Associate Director, Data Analytics And Research

Associate Director, Data Analytics and Research

Ofqual is the independent qualifications regulator for England. We currently regulate 200+ awarding organisations, and approx. 11,600 certified qualifications. These include GCSEs, AS and A levels, and a broad range of vocational and technical qualifications. Regulating on behalf of students of all ages and apprentices is central to how we fulfil our statutory objectives. 
For more information about what we do please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofqual

Each year, millions of people take qualifications that help them to progress in their lives – to the next stage of their studies, into employment or in their enjoyment of a leisure pursuit. Now, more than ever, the work of Ofqual does on behalf of students and apprentices to secure quality and confidence in those qualifications is critical.

Ofqual has a key role to play in overseeing the current qualifications system and looking ahead to the future. That means we need to perform leading-edge research and analytics to enable us to regulate existing qualifications effectively and develop policy to influence the future.

As part of this, we perform quantitative research and produce reports and data sets, covering regulated qualifications, to help all stakeholders understand the qualifications and exams system.  This is complex work – but is also deeply engaging and stimulating.

The data and statistics we publish on GCSEs, AS/A levels, and vocational and technical qualifications provides the education system and wider public with a valuable lens into qualifications system. Ofqual’s analytics culture is strong, and we have developed a range of innovative approaches to reporting data, including interactive visualisations that are made available to the public.

We’re looking for an Associate Director to build on the strong platform we have in our Data & Analytics work. That will require excellent analytical skills and equally, a well-developed ability to work closely with and support colleagues across the organisation in their work too. Many of the reports we produce are Official Statistics and the role of Associate DirectorData Analytics & Research also acts as Head of Profession for Statistics, taking responsibility for the publication of these reports.

You can read more about the role in the candidate pack but here is a flavour of who we are looking for.

• You’ll have expert analytical ability and be very comfortable with analysing and presenting both quantitative and qualitative data.
• An extensive track record of effective design and delivery of data solutions and statistical publications.
• Demonstrable experience of collecting, analysing and interpreting large data sets using computational statistical software tools such as R and/or Python.
• Experience in data privacy and data governance.
• You’ll be able to give authoritative advice to researchers: for example, on choice of statistical models and sample size requirements.
• You’ll be excited to innovate, develop new approaches and engage in analytical challenges.
• We need a strong communicator – with confidence to communicate clearly at all levels of seniority, including making technical work accessible to non-expert audiences.  
• You’ll be great at building relationships internally and externally. 
• You’ll enjoy leading a function that is there to equip, support and enable others in their work - able to lead experts in their field, adding value through your insight, challenge and support.
• Experienced in developing analytical and business intelligence applications using tools such as Power BI, SAS or Tableau.
• It is essential that the person in this role is a member of (or has the ability to become a member of) one of the Government Analyst Function professions Membership – Government Analysis Function (civilservice.gov.uk)

As part of our positive action commitment, if you are from an ethnic minority background and would like to discuss the role in more detail ahead of submitting your application, please email recruitment@ofqual.gov.uk and we will arrange for a call to take place with one of our senior team.

Important information

If you are shortlisted and you are not a member of GSG, you will be asked to take part in a GSS online test. Only those that pass the test will be invited to interview.

If you are shortlisted and are already a member of the GSG, you are exempt from sitting the GSS online test. To prevent your application from being rejected, as soon as you submit an application to notify us, please ensure you email your membership number to recruitment@ofqual.gov.uk.