Policy Engagement and KE Specialist

Contract Type: Fixed Term , Part-time/Term time only

De Montfort University (DMU) is a vibrant, globally minded institution, renowned for its commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience and fostering a supportive, inclusive environment. Our university is driven by a mission to make a positive impact on society through innovative teaching, research, and community engagement. At DMU, our mission is to be recognised as a leading university creating an inclusive and personalised experience that will transform out communities and allow our students and staff to thrive.

Faculty / Directorate

The DMU Policy Unit is an academic-led initiative that serves as DMU’s dedicated Knowledge Mobilization body, translating research excellence into policy impact. The Unit works on fostering knowledge exchange infrastructures that facilitate 2-way communication flows between research and policy domains. In so doing, it coordinates expertise across key policy areas including post-war recovery, community resilience, modern slavery, criminal justice, and equity in healthcare. The Unit places strong emphasis on reciprocal research partnerships and facilitates meaningful contributions to complex global challenges through coalition-building and policy engagement, establishing frameworks for rapid integration of research innovation into policy practice. The Unit’s work supports DMU researchers in becoming effective agents of change, while developing sustainable pathways for evidence-based policymaking at local, national, and international levels.

Role

We are seeking a talented Researcher and Advisor to play a pivotal role in the next phase of the DMU Policy Unit's development. In this exciting position, you will:

• Analyse and synthesize data from our Policy Impact Survey, Staff Research Profiles, and Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) reports to identify policy-relevant strengths and expertise across the university.
• Apply qualitative analysis methods, such as thematic and narrative analysis, to detect patterns, produce comprehensive maps, and generate meaningful narratives showcasing DMU's areas of strength.
• Identify links between DMU's research, consultancy, and impact strengths and relevant policymaking bodies or policymakers.
• Contribute to the development of the Policy Unit by leveraging your understanding of policy engagement, knowledge exchange, and institutional capacity building.
• Support the improvement of DMU's KEF performance by strategically aligning the Policy Unit's activities with KEF best practices.

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the structure and future trajectory of the DMU Policy Unit.

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a highly skilled researcher and policy engagement professional with a passion for bridging the gap between academia and policy. Specifically, we are looking for a strategic thinker, an effective communicator, and a collaborative team player who thrives in forward-thinking, mission-driven environments. To excel in this role, you will bring:

1. Expertise in qualitative analysis methods and the ability to derive meaningful insights from complex datasets.
2. Deep understanding of policy engagement processes and proven experience in facilitating interactions between researchers and policymakers.
3. Experience in approaches for assessing Knowledge-Exchange activities and their impact.
4. Experience in institutional capacity building, particularly in the context of developing research centres or institutes from the ground up.

Closing date: 09 April 2025

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