareness of the Office for Statistical Regulations Code of Practice for Statistics and application of the code.
. Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present complex ideas simply, to a wide range of audiences.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, Defra guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant

Defra guarantees to interview veterans or spouses/partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates/military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".