Job summary

THIS POST IS FIXED TERM/SECONDMENT FOR 16 MONTHS DUE TO FUNDING.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR THE SECONDMENT POSITION, YOU MUST OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM YOUR CURRENT LINE MANAGER PRIOR TO APPLYING FOR THIS POST.

An opportunity has arisen for a Research & Evaluation Fellow to support the evaluation of theMental Health Manifesto - Action for our Futureprogramme, led by the charity Single Parents Wellbeing, in partnership with Public Health Wales, Swansea University and the Mental Health Foundation. The programme works with young people in Wales to co-design positive pathways to a mentally healthy future, and is funded by the National Lottery Mind Our Future grant. The post holder will help develop and shape robust and impactful evaluation to improve understanding of the impact and effectiveness of the programme(s), and look to develop other research and evaluation projects/research funding applications in partnership with academic and external colleagues, with a focus on children and young people's empowerment, mental health and wellbeing. The ideal candidate will value the co-production approach of the Single Parents Wellbeing programme and have an interest in the area of mental health and wellbeing. The post is at NHS Agenda for Change Band 7 scale and fixed term (Feb 2025 to June 2026) due to funding.

Main duties of the job

The right person for the role will have highly developed specialist knowledge in appropriate complex quantitative analytical approaches in a public health-related field for research design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation. You will have a strong background in data and statistics, an awareness of qualitative methods, and experience in a field related to public health. The successful applicants will need to demonstrate exceptional communication skills, experience working collaboratively across with others, providing leadership to deliver robust and innovative evaluation in public health.

This role sits within a supportive and multi-disciplinary team, embedded within a Directorate with a strong focus on evidence, data and data science in public health. The successful candidate will bring an aptitude to problem solve, and be motivated by delivering robust evidence to inform action and make a difference to population health.

If you would like to discuss the roles, please do not hesitate to contact: Esther Mugweni ().

About us

We are Public Health Wales - the national public health organisation for Wales. Our purpose is 'working together for a healthier Wales'. We exist to help all people in Wales live longer, healthier lives. With our partners, we aim to increase healthy life expectancy, improve health and well-being, and reduce inequalities for everyone in Wales, now and for future generations.

Together, our teams work to prevent disease, protect health, and provide leadership, specialist services and public health expertise. We are the main source of public health information, research and innovation in Wales. Never more has public health been so important as we come through the Coronavirus pandemic, face the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis and tackle and prevent the harmful effects of climate change.

Our organisation is guided by our Values, 'Working together, with trust and respect, to make a difference'. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of the communities we serve and from those wishing to work part time or on a job share basis.

To find out more about working for us and the benefits we offer please visit

For guidance on the application process, please visit

Job description

Job responsibilities

You will develop impactful research proposals based on public health priorities and current evidence gaps, and complete robust research and evaluations of public health policy and practice, including use of appropriate, highly complex quantitative methods, data collection/management, analysis, and interpretation.

You will undertake robust data management and analysis of complex and linked data gathered for research and evaluation purposes, using specialist software and methodology (including open source statistical software R, data management and linkage software SQL) and ensure reproducible and transparent ways of working to support open analytical approaches and collaboration.

You will work independently to project manage research programmes contributing to the delivery of the PHW Research and Evaluation Strategy; working collaboratively with peers and senior colleagues from across the organisation.

You will write and lead on the production of research reports, appropriately targeted at different audiences; producing a range of published outputs that will be accessible to policy-makers and practitioners and contributing to the development and production of journal articles. You will support the team to identify external grant funding opportunities to support research and evaluation activity with external partners.

You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Person Specification

QUALIFICATIONS & KNOWLEDGE

Essential

Educated to degree Level or equivalent in a mathematical, statistical, health, operational research, social science related subject with a strong research and/or evaluation component. Post graduate diploma or Masters degree in health, social science or public health research. Evidence of knowledge of core Public Health competencies at masters level, or equivalent. Knowledge of a range of quantitative methods for research and evaluation. Knowledge of methods to manage and analyse complex linked data sources. Understanding and application of NHS research, ethics, data and information governance processes, policies and procedures.

Desirable

PhD in a Public Health related subject, or equivalent level of experience Evidence of an ongoing commitment to professional development (CPD) Knowledge of Public Health policies and strategies in Wales Knowledge of health inequalities Knowledge of issues related to public health

EXPERIENCE

Essential

Demonstrable experience leading to highly developed specialist knowledge in research or evaluation applied to public health, or related field Experience of leading, developing and delivering research to drive action within public health policy and / or practice, or in a related field Experience of developing and implementing quantitative research projects or evaluations, including analysing and writing up findings Experience of implementing a range of quantitative analytical methods in relation to health Experience of manipulating large and complex linked datasets Experience of project management Experience of obtaining ethical, research and data governance (as required) approvals

Desirable

Experience of patient and public involvement in research, particularly of working with diverse ethnic and social communities Previous experience of developing research proposals and funding applications An academic track record of peer-reviewed publications Experience in transparent, open science approach to research

Aptitude & Abilities (SKILLS)

Essential

Data management (new and routinely collected data) and analytical skills Advanced coding skills in a range of analytical software packages (eg R, SQL) Advanced IT skills including Microsoft office Excellent written and presentation communication skills Effective stakeholder management and interpersonal skills Ability to translate complexity into operational plans and actions Excellent organisational skills with an ability to plan, manage time and prioritise own work and that of others effectively

Desirable

Demonstrated facilitative and negotiating skills Skills in developing reproducible analytical code

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES & VALUES (Demonstrable)

Essential

Attention to detail Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, plan and manage own workload Proactive, ability to motivate self and others Show personal commitment to public health through healthy and sustainable life style choices wherever possible

Desirable

Demonstrated ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team Commitment and experience of the development of others

OTHER

Essential

Ability to travel Ability to work flexible hours when needed

Desirable

Welsh Speaker