Evaluation Manager

At the Fund, we are taking an increasingly impact-focused approach via our new strategy, so our funding makes the biggest difference with communities. Based in a team of 11 researchers/evaluators from across the UK, the post will help shape the evidence we generate now and into the future. If you have a strong background in evaluation and social research methods, with a  passion for communities, this role could be for you.

You will be involved in different evaluation and research projects that will be at different stages of the project life cycle. This can include some of the following:

• Named lead from our team on one or more programme evaluation contracts (or to procure them) with programme teams, ensuring the evidence approach is feasible, as well as accurate, ethical, accessible, and used.
• Using evidence and your understanding of methodology, work with others to support design of programmes or funding approaches, including theories of change.
• Working with team members to design and deliver shorter term research projects (internally or externally by contract).
• Contributing to developing a new evidence and impact strategy, and outcomes frameworks, and ways to implement them.
• Giving practical guidance to colleagues about different ways that good evidence can be generated and used.
• Supporting Evaluation and Customer Insight team colleagues with your expertise (as they do with theirs) to deliver sound approaches as a team.

The post focuses on generating evidence that will be useful to support communities in improving outcomes in helping bring people together, the environment, health, and/or for children and young people. The role will also help people understand what the evidence it telling us and to use it well. We are interested in someone with statistical know-how, but would like you to tell us what skills you would bring to the role.

As a UK-wide team and role, you will need to be flexible to travel from time to time (at least four times a year) to other locations/offices in the UK.

Interview Date: Week commencing 23rd October via MS Teams. There will be a presentation as part of interview; those shortlisted will be informed of topic at that time, followed by competency based questions.

Location:  We have a hybrid approach to working, work pattern and location will be agreed with the successful candidate. So we have team members based across the UK, this role can be based at any of our England or Wales offices: Birmingham, Cardiff, Exeter, Leeds, London, Newcastle or Newtown.

If you would like an informal conversation about the role specifically, please contact: eileen.mckibbin@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk.

Any questions about the recruitment process, please email: peopleteam@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk.

Essential criteria

• Demonstrable professional experience and sound academic understanding of evaluation design and methodology, including delivering complex evaluations.
•  Demonstrable professional experience and sound academic understanding of both qualitative and quantitative social research methodologies and techniques.
• Track record of developing and maintaining positive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Experience of designing tenders, commissioning evaluations and of managing external research/evaluation consultants (or in responding to tenders and managing contracts as a supplier).
• Understanding of equitable approaches to research/evaluation.

 Desirable criteria

• Strong statistical skills with proven ability of using in applied research/evaluation projects, and writing concise and compelling analysis for generalist audiences.
•  Ability to support team and colleague understanding of appropriate statistical methods and approaches.
• Good project management experience.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion  

Communities in the UK come in all shapes and sizes. National Lottery funding is for everyone – therefore, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and we work hard to ensure our funding reaches where it is needed.  

We also believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. That’s why the National Lottery Community Fund is committed to being an inclusive employer and a great place to work. We recognise and celebrate the fact that our people come from diverse backgrounds. We positively welcome applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities or longstanding health conditions, people who are LGBTQ+, and people from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds, as well as people of all ages. 

As a Disability Confident Employer, we take a proactive approach in making reasonable adjustments, if needed, throughout the recruitment process and during employment. (This can be related to a physical and mental health condition.) 

Job contact :

• Name : Eileen McKibbin
• Email : eileen.mckibbin@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : Peopleteam@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk