ICF Hiring for Head of Education Policy Research Job at London, England Full Time

If you are experienced in leading research and analysis on EU education and training policy and looking for a new opportunity that brings career growth, a chance to make a positive impact in an organisation committed to better public policy, this may be the role for you.

ICF has been supporting the development of European Union (EU) policies on education and training for almost twenty years. Using the latest research and evaluation techniques, we provide the evidence that policy-makers in Brussels and across the EU need to inform decisions on education and training policies and programmes. We also support programmes that exchange learning about what works, innovation and change in education and training policy across the continent. We have a long track record of work for the European Commission and its Executive Agencies, as framework contractors to DG EAC, and on work secured through open competitive tenders.

Growth in our business means we are looking for an experienced policy research professional to lead our work in this area. This will be a senior appointment that brings autonomy, responsibility and an opportunity to shape ICF’s work and impact in this important area of EU policy, and to grow our research and evaluation capability. We expect to appoint at Consulting Director level, subject to experience.

The core responsibilities of the role will be to:

• Lead ICF’s policy research and evaluation services on education and training policy for the European Commission and its agencies, including directing activities under our DG EAC framework contract.

• Direct and support the capture and delivery of research, analytical and evaluation assignments, overseeing preparation of winning proposals and ensuring high quality project management.

• Develop further our in-house team and wider network of education and training policy research specialists.

• Be an active member of our senior team, working with colleagues to ensure effective management of our business, support its continued growth, achieve performance targets and develop the talent within our team.

• Develop client relationships and help to position ICF for growth. Help build ICF’s reputation for delivery of high-quality services through applying professional good practice, production of thought leadership products, etc.

There will also be opportunities to contribute to our education and training policy work in the United Kingdom.

The successful candidate is likely to have:

• A strong academic background; ideally at PhD level in social sciences, public policy, educational sciences, international relations or a related discipline.

• At least 15 years of professional experience in education and training policy within the European context; experience of working in a consultancy capacity with the EU institutions (especially DG EAC of the European Commission) is an asset.

• Experience of conducting high quality EU level research and evaluation assignments, including the development and implementation of research methodologies (quantitative and qualitative), analytical frameworks and approaches within the education and training policy area.

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to develop sound conclusions and policy-relevant recommendations.

• Knowledge of the education and training research community, including networks of experts.

• Experience in managing teams, coaching or mentoring colleagues and providing regular feedback to support their development.

• Demonstrable experience in winning and successfully delivering research and evaluation projects and contracts for the European Commission, national governments, agencies and other stakeholders. Ability to self-organise, prioritise and conduct research on multiple projects under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent communication skills, including experience with presenting key concepts to clients; both internal and external.

• Excellent verbal, written, analytical and presentation skills in English, additional European languages an advantage.

The successful candidates should be able to demonstrate the following personal qualities:

• Sound research and business ethics, including the protection of proprietary and confidential information.

• Strong commitment to and interest in the policy fields referred to above.

• Ability to lead team to success, inspiring, motivating and supporting more junior colleagues to achieve their potential.

• Strong entrepreneurial talent to identify and realize new opportunities as well as new innovations / approaches that will secure success in proposals.

• Ability to work within multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary teams spread across several countries.

• Ability to work with all levels of internal staff, as well as clients and sub-contractors.

• Excellent communication skills, including experience with presenting key concepts to clients; both internal and external.

• Excellent verbal, written, analytical and presentation skills in English, additional European languages an advantage.

• Commitment to the progression and development of junior research staff. Willing to travel within Europe as required.

The role could be based either in Belgium or the UK. ICF has UK offices in London, Leeds, Birmingham and Plymouth and an office in Brussels. Remote working from other locations in the UK or Belgium is possible.

#indeed

Working at ICF

Working at ICF means applying a passion for meaningful work with intellectual rigor to help solve the leading issues of our day. Smart, compassionate, innovative, committed, ICF employees tackle unprecedented challenges to benefit people, businesses, and governments around the globe. We believe in collaboration, mutual respect, open communication, and opportunity for growth. If you’re seeking to make a difference in the world, visit www.icf.com/careers to find your next career. ICF—together for tomorrow.

London Riverscape (GB75)