Research and Policy Analysts x3

The British Medical Association (BMA) is the professional association and independent trade union representing the interests of doctors and medical students across the UK. The BMA is also a major stakeholder in the development of healthcare policy.

We are looking for three experienced individuals to provide analytical policy and research support to the BMA’s Health Policy and Economic Research Unit (HPERU). Two of the posts will focus on policy analysis and the third will support the BMA’s negotiating teams around possible new Consultant and Junior Doctor contracts. These are fixed-term positions for a 12 month period.

As a Policy Analyst, you will provide high quality policy analysis, strategic and research support to the doctors’ committees, central and regional structures of the BMA. A key responsibility will be developing and maintaining an expert level of knowledge and awareness of health policy issues. You will contribute to the development of BMA policy on a wide range of issues affecting doctors and the NHS. This will involve producing diverse written material such as detailed briefings and consultation responses. Your work will be both internal and external facing.

The Research Analyst role will act as first point of contact between the BMA’s negotiating teams and the rest of the Research Unit.  This will involve attendance at regular meetings, potentially on occasion outside normal office hours, to provide immediate advice on technical issues, and to help the negotiators scope research questions which will then be allocated within the Unit. The postholder will be expected to take on a number of these research requests, individually and in conjunction with other team members, including where appropriate joint working with Government and Employers’ analytical teams.

The successful applicants will have excellent analytical skills, written and verbal communication skills, in particular the ability to present advice clearly and confidently and to build and maintain complex relationships, are vital.  You will possess highly-developed political awareness and sensitivity. You are likely to have a higher degree in subjects such as Health Policy, Social Policy or Economics.

The Policy Analyst roles will need to have a well developed understanding of health and social policy, and experience in working in a policy environment.

The Research Analysts will need to be confident with Microsoft Excel spreadsheet modelling techniques and Experience of negotiations, acquired in any sphere, is highly desirable. Your degree will have included a quantitative element.

Please state on your covering letter which role you wish to apply for.

All 3 roles are fixed term.

For further information and to apply, please go to: www.bma.org.uk/jobs

Closing date: 7th June 2013