Local Authority Research Practitioner (LARP) - Senior Data Analyst

Your New Organisation

Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Your new role

We are looking for a Local Authority Research Practitioner (LARP) - Senior Data Analyst  to join the Data & Intelligence Team on a part time (29.50 hours) and fixed term contract basis (2 years). This role will be based within a diverse and innovative team, and it is offered on a flexible and hybrid working basis (combination of working from home and the office). This post will be based within an established and friendly team with the opportunity of a hybrid working pattern.

As a Senior Data Analyst, you will be responsible for the facilitation, development and embedding of research infrastructure, with research activity becoming part of the foundations and culture of the organisation, a key ambition of the council’s new Data Strategy.  This role will focus on supporting the development of research within Southend and will support investigators, collaborations and delivery of other studies including the NIHR-funded Greater Essex Health Determinants Research Collaboration (GE HDRC). You will provide guidance & support for those looking to engage with research in the Council.

You will liaise with colleagues and teams across the Council, identifying barriers to research and working to create the infrastructure which will enable hosting of studies and council-initiated research projects. You will work closely with stakeholders to maximise potential for setting up relevant studies.

Salary for this role will be pro rata.

What you'll need to succeed

To be successful in this role, you need to be aware of specialist quantitative data tools including SQL, Power BI, ESRI and R. It is essential that you have strong knowledge of how local authorities and NHS are structured and operate. It is also essential that you can use data engineering concepts and other tools including Azure Data Factory, Azure Synapse Analytics.

Knowledge of wide range of applicable research methods is highly essential for this role. It is crucial that you can use analytical skills to identify patterns, trends and correlations within large datasets. Previous experience of working in a similar role in a local authority is highly advantageous but not essential. You need to be able to communicate effectively across all levels and be able to work to deadlines, establish good working relationships with clients and other stakeholders and be responsible for accurate and timely data input and tracking.

Your application will not be considered if you do not have one of the following:

• First degree or equivalent relevant professional qualification.
• Postgraduate degree in a relevant subject OR 1 year experience in relevant post
• Advanced research degree (PhD or equivalent) OR equivalent experience of conducting research (ideally on the wider determinants of health)   

What you'll get in return

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

What you need to do now

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.