Please Note: The application deadline for this job has now passed.
The "State of The Region" report offers an overview of economic progress in the West Midlands, including key indicators that support programme development. West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has created an Inclusive Growth Framework with metrics to gauge how equitably economic benefits are distributed.
WMCA is collaborating with the government to merge these approaches into a new West Midlands Outcomes Framework (WMOF), which includes 24 key indicators (aligned with the government's Levelling Up Missions and add local detail to the national strategy) across 8 themes: Climate Resilience, Affordable and Safe Places, Connected Communities, Education and Learning, Health and Wellbeing, Equality, Inclusive Economy, and Power, Influence, and Participation.
The WMOF will help regional partners assess their progress in levelling up and provide metrics for accountability of the mayor and local authority leaders.
We have an opportunity for a highly skilled creative, collaborative, and confident programme management professional, with experience in a public policy and/or local or regional government setting, and who is adept at balancing multiple complex stakeholders, programmes, and priorities, to champion the development and implementation of the Framework. This critical role offers a unique chance to design and implement a system that will measure the effectiveness of our policies and track progress across the entire West Midlands region.
This role is being offered as a two-year fixed-term contract.
What you will be doing.
- Programme manage the development and implementation of the West Midlands Outcomes Framework for the WMCA area, including its constituent local authorities and partner organisations.
- Lead negotiations with strategy, performance, and corporate policy leads so that local authority and other local and regional performance frameworks are aligned to the West Midlands Outcomes Framework
- Oversee the creation of a robust monitoring and evaluation system, ensuring we have the data needed to track progress effectively.
- Work with colleagues across the WMCA to ensure efficient information flow, optimal training, and best practices in data management.
- Collaborate with policy and devolution leads to develop innovative policy thinking and programme development that solidifies our position as a national leader amongst mayoral combined authorities.
What’s essential.
- Experience of strategic programme management, at a senior level, ideally within public policy and/or local/regional government.
- A ‘systems thinking’ mindset and approach with the ability to understand how different workstreams (projects) depend on one another and need to be designed and delivered in parallel.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.
- Communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills necessary to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Evidence of influencing and securing “buy-in” on strategic initiatives.
- Understanding of the current policy landscape for mayoral combined authorities and experience in applying policy development to programme design.
- Proficiency in standard project management software and data analysis tools.
Interested and want to know more?
Join our informal session on Tuesday, July 9th between 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM.
We will share more about the WMCA, the work we've done so far, the kind of person we're looking for, and give you a chance to meet the hiring manager and ask questions!
Sign up via this link: Meet the Manager: Strategic Lead - Outcomes and Evaluation Tickets, Tue, Jul 9, 2024 at 3:30 PM | Eventbrite
How to apply.
On clicking ‘apply for this job’, you will be prompted to register for an account, which you can do using your name and email address. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV when registering. Uploading your CV will auto-populate the employment and education sections of your profile. Please note, we do not see your CV once you have submitted your application. Our shortlisting decisions are based on what you tell us in your profile - and so it is important to check the information is correct and format your profile so that it really stands out.
You will be asked to provide a supporting statement which should fully outline your suitability for the role, highlighting how your skills and experience match the essential job criteria. If you already have one that you have prepared earlier, you can simply copy and paste this into the application form. For more information on how to apply, please visit the FAQ page on our career site.
Reasonable adjustments.
If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk). We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.
Salary and benefits.
We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes a Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK), 28 days paid annual leave (plus an option to purchase more!), ethical saving options and healthcare plans, paid volunteering days, free financing for the latest technology, discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more. For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.
Hybrid working and location.
We believe hybrid working is the best way for our organisation to fulfil our commitment to a modern, agile workplace while continuing to provide a great service to our customers. Hybrid working means having flexibility between working in the office and at home on agreed days, where a role allows.
The location for this role is Summer Lane, Birmingham It is expected that you can split your time between the office and working remotely, with at least 2 days a week spent in the office. Please note, this is the minimum expectation.
Creating an inclusive workplace.
We are dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace that reflects the communities of the West Midlands region. We believe that building a team with varied backgrounds and experiences will benefit us as an employer and enhance our work.
WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.
We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.
We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying. If your values align with ours and you are dedicated to working towards a future that we can all be proud of, we would love to hear from you.
Right to Work in the UK
Applicants will need to evidence that they have the legal right to work in the UK, in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.
Thank you for considering joining our team at WMCA. We look forward to receiving your application and the opportunity to work together towards our shared goals.
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