Earth Observation Investment Programme Monitoring and Evaluation Lead
| Posting date: | 10 April 2024 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £38,860 to £42,765 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 06 May 2024 |
| Location: | OX11 0QR |
| Company: | Government Recruitment Service |
| Job type: | Temporary |
| Job reference: | 348856/4 |
Summary
The UK Space Agency (UKSA) is an executive agency of the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT) and provides technical advice on the government’s space strategy, supporting the UK space sector to deliver the government’s vision.
Space is a part of everyday life. Satellites underpin our national economy, from agriculture and banking to aviation and shipping, and support our national security. Space science provides critical data to understand and address global challenges such as climate change, while missions to explore our solar system unite nations and advance humanity’s horizons.
We support a thriving space sector in the UK, which generates an annual income of £16.5 billion and employs 47,000 people across the country.
Through our portfolio of programmes and projects, we encourage the development of national space capabilities and are an early-stage investor in space research and development. We also promote the UK space sector’s interests and achievements; make connections to join up industry and academia; and represent the UK in international space programmes.
We have a powerful global voice, partnering with institutions across the world, including the European Space Agency.
More information about the Agency is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-space-agency
To discover more please watch this film https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbZZ-o0IkVU
Our Inclusive Environment
We have an inclusive culture to make UK Space Agency a brilliant place to work where our people feel valued, have a voice and can be their authentic selves. We value difference and diversity, not only because we believe it is the right thing to do, but because it will help us be more innovative and make better decisions.
We offer first-class flexible working benefits, excellent employee well-being support and a great pension. We are fortunate to have a range of excellent staff networks and are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader employer. We will support talented people from all backgrounds to build a career and thrive.
We actively welcome applications from anyone who shares our commitment to inclusion.
The Earth Observation Investment Programme (EOIP) Monitoring and Evaluation Lead sits within Earth Observation and Climate Team in the Earth Observation, Low Earth Orbit, and Space Security and Resilience (EO, LEO & SSR) directorate.
Earth observation (EO) science is fundamental to humanity’s understanding of our planet, its climate and natural processes. EO capabilities enable a wide range of public services, including meteorology, Earth imagery, climate monitoring, environmental management & agriculture, urban planning, and intelligence, surveillance & reconnaissance. These services are all underpinned by the instruments and technologies which enable satellites to gather data, which can take decades to design, build and mature.
In recognition of its strategic importance, Earth observation has been named in the 2022-2025 UK Space Agency Corporate Plan as one of the Agency’s eight Priorities. The 2021 National Space Strategy pledges that we ‘will strive to remain at the forefront of Earth observation technology and know-how’.
The UK has a vibrant landscape of world leading EO academic and industrial organisations and a well-founded reputation for excellence in EO. For example, in climate science, leading UK research institutions have been measuring Sea and Land Surface Temperature from space for over three decades (Oxford University, RAL Space, Reading University and Leicester University); this data is used by meteorological agencies around the world to improve weather forecast accuracy – helping to save lives, infrastructure and crops.
Earth Observation Investment Programme announced in 2022 forms a package of up to £200m funding to invest in the UK Earth Observation sector to protect the future of UK talent and industry in earth observation. The funding is spread across 17 projects delivered through the following government partner organisations:
- £137.6m UK Space Agency (UKSA)
- £19.3m Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
- £14.7m Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
- £11.7m Met Office
- £4.2m Innovate UK
The successful candidate will be responsible for collating and analysing the Monitoring and Evaluation data across the programme. They will also be responsible for managing the contractual relationship with the external company being appointed to conduct the formal Evaluation of the EOIP. There will also be opportunities to review and establish improved Monitoring and Evaluation across other work streams in the Earth Observation and Climate team.
This role entails:
- Represent the UK to Earth Observation industry ensuring that key messages and policies are communicated effectively between UK Space Agency, DSIT and the science community.
- Contribute to preparations for the EOIP governance forums, ensuring that the relevant UK Space Agency colleagues are aware of developments; briefing SROs on the impact and outcomes from the package.
- Participate in discussions and negotiations with the Industry and UK Space Agency Analyst teams to establish and collate evidence for Monitoring and Evaluation
- Lead on the achievement of M&E goals as set out in EOIP Business Case ensuring VfM for the UK’s investment in the EOIP Projects, likely to include the opportunity to lead on drafting and engage with UK Space Agency Financial, Commercial and Analytical colleagues. This will involve:
- Developing and maintaining key performance indicators at the programme level.
- Conducting results collection rounds, analysing returns, and producing assessments of performance against programme KPIs.
- Reviewing project-level M&E products (e.g. Theories of Change and KPIs).
- Establish a presence as the main point of contact for management of the external evaluation of the EOIP including establishing an oversight group.
- Lean on relationships developed with the EOIP project leads to ensure delivery stakeholders are able to provide thorough information against KPIs and influence leads to provide alternative information to demonstrate VfM where needed.
- Working with analyst teams to assess expected and actual economic return and value for money of projects.
The post holder will likely have the opportunity to support the wider Earth Observation and Climate Team on other activities as the work progresses and priorities develop; for example contributing to the business case for European Space Agency as well which would utilise work done on EOIP M&E.