Associate Director - Qualitative Impact and Theory based Evaluations

Job Details

Associate Director - Qualitative Impact and Theory-based Evaluations

Location: London, Westminster

Contract: Full/Part-time, Permanent

Hybrid working: 2 days a week in the office 3 days working from home

Verian works with clients around the world, providing evidence, insights and advisory services to inspire the next generation of public policy and programmes. We work at the intersection of data, technology, and human understanding. With permanent fully staffed offices in 17 countries, our 850 specialist consultants and researchers advise government departments, regulators, charities, and other public sector bodies to make the right decisions and improve people’s lives.

In the UK, we are one of the leading social research, evaluation, and advisory agencies.  Our team of over 150 specialists works at the forefront of social research, advising on major policy decisions across sectors such as crime and justice, housing, education, children’s social care, and the path to net zero. Our evidence helps shape the policies and programmes that influence some of the most important issues in society today.

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced evaluation professional to join our team as an Associate Director. In this role, you will lead high-quality evaluations grounded in theory-based approaches, focusing on complex policy and programme evaluations for government departments and public sector organisations. You will contribute to the development of innovative evaluation practices and play a key role in helping shape policies that drive social change.

Responsibilities

• Leading and delivering evaluations: Design and implement process and impact evaluations using theory-based methodologies such as contribution analysis, realist evaluation, process tracing, or comparative analysis.
• Applying qualitative and mixed-method: Use qualitative and mixed-method approaches to assess causal pathways and validate program theories.
• Interpreting and synthesising evidence: Integrate evidence from diverse sources (e.g., programme documentation, administrative data, surveys, qualitative research) to provide evaluative judgments and policy recommendations in grounded evidence.
• Developing evaluation systems: Contribute to the development of our qualitative impact evaluation and theory-based evaluation hub by setting up and refining processes tools, and team capacity
• Managing Client Relationships: Act as a trusted advisor, maintaining strong, effective communication and ensuring alignment on project goals and expectations.
• Project management: Oversee and ensure the success of projects, managing budget, timelines, resources and risk to meet client objectives.
• Supporting business development: Assist with proposal development and identifying new business opportunities
• Mentoring and developing the team:  Provide guidance, feedback, and professional development opportunities for junior team members.

Requirements

• Strong expertise in evaluation design and delivery, including process and impact evaluation
• Proven track record of managing complex evaluation projects, including budgets, timelines, and resources.
• Knowledge and/or experience of key evaluation practice priority areas (e.g. net zero, education and children’s social care, housing, crime and justice)
• Preferably with practical experience in theory-based evaluation approaches such as realist, contribution analysis, process tracing or qualitative comparative analysis)
• Ability to support business development activities, such as writing proposals and expressions of interest.
• Strong writing skills and PowerPoint design capabilities
• Excellent verbal and presentation skills for client delivery
• A collaborative team player with the ability to successfully develop individual and team capabilities

What we offer

Joining Verian means becoming part of a dynamic and collaborative community that thrives on intellectual curiosity and a shared commitment to making a difference. As a member of our team, you will work on cutting-edge projects that influence policies, drive social change, and shape the future of our society.

You will collaborate with passionate colleagues in an open and engaging environment, where people feel included, accepted, and are allowed to thrive in a space where their wellbeing is taken into consideration. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and actively promote diversity in the workplace Verian is an equal-opportunity employer, and we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

Whether you're an experienced professional or a recent graduate, Verian offers a stimulating and inclusive environment that fosters growth and professional development!

Are you ready to make an impact? Apply today to join a team that is making a difference. We look forward to reviewing your application. We will assess your application as soon as possible, and if your profile and experience meet our requirements, we will invite you for an initial exploratory interview.

For more information about Verian and our values, visit our careers page