Head of Research Programmes Analysis, Development and Management
UK Visa Sponsorship Analytics
Occupation Type
Research and development (r&d) managers
Occupation Code Skill LevelHigher Skilled
Sponsorship Salary Threshold
£54,400
(£27.90 per hour)
Occupation rate applies
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Description
Vacancy title
Head of Research Programmes Analysis, Development and Management
Closing date
20/03/2026, 16:00
Advertising basis
Permanent
Actual starting salary
£61,098
Salary range or pay band
Grade 7 £61,098 to £73,057
Allowances
No
Work pattern
Full time (applications are welcome from people who work part time, as part of a job share or who work full time)
Group
Economy, Energy and Transport
Directorate
Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales
Branch
Programmes Analysis, Development and Management
Location (s)
Cardiff, Pan Wales
Main office base
Cathays, Cardiff
Purpose of post
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.
What You’ll Be Doing
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.
Key tasks
Main Responsibilities
Head of Research Programmes Analysis, Development and Management
Closing date
20/03/2026, 16:00
Advertising basis
Permanent
Actual starting salary
£61,098
Salary range or pay band
Grade 7 £61,098 to £73,057
Allowances
No
Work pattern
Full time (applications are welcome from people who work part time, as part of a job share or who work full time)
Group
Economy, Energy and Transport
Directorate
Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales
Branch
Programmes Analysis, Development and Management
Location (s)
Cardiff, Pan Wales
Main office base
Cathays, Cardiff
Purpose of post
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.
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.
Key tasks
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.
- 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.
- 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.
This is a high-trust, high-impact role. You will be expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy, using your expertise and judgement to drive forward complex work programmes with minimal supervision. You’ll have significant discretion in how you approach your objectives and will be responsible for identifying and navigating issues with potential policy or political implications.
Given the strategic importance and visibility of the work, your contributions will directly influence the Welsh Government’s reputation with both internal and external stakeholders. This is an opportunity to shape science and innovation policy at a national level, while working closely with senior leaders and decision-makers.
Other vacancy rel
ated information
The Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales is based in Cathays Park, Cardiff. The successful candidate will be expected to travel within Wales and elsewhere to visit stakeholders and others in pursuit of the role. They will be expected to travel to Cardiff CP2 frequently for team meetings and workshops.
An in-tray exercise on Technical 1 will be required at interview. More information will be provided in the invitations to that stage. Interviews will be held in person at our Cathays Park office in Cardiff.
A reserve list may be held for this opportunity. Any candidate who is successful in being offered a reserve status, will remain on the reserve list for 12 months.
In the event of a large number of applications, an initial sift will be conducted against the assessment criteria: Experience 2 & Technical 2. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
In The Case Of More Than One Candidate Scoring The Same, The Panel Has Decided The Following Criteria To Determining The Merit Order
Experience 2.
Technical 1.
Experience 3.
Technical 2.
Experience 1.
Vetting level
Basic
Number of posts
1
Contact point for further information regarding the post
sciencegovbus@gov.wales
Welsh language requirements
3 - Welsh language skills are not essential for this post, they are however desirable and will be considered if two or more candidates receive the same score at the application or interview stage.
Understanding by reading
0 - No skills
Speaking and being understood
0 - No skills
Understanding by listening
0 - No skills
Writing and being understood
0 - No 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
The Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales is based in Cathays Park, Cardiff. The successful candidate will be expected to travel within Wales and elsewhere to visit stakeholders and others in pursuit of the role. They will be expected to travel to Cardiff CP2 frequently for team meetings and workshops.
An in-tray exercise on Technical 1 will be required at interview. More information will be provided in the invitations to that stage. Interviews will be held in person at our Cathays Park office in Cardiff.
A reserve list may be held for this opportunity. Any candidate who is successful in being offered a reserve status, will remain on the reserve list for 12 months.
In the event of a large number of applications, an initial sift will be conducted against the assessment criteria: Experience 2 & Technical 2. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
In The Case Of More Than One Candidate Scoring The Same, The Panel Has Decided The Following Criteria To Determining The Merit Order
Experience 2.
Technical 1.
Experience 3.
Technical 2.
Experience 1.
Vetting level
Basic
Number of posts
1
Contact point for further information regarding the post
sciencegovbus@gov.wales
Welsh language requirements
3 - Welsh language skills are not essential for this post, they are however desirable and will be considered if two or more candidates receive the same score at the application or interview stage.
Understanding by reading
0 - No skills
Speaking and being understood
0 - No skills
Understanding by listening
0 - No skills
Writing and being understood
0 - No 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
Evidence to provide
Experience questions
Experience 1
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.
Experience 2
Demonstrable experience of development, management and conclusion of research projects and programmes.
Experience 3
Demonstrable experience of applying quantitative performance metrics and analytical methodologies to evaluate and communicate the outcomes of a scientific or technical programme.
Technical 1
Providing and Handling Evidence: Generates, collates and provides succinct scientific or technical evidence to fulfil requirements. Provides critical analysis and investigation of sources, and contributes to the robustness of the evidence base. Technical in-tray exercise at interview.
Technical 2
Application of science principles to policy, delivery strategy and programmes.
You will be asked about your nationality and if you are legally allowed to work in the United Kingdom. This is to find out if you are eligible to apply for this vacancy. This is a requirement for working within the Civil Service. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules
If you do not meet the eligibility criteria your application will not progress. If it becomes clear at a later stage in the process that you are not eligible to apply, your application may be withdrawn, or the offer retracted.
Nationality Requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
Experience questions
Experience 1
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.
Experience 2
Demonstrable experience of development, management and conclusion of research projects and programmes.
Experience 3
Demonstrable experience of applying quantitative performance metrics and analytical methodologies to evaluate and communicate the outcomes of a scientific or technical programme.
Technical 1
Providing and Handling Evidence: Generates, collates and provides succinct scientific or technical evidence to fulfil requirements. Provides critical analysis and investigation of sources, and contributes to the robustness of the evidence base. Technical in-tray exercise at interview.
Technical 2
Application of science principles to policy, delivery strategy and programmes.
You will be asked about your nationality and if you are legally allowed to work in the United Kingdom. This is to find out if you are eligible to apply for this vacancy. This is a requirement for working within the Civil Service. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules
If you do not meet the eligibility criteria your application will not progress. If it becomes clear at a later stage in the process that you are not eligible to apply, your application may be withdrawn, or the offer retracted.
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)
- Civil Service Pension Scheme
- 31 days annual leave (pro-rated for part time)
- training and development opportunities
- Cycle2Work Scheme
- Smart Working flexible working arrangement
- Green Car Scheme (subject to availability)
If you are an active Civil Service Pension member you can continue your membership throughout your employment with us.
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.
How To Apply
All applications for this vacancy must be made using our online application system.
Unless stated otherwise in the 'Other vacancy-related information for advert', the Welsh Government cannot offer Visa sponsorship. Welsh Government holds a Visa sponsorship licence, but this can only be used for certain roles and this campaign does not qualify.
Applications are welcomed from people with a diverse range of lived and professional experiences. We are actively committed to becoming an increasingly diverse organisation which represents the diverse communities we serve. There are a number of Diversity networks that staff can participate in, which include the Disability Awareness and Support Staff Network; Minority Ethnic Staff Network; Mind Matters (Mental health and well-being); PRISM (LGBTI+), Women Together and the Neurodivergence Network.
If you have an impairment which prevents you from applying online, please email our recruitment team. You can:
- request an application pack in an alternative format
You should check your Application Centre regularly for updates to your application. Please also check your spam/junk folder in case any communication regarding your application and/or assessment details finds its way there.
Once you've registered for an account and logged in, you'll be taken to the online application form. You must complete this and submit it before the deadline on the closing date. We will not consider an incomplete application form.
If you would like to apply for this vacancy in Welsh, please use the Change Language link on this page. We welcome applications in Welsh, and applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than applications submitted in English.
Please see the candidate guidance for more information on the recruitment process.
For information on Civil Service Success Profiles please click here .
For TS to G6 recruitment schemes: When presenting your evidence, you may find it useful to consider the expectations of the grade as set out in the Grade Description as well as the main responsibilities that are essential for the role.
Use the 'Apply' button to submit your application. You will be asked to register if you don't have an account or sign in if you do. Registration takes a few minutes and you will need an email address.
You should check your Application Centre regularly for updates to your application. Please also check your spam/junk folder in case any communication regarding your application and/or assessment details finds its way there.
Once you've registered for an account and logged in, you'll be taken to the online application form. You must complete this and submit it before the deadline on the closing date. We will not consider an incomplete application form.
If you would like to apply for this vacancy in Welsh, please use the Change Language link on this page. We welcome applications in Welsh, and applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than applications submitted in English.
Please see the candidate guidance for more information on the recruitment process.
For information on Civil Service Success Profiles please click here .
For TS to G6 recruitment schemes:
When presenting your evidence, you may find it useful to consider the expectations of the grade as set out in the Grade Description as well as the main responsibilities that are essential for the role.