Statistician/Researcher/Analyst

Official statistics are a vital resource for government and society. They influence a vast range of decisions, in government and beyond, that affect the lives of everyone in the country. They also provide the citizen with a window on the work and performance of government and thus play a key role in the processes of democracy.

The UK Statistics Authority is an independent body operating at arms length from government as a non-ministerial department. It aims to enhance the value of official statistics across the United Kingdom, and has a statutory objective to promote and safeguard the production and publication of official statistics that serve the public good. One of the ways in which the Authority will meet this objective is by formally assessing official statistics against the Authority’s Code of Practice; in addition the Authority will commission its Monitoring and Assessment Team to conduct research and prepare reports on wider issues of concern.

The Authority is looking to recruit a statistical officer, researcher or other analyst with strong statistical research skills to join its Monitoring and Assessment Team in Edinburgh. Other members of the team are based in Newport and London. The team conducts regular assessments of statistical activities in many official bodies. This involves site visits across the UK, production of reports and a recommendation in relation to National Statistics designation.

You will spend the majority of time on assessment work but will also have the opportunity to get involved in shorter term, responsive research to address emerging issues.

This role offers an opportunity to be involved in a high profile area of work which will involve contact with officials working at the highest level of government. You can expect to gain an insight into the way that statistics are used and produced across a wide range of statistical bodies and will have a real opportunity to influence positively the way in which these statistics are produced in the future.

You must have experience of report drafting to high standards, together with demonstrably strong communication and analytical skills. You will also need to be able to work effectively with a range of stakeholders including senior Government officials and representatives of user interests.

Experience of producing or using official statistics as a statistician, economist or social researcher is desirable. Applications are also welcomed from those with a background in other types of audit or assessment activity.

UK Statistics Authority is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes diversity.

All applicants will be considered on merit.

Contract Type: Fixed-term contract or secondment

Closing Date: 25 March 2010.