Lead Data Analyst in the Strategic Insight Unit

Job title:

Lead Data Analyst in the Strategic Insight Unit

Company

Metropolitan Police

Job description

Job Title: Lead Data Analyst in the Strategic Insight UnitSalary: The starting salary is £45,073, which includes allowances totalling £2,841.The salary is broken down as £42,232 basic salary, which will increase annually until you reach the top of the scale £50,385, plus a location allowance of £1,841 and a non-pensionable allowance of £1,000.Location: WestminsterIt’s the Met’s job to keep Londoners safe. That isn’t just down to front-line policing. We need specialists like you to improve what we do and how we do it. Our Strategic Insight Unit (SIU) combines advanced data analytics, behavioural science and social research skills with expertise in operational policing to deliver valuable empirical insight to the Met.Join us, and you’ll make a make a big difference to our decision making.The TeamThe Metropolitan Police Service is looking for a Lead Analyst to join its Strategic Insight Unit (SIU) – a multi-disciplinary analytical team at the heart of the Met. We combine advanced data analytics, social research and behavioural science with expertise in operational policing and an understanding of the Met’s strategic landscape.The SIU delivers empirical insights in support of evidence-based policing via three main routes:

• We Explain – we use behavioural science, data analytics, operational insight, and social research to understand what’s happening, how and why.

• We Innovate – we bring fresh thinking and new ideas into the Met to challenge the status quo and change MPS policies and practice.

• We Test – We work with operational MPS units and external experts to co-design and deliver scientifically robust trials and evaluations

The RoleAs a Lead Analyst in the SIU you will support the Met’s Principal Criminologist, Head of the SIU and your analytics team to deliver research projects. You will do this by constructing analysis-compatible datasets, automating and improving existing data practices and employing various data science techniques to produce high quality robust analysis that informs MPS decision making and practices. You will be able to translate the results of your analysis into meaningful insights that help front-line officers and senior leaders make strategic decisions on how to deal with the complex challenges facing the MPS. You will be responsible for managing projects from inception to the production of finalised outputs, which will involve managing resources and the sometimes conflicting demands of stakeholders, as well as conducting the various administrative functions of project management. In addition, you will be responsible for managing and supporting junior analysts.There’s a great deal to look forward to in return. As well as opportunities to grow and learn, you’ll enjoy benefits including substantial annual leave, a Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%, interest free season ticket loans, flexible working conditions and more.Essential Criteria & Responsibilities:Qualifications & Experience

• You will hold a minimum of a degree-level qualification, preferably a masters, in a quantitative subject such as statistics, economics, computer science or a relevant field with a substantial component of quantitative analysis.
• You will have a minimum of 2-years relevant work experience or equivalent academic experience.

Data ManipulationYou will possess advanced data wrangling skills and be able to demonstrate proficient use of SQL and R or Python in the following areas:

• Dataset building: constructing analysis compatible datasets from multiple sources, and across different platforms, in a timely manner. This will involve joining datasets together – e.g., by writing nested sub-queries in SQL and matching on common IDs – before reading the data into R/Python for further wrangling, as well as liaising with data owners in different teams to request appropriate bespoke cuts of data.
• Data cleaning: appropriately handling missing values (including basic imputing) and reformatting data (e.g., recoding, creating new variables, changing the shape of datasets). You will have a good understanding of the quality and limitations of the data.
• Automation of data processing: be able to write efficient scripts that facilitate many of the functions of a data analyst, including reading and processing data and automating processes for repeated tasks (e.g., writing functions, for-loops and procedures).
• You will write clear code that follows standard conventions to allow for seamless QA.
• You will proactively identify opportunities for improving existing data practices, for example, by identifying opportunities to automate data processing, improve efficiency and employ new analytical techniques.

Data Analysis

• Data visualisation: have an excellent sense for what visualisations best convey information pertaining to the research question at hand and be able to produce high quality graphs, charts, rudimentary heat maps and other descriptive statistics.
• Data analysis: in addition to producing descriptive statistics, be able to conduct basic statistical tests, implement key data science techniques and run simple machine learning models (regression-based models, classification methods etc.) in R or Python.

Project Management

• Managing projects from identification & scoping to the production of finalised outputs. This will involve conducting the administrative functions of project management, including: noting actions, prioritising tasks and resources, reconciling conflicting demands, chairing meetings, working to deadlines and ensuring adherence to governance processes.
• You will be able to translate the analytical needs of stakeholders into concrete research questions with accompanying feasible research plans that make appropriate use of SIU resources and are proportionate to business needs. You will understand the benefits and limitations of different evaluation methodologies and be able to set stakeholder expectations accordingly.

Report Writing & Presentation

• You will be able to translate the results of your analysis into meaningful insights for non-technical audiences including senior leaders and external stakeholders, both verbally and in writing, to inform board-level decision making. You will produce high quality research outputs, such as reports and presentations, which summarise findings in a succinct and appropriate way for your audience.

Communication & Leadership

• You will ensure you build effective working relationships with your direct report – supporting the progress of their projects, setting objectives in alignment with SIU priorities, as well as facilitating their professional development and wellbeing.
• You will be proactive in maintaining an open line of dialogue with your line manager, updating them on project progress and understanding when it is necessary to seek their input.
• You will work pro-actively and flexibly with colleagues across the MPS to support organisational needs and stakeholder requirements.
• You will be responsible for reviewing the code, analysis and research outputs of more junior analysts and providing quality assurance.
• In addition, you will be expected to promote a trustworthy, fair and understanding work environment, by demonstrating organisational values and behaviours.

Desirable Skills:

• Some knowledge of applied statistics, including: fundamental probability concepts & distributions, hypothesis testing, model robustness checks, the fundamentals of regression modelling and classification and a general good sense for what statistical techniques are appropriate for a given research question and dataset.
• Knowledge of geo-spatial analytical techniques.
• Familiarity with empirical research methods, including experimental and quasi-experimental methodologies is also favourable.

Additional InformationIf you are successful at the initial application stage, you will be asked to complete a data analysis task prior to interview.How to applyClick the apply now button below and start your career at the Met. Applications will be via a detailed CV, Personal Statement, and online application form. Your personal statement should outline why you are interested in the role and how your skills and experience demonstrate your suitability for the role. (NB. Please do not attach 2 copies of your CV).Completed applications must be submitted by 23:55 on 26th September 2024.Reports ToSenior Analyst in the SIUThe following competencies will be tested against during sift:

• We analyse critically at level 2

• We are collaborative at level 2

• We take ownership at level 3

Disability Confident StatementThe Met is committed to being an equitable (fair and impartial) and inclusive employer for disabled people, striving to have a diverse and representative workforce at all levels. We encourage applications from people from the widest possible range of backgrounds, cultures and experiences. We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and long-term conditions, ethnic minority groups and women.As a Disability Confident employer, the Met has committed to making disability equality part of our everyday practice. We ensure that people with disabilities and those with long term conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations.The Met is committed to making reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process to ensure disabled applicants can perform at their best. If you need any reasonable adjustments or changes to the application and recruitment process, we ask that you include this information within your application form. All matters will be treated in strict confidence.Please note, if you are applying for a police officer role or to become a police community support officer (PCSO) or designated detention officer (DDO), there is a minimum requirement that you must pass a job-related fitness test (JRFT) at point of entry. This does not apply to police staff roles. Find out more about

Expected salary

Location

Westminster, South West London

Job date

Sat, 31 Aug 2024 03:49:45 GMT

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