Spectrum Knowledge Broker

**Post Details**
Part time (40%fte)
Fixed term for 18 months

There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.

This role is not eligible for sponsorship. Applicants require to have existing right to work in the UK.

**The Post**
The Knowledge Broker will play a key role in delivering enhanced impact from SPECTRUM research through enhanced collaboration between SPECTRUM and public health agencies and policymakers, particularly in Scotland, and other mechanisms. The role involves gaining a strategic understanding ofthe research conducted by SPECTRUM teams and the interests and concerns of senior research users, in order to broker strong, sustainable and effective relationships between the two by building knowledge and understanding, establishing evidence within policy discussions, and facilitating policy changes. The post holder will report to Prof. Niamh Fitzgerald, SPECTRUM Deputy Director for Impact. They will work closely with a corresponding SPECTRUM Knowledge Broker (to be appointed) based withinthe Office of Health Improvement and Disparities in the UK Department of Health and Social Care, the SPECTRUM Consortium Manager (Sancha Martin), the Communications and Engagement Officer (Jess Conway), SPECTRUM Co-Investigator, Dr. Garth Reid, at Public Health Scotland, SPECTRUM Director, Professor Linda Bauld and others.

They will be responsible for planning and building strategic and practical links between SPECTRUM research teams and stakeholders/decision makers in policy and practice in Scotland, in particular, but not limited to, Public Health Scotland, Scottish Government and key advocacy groups in Scotland. They will be required to horizon scan for policy opportunities, lead SPECTRUM responses to relevant government consultations or proposals, broaden our networks to groups beyond health (e.g. community planning), and identify events and opportunities to engage and influence relevant stakeholders.

They will support research teams and research users prepare and deliver on co-production of knowledge whilst further developing SPECTRUM’s theory of change. The post holder will sit on the Impact Group of SPECTRUM and will play a lead role in delivery of stakeholder events, topic-focused knowledge exchange workshops, and public engagement panelsto enhance the impact of our research. There will be the opportunity to contribute to SPECTRUM research and publications where relevant to the post holder’s interests and skills, where capacity permits, interpreting findings obtained from and developing new insights.

**Description of Duties**
Main Responsibilities
- Working alongside Prof. Niamh Fitzgerald (Deputy Director with responsibility for Impact), take a lead role in brokering policy impact from SPECTRUM research in Scotland
- Lead and develop relationships between SPECTRUM researchers and relevant teams within Public Health Scotland and with policy teams across Scottish Government, by sharing knowledge of current work programmes and priorities, horizon scanning and facilitating the co-development of new research projects or collaborations to meet emerging strategic priorities
- Facilitate and arrange meetings and workshops to bring together SPECTRUM and external stakeholders as above
- Organise and lead internal impact work programmes including supporting SPECTRUM research teams to plan impact activities
- Identify opportunities for and co-ordinate SPECTRUM responses to government policy consultations
- Contribute to the organisation and delivery of knowledge exchange workshops as required

Planning and Organising

The post-holder will:

- Be responsible for strategizing, planning and managing a range of activities and competing priorities
- Take a lead role in planning and organising stakeholder events, Impact Group meetings and knowledge exchange workshops
- Balance responsibilities across topics, research teams and policy stakeholders in accordance with the demands of the overall role
- Work closely with colleagues to ensure the high quality of impact deliverables in line with the agreed consortium plans

Problem Solving

The post-holder will use their initiative and experience to resolve most day-to-day problems. This includes:

- Manage project timelines and conflicting priorities
- Managing relationships with policy and practice partners and advising SPECTRUM colleagues on same

Decision Making
- Independently organise own workload according to priority and adapt as necessary, setting short term timelines
- In collaboration with others: Development of impact strategies and plans, including for meetings, outputs, communication and public involvement as above
- Referred to manager: Overall timelines, changes of direction, response to serious and unexpected events, identification of the best way forward (although input to these areas is expected)
- Level of Direction Given: Line manager (ISMH Director/SPECTRUM Deputy Director for Impact (Prof. Niamh Fitzgerald), and Public Health Scotla