3x Research Director, Impact Evaluation and TheoryBased Evaluation

Job Description

At the National Centre for Social Research we carry out a full programme of evaluations, supporting decision makers and practitioners across the public, private and third sector to make evidence informed decisions. Working alongside our in- house policy experts on children and families, health and social care, communities, work and income, and crime and justice, youll need the skills and confidence to be able to advise on, design and conduct our evaluation work.We are looking for Research Directors with either of the following skillsets:Impact evaluation: expertise in the design and analysis of experimental and quasi-experimental impact evaluations and ability to provide expert advice and support to our research staff involved in delivering impact evaluations. We are particularly interested in candidates with experience of Randomised Controlled Trials or Quasi-Experimental Designs (for example propensity score matching, panel data methods or regression discontinuity designs) to evaluate policy interventions. Familiarity with a wider range of evaluation methods including process evaluations, logic models, theory of change, theory-based evaluation, systematic review and/or value for money analysis would be beneficial but is not essential. Theory-based evaluation: expertise in the design and implementation of theory-based evaluation and the ability to provide expert advice and support to our research staff involved in delivering these evaluations. We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in Logic Models and Theory of Change, process and formative evaluation, and in Theory-Based Evaluation approaches such as Contribution Analysis, Realist Evaluation, Process Tracing or Qualitative Comparative Analysis. Familiarity with quantitative evaluation designs and analysis, systematic review and/or value for money analysis would be beneficial but is not essential. For either role, experience of writing successful proposals or grant funding applications and of managing projects and staff is essential.About the National Centre for Social ResearchAt the National Centre for Social Research, were driven by the belief that social research has the power to make life better. Our research influences policy makers, practitioners, academics and the media, shaping our understanding of the world we live in and how it is changing.We offer a friendly, flexible, supportive and stimulating working environment, with a range of benefits, including a generous defined contribution pension scheme with life assurance, learning and development opportunities, season ticket loans, cycle to work scheme, a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme and an extensive employee benefit/discount voucher scheme.The application processThe National Centre for Social Research is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive environment and committed to equality of opportunity. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented and marginalised groups.For further details and information about the role please visit our website.