Job Vacancy Lead Data Analyst in the Strategic Insight Unit

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 £1,000 non-pensionable allowance.

It'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 Team

The Metropolitan Police Service is looking for a Lead Analyst to join its Strategic Insight Unit (SIU). 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 Role

As 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.

Essential criteria:

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

• You 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, data cleaning and automation of data processing (e.g., writing efficient scripts, functions and procedures). You will write clear code that follows standard conventions to allow for seamless QA.
• You will have an excellent sense for what data visualisations best convey information pertaining to the research question at hand. In addition, you will be able to implement key data science techniques and run simple machine learning models in R or Python.

• 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. You will produce high quality research outputs, such as reports and presentations.
• 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 ensure you build effective working relationships with your direct report - supporting the progress of their projects as well as facilitating their professional development and wellbeing.
• You will be comfortable conducting the administrative functions of project management, working to deadlines and ensuring you have an understanding of governance processes.

Additional Information

Alongside your salary, the Met will contribute an average of 27% towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

If you are successful at the initial application stage, you will be asked to complete a data analysis task prior to interview.

How to apply

Click 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 Thursday 26th September 2024.

The Met is committed to being an inclusive employer with 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 ethnic minority groups and females.

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 health conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations. If you consider yourself to have access, workplace or reasonable adjustment requirements that need to be accommodated, we ask that you include this information within your application form. All matters will be treated in strict confidence and will not affect any recruitment decisions.