About the job

Job summary

We have three 12 month, fixed term contract opportunities within our Knowledge and Learning team within the Scotland Directorate.

These are exciting opportunities to join our small team as a Knowledge and Learning Officer, working on a variety of projects to provide informed insight on a range of grant-making themes.  

Job description

As part of our Knowledge and Learning Team here in Scotland, you will work alongside Funding, and Communication and Engagement teams, as well as Knowledge and Learning colleagues across the UK. The role is flexible and varied, responding to the needs of colleagues and stakeholders to lend research or policy expertise, facilitating engagement events and sharing findings and recommendations.  

A key aim of this work is to gather and analyse qualitative and quantitative data from our funding programmes and the policy landscape to shape funding decisions and priorities.  
• You will be able to see the ‘bigger picture’ of our grant-making work and apply creative approaches to identify and embed learning across geographic and thematic areas. 
• You will have sound critical thinking, thematic analysis and research skills and an ability to convey effective, impactful information for a variety of audiences.  
• You will be sensitive to ethics in research design and implementation.

As part of the role you will host and facilitate learning events, both in person and online, and therefore you’ll have sound facilitation and networking skills. Occasionally you will have the opportunity to work with grant-holders, external partners and other funders, requiring excellent communication and relationship-building skills.  

• You will be collaborative in nature and enjoy working proactively and in partnership with colleagues across the fund. An open, supportive and flexible team working approach is necessary.  
• You will be adept at managing a busy and varied workload. 
• You will often be responding to short notice requests for information and guidance, while balancing longer term research/report writing and presentation.  
• You will be curious to explore and test new ideas and ways of working, to ensure our funding reaches those at greatest need.  As such an awareness of public policy, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), and participation methods would be useful.  
• Familiarity with digital communication tools would be advantageous.   

Interview Date: Week commencing 22nd April in Glasgow

Location: This role is based in our Glasgow office, however we have a flexible, hybrid approach to working.  The role will entail occasional travel and potentially overnight stays.  Should you have a question on work pattern, please ask.  

If you would like an informal conversation about the role specifically, please contact: Lucy McDonald, Head of Knowledge and Learning, lucy.mcdonald@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk 

Any questions about the recruitment process, please email: recruitment@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk 

Person specification

Essential criteria

• Experience of gathering and sharing evidence to inform learning, including applying qualitative research methods and techniques.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills, with experience of holding discussions that enable a range of people to share and discuss ideas.
• Excellent report writing skills, and an ability to present information in an engaging and creative way.
• A supportive, and responsive, team player with experience of working collaboratively and in partnership to deliver objectives.

Desirable criteria

• An understanding of quantitative research methods, and how they can be used to support qualitative analysis of data.
• Familiarity with digital tools that support and enhance how information is captured and conveyed.
• Relationship management skills and ability to develop a range of stakeholders and networks to widen the reach of your work.
• Knowledge or awareness of the context of the third sector, and key policy and contextual trends which impact communities across Scotland and the UK.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion  

Communities in the UK come in all shapes and sizes. National Lottery funding is for everyone – therefore, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and we work hard to ensure our funding reaches where it is needed.  

We also believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. That’s why the National Lottery Community Fund is committed to being an inclusive employer and a great place to work. We recognise and celebrate the fact that our people come from diverse backgrounds. We positively welcome applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities or longstanding health conditions, people who are LGBTQ+, and people from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds, as well as people of all ages. 

As a Disability Confident Employer, we take a proactive approach in making reasonable adjustments, if needed, throughout the recruitment process and during employment. (This can be related to a physical and mental health condition.) 

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £25,019, The National Lottery Community Fund contributes £6,755 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

Please apply via our website through the job portal.  Upload your CV and supporting statement aligned to the essential and desirable criteria

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

Please note this Post is NOT regulated by the Civil Service Commission. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.