Monitoring and Evaluation Manager in Swindon

This role sits within a monitoring, evaluation and analysis function, providing specialist support to a defined portfolio of priority programmes. The postholder will enable the design, implementation and delivery of proportionate monitoring and evaluation (M&E) approaches, ensuring that investments are supported by robust evidence and demonstrate impact and value for money.

Working under the general direction of a senior manager, the role focuses on a small number of strategically important programmes. The postholder will apply professional judgement to support the design of M&E frameworks, reporting approaches and evaluation activity, including the development of logic models, theories of change and appropriate success measures, in line with government standards such as the Magenta Book and Green Book.

The role requires strong analytical and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities across complex programmes. The postholder will undertake research and analysis to inform recommendations, contribute to decision-making, and support the delivery of evaluation and reporting activity, including working with external contractors where appropriate.

Your responsibilities:

• Support the development of proportionate M&E frameworks for priority programmes, including logic models, theories of change, SMART objectives and key results.
• Apply analytical judgement to identify appropriate metrics, baseline requirements and evidence needs.
• Identify risks in data collection and implement appropriate mitigation approaches.
• Establish appropriate project management process to support the activity.
• Develop and manage reporting requirements and processes with programme and delivery teams.
• Build and maintain effective stakeholder relationships to support reporting and evidence gathering.
• Analyse and synthesise programme data into clear, evidence-based outputs for senior stakeholders.
• Coordinate the collection of qualitative and quantitative evidence, including case studies, impact data and key results.
• Use UKRI systems and bespoke approaches to monitor programme data and support investment planning.
• Support commissioning and management of external evaluations, including contractor oversight.
• Undertake analysis and research to generate insights and support evidence-based recommendations.
• Contribute to the production of reports, dashboards and communications to disseminate findings.
• Analyse evidence and data to provide specific relevant information required for corporate reporting (including KRs, quarterly reporting and Annual Report & Accounts).
• Manage priorities across a small number of programmes, contributing to the continuous improvement of M&E practice.

Personal Specification

• Understanding of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) approaches, including application of frameworks such as logic models, theories of change and performance metrics.
• Strong planning, resource management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver across a defined portfolio of work to time and quality.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to analyse and interpret quantitative and qualitative data to generate clear, evidence-based insights and recommendations.
• Attention to detail particularly around quality assurance of documents.
• Experience of contributing to reporting processes and producing clear, high-quality written outputs for a range of audiences.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with programme teams and a range of internal and external collaborators to support delivery and evidence gathering.
• A good understanding of project objectives, milestones, value for money and outputs.
• Specialist training in monitoring and evaluation, or project management or willingness to work towards.

Benefits

We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package. We are committed to supporting employees' development and promote a culture of continuous learning!

• An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
• 30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent).
• Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
• Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice.
• Flexible working options.
• Plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance!

UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.