At a Glance
- Tasks: Support research and evaluation to enhance student success in higher education.
- Company: Join TASO, a dynamic charity focused on widening participation in higher education.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days holiday, flexible working, and a personal wellbeing budget.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional development and team-building activities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience; strong analytical and communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 37474 - 37474 £ per year.
The Evaluation Officer will work on TASO’s research and evaluation programme to develop a better understanding of what works to support widening participation and student success. Transforming Access and Student Outcomes in Higher Education (TASO) is an affiliate What Works Centre, and part of the UK government’s What Works Network. Our aim is to help eliminate equality gaps in higher education through evidence-informed practice.
The role involves substantial stakeholder management, liaising with various interested parties outside TASO, convening stakeholder groups and supporting training sessions. The Evaluation Officer will have strong communication skills and be able to convey their findings, including complex quantitative information and advanced evaluation methods clearly.
Among other responsibilities, the role will include the following duties:
- Helping develop a suite of high-quality guidance to support universities and colleges to better evaluate the activities and programmes they deliver.
- Using these resources and materials to deliver training – in-person and online – to a wide range of external stakeholders.
- Helping develop theories of change and evaluation plans for individual interventions and multi-intervention programmes.
- Conducting desk-based research, reviewing existing literature to synthesise the quality of evidence on a given topic and collate examples of sector good practice.
- Providing support to the Research and Evaluation Managers in the commissioning of external research and evaluation.
- Overseeing funded projects, ensuring delivery to timelines, value for money for TASO, and timely and proactive risk assessment and mitigation.
- Helping design, run and analyse the results of research projects in collaboration with multiple external organisations.
- Contributing to the administration and secretariat for a number of advisory panels formed of external stakeholders.
- Working with the Research and Evaluation Managers to develop TASO’s relationships with key stakeholders in the HE sector.
- Developing/maintaining knowledge of cutting-edge research and evaluation which is relevant to TASO’s work.
- Contributing to the delivery of external training courses and events to disseminate the work of TASO’s wider research programme.
The attributes we are looking for in an Evaluation Officer include:
- Undergraduate degree in relevant discipline or equivalent experience.
- Postgraduate level qualification in relevant discipline (e.g. applied research, public policy).
- Ability to collate and analyse complex information for reporting purposes.
- Ability to critically evaluate the strength of causal research/evaluation.
- Ability to develop theories of change and design evaluation plans.
- Confident using software (such as Microsoft Office suite and R/Stata/SPSS) to analyse and present research findings.
- Confident and clear written and verbal communication, including report-writing and presentation skills.
- Understanding of widening participation and student success policy agendas.
- Experience of research and evaluation relating to widening participation and student success.
- Ability to work collaboratively in small teams.
- Commitment to eliminating equality gaps in higher education; a passion for the agenda of What Works Centres.
Initial terms and conditions of appointment include:
- Starting salary of £37,474 per annum.
- Location: Central London, hybrid working with the expectation of being in the office two days a week.
- Annual holiday – 27 days per year, plus public/bank holidays and a day off for your birthday.
- Pension scheme – TASO will contribute 8% to your pension.
- Flexible working – commitment to flexible working where possible.
- Training and development – access to a training and development fund.
- Volunteering – one day a year off to volunteer for an organisation of your choice.
- Wellbeing – free employee assistance programme and a yearly personal wellbeing budget.
- Sick pay scheme – 3 months full pay and 3 months half pay after probation has been passed.
To apply, please submit a CV (no longer than two pages) and your response to the four questions in the application form via our recruitment portal. The deadline for applications is 09:00 GMT on Monday 8 December.
Evaluation Officer: maternity cover | 12-month full-time contract employer: TASO
TASO is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and wellbeing. With a strong commitment to flexible working arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave and professional development opportunities, TASO empowers its staff to make a meaningful impact in higher education while enjoying a supportive environment in the heart of Central London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Evaluation Officer: maternity cover | 12-month full-time contract
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the higher education sector, especially those involved with widening participation and student success. A friendly chat can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your experience with research and evaluation. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can contribute to TASO’s mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for the interview by rehearsing answers to common questions about your experience and how it relates to the role. Don’t forget to prepare some questions for them too!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the TASO team and making a difference in higher education.
We think you need these skills to ace Evaluation Officer: maternity cover | 12-month full-time contract
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When you're writing your application, make sure to use your own voice. We want to hear your unique perspective and experiences, so steer clear of generic responses. Authenticity is key!
Tailor Your Responses:Take a good look at the job description and align your answers with the skills and experiences they're looking for. Highlight how your background fits with the role of Evaluation Officer and the mission of TASO.
Keep It Concise:While we love detail, remember to keep your CV to two pages and your answers to the application questions focused. Clear and concise responses will help us see your strengths without wading through too much info.
Check Your Work:Before hitting send, give your application a thorough proofread. Typos and errors can distract from your message, so take the time to ensure everything is polished and professional. We’re excited to see your best work!
How to prepare for a job interview at TASO
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key concepts of widening participation and student success. Brush up on recent research and evaluation methods, especially causal impact evaluation. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with data analysis and report writing. Be ready to provide examples of how you've collated and evaluated complex information in past roles. Highlight your proficiency with software like R or SPSS, as this is crucial for the Evaluation Officer position.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since stakeholder management is a big part of the job, think of examples where you’ve successfully engaged with various parties. Whether it’s running meetings or delivering presentations, be prepared to share how you’ve built relationships and communicated effectively in previous projects.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking insightful questions about TASO’s current projects or future goals. This shows that you’re not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to the organisation’s mission of eliminating equality gaps in higher education.
