The role of Welsh Government statisticians is to support decision-making, resource allocation, research and debate within government and the wider community by providing reliable and efficient statistical services. A wide range of topics are covered by Welsh Government statisticians including education, health, housing, poverty, social justice, industry, the economy, local government, transport, the environment, agriculture, demography and the Welsh language. Most of our statisticians work together in a central hub of analysts known as Statistical Services Division; however there are also a small number of statistical teams “outbedded” within Welsh Government policy departments.
The general purpose of our Statistical Officer posts is to manage the provision of analysis and advice through the collection, collation, analysis and presentation of data on specific topics.
Our Statistical Officer posts are available on a permanent basis. If you are an existing civil servant, it is also possible to opt to undertake these posts as a loan for up to 2 years, if you would prefer this. Please note, however, that our loans are only available on a lateral basis.
Job description
Typical key tasks a Statistical Officer is required to carry out vary from post to post. Examples include the following:
- Provision of statistical advice and briefing to policy teams and ministers within the Welsh Government
- Analysis of large datasets, drawing out key messages, identifying trends and writing insightful commentary
- Preparation of appropriate data visualisations and statistical tables to help illustrate messages in data
- Answering requests for data and analysis from a variety of internal and external sources
- Data management and manipulation including efficient storage of data and automation of statistical processes
- Quality assurance including data checking, reporting on statistical quality and the peer review of statistical outputs.
Person specification
Statistical Officer Person Specification
- Experience in the practical application of analysis or research with an in-depth knowledge of data sources
- Ability to manage own workload and contribute to statistical production
- Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate complex analysis to non-specialists and communicate effectively to stakeholders
- Ability to work as part of a team to deliver high quality statistical advice and analysis, often to tight deadlines
Eligibility criteria
You must have, or be on track to obtain by September 2023, one of the following in order to apply:
- A first or second class honours degree in a subject containing formal statistical training (e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, Geography Data Science or similar); or
- A higher degree, e.g. an MSc or PhD, in a subject containing formal statistical training (e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Data Science, Psychology, Geography or similar).
- Applications from candidates who do not have a degree are welcomed, but they must demonstrate that they have worked in a statistics/data science related field. Candidates will be required to demonstrate their continuous professional development (via a CPD Log Book) in statistics/data science to demonstrate knowledge at the same level as a foundation degree/HND (Level 5).
Qualifications
You must have, or be on track to obtain by September 2023, one of the following in order to apply:
A first or second class honours degree in a subject containing formal statistical training (e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, Geography Data Science or similar); or
A higher degree, e.g. an MSc or PhD, in a subject containing formal statistical training (e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Data Science, Psychology, Geography or similar).
Applications from candidates who do not have a degree are welcomed, but they must demonstrate that they have worked in a statistics/data science related field. Candidates will be required to demonstrate their continuous professional development (via a CPD Log Book) in statistics/data science to demonstrate knowledge at the same level as a foundation degree/HND (Level 5).
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Managing a Quality Service
- Changing and Improving
- Working Together
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Experience in the practical application of analysis or research with an in-depth knowledge of data sources
- Ability to manage own workload and contribute to statistical production
- Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate complex analysis to non-specialists and communicate effectively to stakeholders
- Ability to work as part of a team to deliver high quality statistical advice and analysis, often to tight deadlines
- Presenting and Disseminating Data Effectively – Demonstrate how you communicate statistics to non-specialists using a variety of methods.
- Acquiring Data/Understanding Customer Needs – Demonstrate your understanding of data sources along with their strengths and limitations. Demonstrate the methods you have used to collect data.
- Data Analysis – Demonstrate how you analyse data using statistics techniques. NB You must demonstrate evidence of having used at least 2 statistical techniques.
Apply before 4:00 pm on Monday 3rd April 2023
