Research Engagement Officer HDRC

Do you have experience in engagement and a drive to make a real difference?

Could you help shape a thriving research culture in Medway?

We’re looking for someone who can inspire collaboration and champion research that matters.

An exciting and unique position has arisen for you to use your skills to create a culture of engagement with the HDRC Medway (a collaboration between Medway Council, the University of Kent and the people of Medway) so that staff, the public and a wide range of stakeholders are active and informed participants in the ambitious programme.

The HDRC is funded by the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) and aims to improve health and wellbeing and reduce inequalities for residents of Medway by making Medway Council more research active. To achieve these aims, the programme needs to engage council staff, diverse local and underserved communities, academic institutions and external partners to maintain interest and involvement in local authority research.

In this role, you will co-create and deliver an ambitious engagement strategy to build relationships, develop awareness of the HDRC programme, promote Medway as an attractive place to undertake funded research projects, and support participation across the council. This will involve engaging council leaders and officers, residents, academic partners, community organisations and more. You will also play a key role in ensuring the research findings needed to improve decision-making are shared with the right people so that ultimately, the HDRC can improve lives across Medway.

Full details of the role and person specification can be found in the job description.

If you would like an informal discussion about this role, please contact Alexandra Nica via email at alexandra.nica@medway.gov.uk to arrange a meeting.

Career Progression Frameworks (CPF) have been introduced for all roles at Medway Council. These frameworks provide a mechanism for employees to take ownership of their development within their post and be rewarded accordingly. This means that the salary you will be offered will be at level A unless, based on an assessment against the CPF criteria, you demonstrate that you are meeting the criteria of level B or C. There will be further opportunity once in post to progress from level A to B, and B to C.

When writing your application, it is important to ensure you identify your suitability against the requirements of the job profile, as this information will be used for shortlisting and may contribute to the CPF assessment. Your application may be rejected if the minimum required criteria is not met. Further information relating to the requirements for this role can be found in the CPF Guidance document attached.

The person specification of a job profile is split into three levels:
Level A details the essential criteria that all applicants must be able to demonstrate through their application and interview.

Level B details the developed competencies that an individual who is practised in this role would be able to demonstrate and will be a progression of knowledge, experience and skills from level A.

Level C requires the highest level of competence and applicants would need to fully meet and demonstrate all aspects of the job profile, including qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience.

We are seeking a Research Engagement Officer HDRC to join the team at level A. This is the entry point of the role, so you will need to be able to demonstrate the relevant knowledge, experience and skills to get you started, but you will be supported to develop in your role through induction, probation and a supportive Performance Appraisal and Career Conversation. All elements of level A listed within the person specification are essential. Through your induction you will be introduced to the Career Progression Framework (CPF), which will help you to identify your areas of strength and any development needs.

Important Information-

Applicants must be able to demonstrate all essential requirements as listed in the job profile

For further information, and for details of the benefits of working for Medway Council, please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online.

Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.

Please visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/ for information on how Medway Council put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.