Department Department for Work and Pensions
Business Area Other
Business Area - detailed Strategic Communications Directorate
Number of Jobs Available 1
Location: Region London
Location: City/Town Westminster
Location: Building/Site Caxton House
Grade SEO
Equivalent Departmental Grade SEO
Type of Role Communications/Marketing
Job Description This advert is open at Stage 4 - External Recruitment.
You should have an advanced knowledge of behavioural science concepts, with an awareness of how these can be applied to influence citizen behaviour. You should also have experience of conducting robust testing in a lab or field setting.
Essential to this role is the ability to persuasively communicate to a non-technical audience.
You will also be assessed against the essential criteria listed further down.
You must demonstrate the skills, knowledge and behaviours indicated for the grade in the Civil Service Competency Framework. The essential competencies are covered below. Please provide your most recent CV (maximum two pages) and a covering letter (maximum two pages).
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is determined to improve the services offered to the public and to deliver social justice through welfare and pensions reform. The department is managing the biggest changes to the welfare system in 60 years through the introduction of Universal Credit, and our Claimant Communications Unit plays a critical role in explaining these changes to citizens.
Have you been inspired by Thaler, Ariely, Loewenstein and others? If so, we have a role for you, which applies the latest research in behavioural science to major government initiatives.
The Department of Work and Pension’s Claimant Communications Unit is looking for an expert in behavioural science to help develop innovative solutions to communication and policy challenges.
Our work aims to understand behaviour in relation to major projects at the heart of Government policy - including helping people into work and implementing once-in-a-generation welfare reforms.
You’ll be at the centre of a small but ambitious team committed to transforming the quality of service delivered by government to millions of citizens every day.
We try to ensure everything we do is based on the latest and best available evidence. Where evidence is not available, we use Randomised Control Trials (RCTs) to develop an evidence base.
Our innovative approach also harnesses the power of information design and customer relationship management (CRM) to create tailored, targeted and motivating communications.
Our work is demanding, but interesting and rewarding. You’ll have the opportunity to work with experts and academics from leading global universities, and to use ground-breaking research techniques.
You’ll deliver work which enjoys a high profile across and beyond Government, and which has significant Ministerial interest. You’ll work in Government’s biggest department in one of Whitehall’s best performing communications teams, and will have access to great learning and career development opportunities.
Key responsibilities:
• Grasping complex policy objectives and identifying how behavioural science can be used to maximise outcomes.
• Promoting the work of the team to internal and external stakeholders
• Conducting robust RCTs, analysing data and developing compelling evaluation and research papers.
• Building strong relationships with internal clients based on trust, expertise and high levels of service
• Building and maintaining relationships with academics and industry experts
We’re looking for an exceptional person with the following:
Essential Criteria:
• Advanced behavioural science knowledge (this will be assessed through the selection process)
• Ability to persuasively communicate complex concepts to a non-technical audience
• Ability to design and evaluate randomised control trials (both lab/field)
• Excellent data analysis skills
• Ability to manage a varied workload and to deliver projects to a high standard, on time
• An enthusiastic, adaptable and creative approach to work
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and to deliver under pressure
• Good people and project management skills
• An understanding of and interest in public policy and services
Desirable:
• Academic knowledge of a relevant subject, such as Psychology, Economics, Statistics, Neuroscience ideally at Masters or PhD level
• Able to write clear and compelling copy
• Design skills (such as InDesign or Illustrator)
To apply, you’ll need to register at Civil Service jobs: https://www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/index.cgi
Key responsibilities/accountabilities:
1. Grasping complex policy objectives and identifying how behavioural science can be used to maximise outcomes.
2. Promoting the work of the team to internal and external stakeholders
3. Conducting robust RCTs, analysing data and developing compelling evaluation and research papers.
4. Building strong relationships with internal clients based on trust, expertise and high levels of service
5. Building and maintaining relationships with academics and industry experts
For an informal discussion on the role, please contact Andy Freiman on telephone number: 0207 449 5068.
Reserved / Non Reserved post(s) This is a Non Reserved post and is therefore open to UK, British Commonwealth and European Economic Area (EEA) Nationals and certain non EEA members
What security level is required for this post? Basic check
If you are a successful candidate you will be expected to undertake the following level of security check:
- Basic Check
Working Pattern This/these jobs are available for full-time, part-time or flexible working arrangements (including job share arrangements)
Employment Terms: Post Type Permanent
Employment Terms: Hours 36
Competence 1 Leading and Communicating
Competence 2 Managing a Quality Service
Competence 3 Seeing the Big Picture
Competence 4 Changing and Improving
Sift & interview/selection dates and location The sift will take place w/c 29th September and inteviews will be held in London w/c 13th October 2014.
If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check maybe carried out.
Contact point for applicants: Please contact Andy Freiman:
Telephone Number - 0207 449 5068