EOI: Data & Quantitative Analyst

The Centre for Young Lives is inviting expressions of interest for an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Data and Quantitative Analyst. This role is ideal for someone who knows how to handle large datasets and can think quantitatively but is passionate about turning data into actionable insights to inform comms, public affairs, and ultimately systems change that improves lives for children and young people.

About the Centre for Young Lives: The Centre for Young Lives is dedicated to creating better futures for children and young people by addressing systemic barriers and promoting equity. Our mission is to improve outcomes for children and young people by using evidence and innovation to tackle complex social challenges. We work collaboratively with communities, public services, and partners to design and deliver solutions that make a real difference. Data and insight are at the heart of our approach, helping us understand what works and where change is needed most.

Role Purpose: We are looking for an experienced, detail-oriented and collaborative Data Analyst to support the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data to help us build the evidence base on children and young people’s lives. This role is perfect for someone who thrives on problem-solving, enjoys working with diverse stakeholders, and is committed to using data and quantitative research to inform systems change and social innovation for children and young people.

Key Responsibilities:

• Data Collection and Management: Gather, clean, and validate data from multiple sources, ensuring accuracy and reliability. Build and maintain databases and dashboards to support ongoing monitoring and analytics on issues facing children and young people in England. Ensure compliance with data protection and ethical standards, where applicable.
• Analysis, Modelling and Insight: Analyse data quantitatively, carrying out statistical modelling as required to identify trends, patterns, and key insights that can inform policy, public affairs and social innovation. Lead on data analysis and quantitative research across a range of policy research projects. Produce clear, compelling reports and visualisations for internal teams and external partners. Support the development of metrics and indicators to measure impact and progress of policies and initiatives. Work closely with other Policy team colleagues to understand data and analysis needs, and provide analytical support as required. Engage with stakeholders to ensure analysis is accessible, meaningful and impactful. Contribute to learning and continuous improvement by sharing insights and recommendations.
• Innovation and Systems Thinking: Apply analytical tools and frameworks to explore complex social challenges. Support the integration of data-driven approaches into programme design and delivery. Help develop innovative solutions for data collection and analysis in place-based contexts.

Person Specification: Bachelor’s degree with substantial data, quantitative or analytical element (e.g. statistics, social sciences, natural sciences). Strong experience in data analysis, including statistical methods and data visualisation. Advanced skills in tools such as MS Excel and/or statistical software packages. Ability to think quantitatively and understand what data or analysis is required to answer strategic or policy-related questions. Ability to communicate complex analysis and statistics clearly to diverse audiences. Commitment to equity, inclusion, and ethical use of data. Good organisational skills and ability to deliver at pace. Can-do attitude and willingness to ‘muck in’ as required. Master’s degree with substantial data, quantitative or analytical element (e.g. statistics, social sciences, natural sciences). Previous experience working with in a public policy or third-sector organisation. Good skills in advanced statistical software packages (e.g. Stata, R, etc). Understanding of systems thinking and its application to data.

Salary and Benefits: As part of the package, you will also benefit from a generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year (plus 8 Bank Holidays). Policies which promote well-being and are family friendly. Hybrid-style working and flexible working approach.

We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and minority and underrepresented groups. We are actively seeking to bring diversity of perspectives and experience to our team, and especially welcome applications from those from racially marginalised communities. We encourage applicants to complete our Equity and Diversity Monitoring form to better understand the diversity of applicants. This is anonymous and cannot be connected with your application. We expect all staff to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK. The Centre for Young Lives cannot assist with sponsorship or visas. There is no official deadline for submitting your expression of interest. However, we are seeking the right candidate to start as soon as possible and may choose to close this role at short notice. Therefore, we strongly encourage applicants to submit your applications early. We are pleased to offer this role as a secondment if appropriate.