3438 - Head of Research Programmes Analysis, Development and Management

Job summary

The Welsh Government Office for Science, led by the Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales, plays a pivotal role in ensuring that government programmes, policies and decisions are informed by robust scientific evidence and strategic foresight.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to lead on the design, analysis and delivery of strategic research and innovation programmes. This is a unique opportunity to work at the interface of science, policy and public impact.

Job description

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead strategic partnerships with key research funders such as Medr (Commission for Tertiary Education and Research) and other national and international RD&I bodies.
• Advise on funding mechanisms, delivery structures and research translation, ensuring that science and technology investments deliver real-world benefits.
• Conduct performance analysis of Welsh Government, UKRI and European Commission-funded programmes to identify what works, what doesn’t, and how future programmes can be improved.
• Provide expert advice to the Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales on science and technology policy, evidence generation, and programme impact
  

  Science is about more than discovery — it’s about impact. This role ensures that research programmes are not only well-designed but also deliver measurable outcomes that benefit society, the economy and the environment. You’ll help shape how Wales invests in science and innovation, ensuring maximum return on investment and long-term strategic value.

Person specification

Main Responsibilities

As a senior member of the Welsh Government Office for Science, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of science and innovation policy in Wales. Your responsibilities will include:

• Strategic Programme Leadership
  Lead the development and delivery of high-impact programmes, including the potential launch of a Technology Transfer Office in Spending Review 2026/27.
• Scientific Analysis & Reporting
  Analyse complex scientific and technical datasets, producing clear and timely insights to inform strategic decisions. Prepare technical reports and Ministerial briefings that influence policy and funding.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
  Drive engagement across the health and life sciences sectors, working closely with Welsh Government colleagues and external partners. Lead on marketing, publicity, and events to promote programme visibility and impact.
• Policy & Advisory Support
  Provide expert advice to the Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales, Ministers, and senior officials on research strategy, funding mechanisms, and performance outcomes. Conduct horizon scanning to identify emerging opportunities and risks.
• Lead the analysis, development, and delivery of Welsh science and technology initiatives, ensuring value for money and measurable success.

Key Tasks

• Lead the analysis, development, and delivery of Welsh science and technology initiatives, ensuring value for money and measurable success.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including UKRI, research charities, and industry partners.
• Advise on administrative and policy matters affecting external research organisations and funders.
• Influence UK Government and UKRI strategies to ensure Welsh priorities are reflected and supported.
• Support the CSA in promoting scientific excellence, attracting investment, and maximising societal and economic benefits from RD&I.
• Maintain active links with the academic sector and contribute to strategic discussions on science and innovation.
• Analyse large volumes of research portfolio data and present findings to senior colleagues in a clear, concise format.
• Lead on data gathering, communications, and event planning related to your programme areas.
• Draft high-quality technical reports and Ministerial papers.
• Undertake any additional duties as required by the CSA or Head of Science.

Qualifications

Use of a higher degree (by research), such as a PhD or MRes in a relevant life science, health or physical sciences or other STEMM discipline in a science policy development context.

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Providing & Handling Evidence: Please see main vacancy for more info
• Application of science principles to policy, delivery strategy and programmes.

Benefits

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Experience and Technical skills.

Welsh Government, like all other Government Departments use Success Profiles when we recruit. For each role we consider what you will need to demonstrate to be successful. This gives us the best possible chance of finding the right person for the job. It raises performance and improves diversity and inclusivity.

The selection process and stages are:

Number of Stages:2 stage processStage 1Application FormStage 2Interview

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : sciencegovbus@gov.wales
• Email : sciencegovbus@gov.wales

Recruitment team

• Email : sharedservicehelpdesk@gov.wales

Further information

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition. Please see the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles on the Commission's website.

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and wish to make a complaint please email complaints@gov.wales. Please ensure that you refer to the vacancy reference number.

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Welsh Government, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: info@csc.gov.uk.