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Purpose of the Role

The role of Principal Consultant at the Institute is a challenging opportunity to contribute to the intellectual life of the organisation, through developing and implementing a body of consultancy and social change work, and disseminating learning derived from this work through publication, professional development, and other public engagement activities.  Principal Consultants are expected to have a broad knowledge of social science and research led consultancy practice, to have a distinctive area of sectoral experience, and to develop and maintain a strong external profile on behalf of the Institute.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in consultancy work at a high level, with a background in research led social science or social change.  You will be a confident communicator, able to work collaboratively and independently with colleagues, clients, and partners at all levels of seniority and across inter disciplinary backgrounds including arts and embodied practices.

 

Principal Accountabilities

Include but are not limited to:

• To lead and manage a body of consultancy assignments and change programmes in an area of the Institute’s work, including overall lead responsibility for the development, marketing, and management of a significant work area within the Tavistock Institute portfolio.
• To make a significant contribution to intellectual leadership in an area of the Institute’s work and associated consultancy assignments.
• To maintain and develop networks and relationships with clients, funders, and partners in an area of the Institute’s work.
• To lead project teams and take line management responsibilities.
• To write reports, articles, and other items (e.g., blogs, short films) for clients, and for external publication where necessary.
• To plan, organise, and undertake project dissemination activities such as conferences and workshops, including contributing to the Institute’s professional development offers.
• To make a significant contribution to external and international scholarly and practitioner networks and conferences.

 

Person Specification

The ideal candidate:

• Holds an undergraduate degree in a relevant social science or equivalent (2:1 and above). (essential)
• Holds a post-graduate qualification in one of the social sciences or equivalent (e.g., management or organisational science). (essential)
• Has broad knowledge of social science theory, method, and practice. (essential)
• Is able to demonstrate understanding and application of the current UK (and EU) marketplace requirements– e.g., social value; equitable evaluation; social justice. (essential)
• Is cooperative with, and supportive of, fellow staff and can work flexibly and effectively as part of a team. (essential)
• Has experience of line managing junior staff. (essential)
• Has a proven track record of strategic contributions. (essential)
• Has at least 10 years consultancy and organisational experience. (essential) This would include many of the following competencies:
  • Proven client handling skills.
  • Extensive knowledge of consultancy.
  • Working with digital tools and methods.
  • Well-developed knowledge of organisational theory and organisational change practices.
  • Ability to provide intellectual contributions in a range of consultancy projects.
  • Project management skills.
  • Experience of winning medium to large scale research and consultancy projects.
  • Ability to take the lead in defining, planning, and implementing large-scale projects.
  • Specific knowledge and proven experience in an area of direct relevance to the Institute’s work – EU workplace wellbeing; women and girls; health and social care; environment; arts and culture.
  • An established record of dissemination and publication with professional and trade networks, journals, and other media.
• Holds a PhD in a relevant applied social science or equivalent (desirable)
• Is fluent in one or more European languages (desirable)
• Has a network of contacts and clients within the sector they can transfer into the role at The Tavistock Institute (desirable)

We offer

A competitive salary (£50-65k depending on previous experience and qualifications), flexible working arrangements, season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme, employee assistance programme, contributory pension scheme, a dynamic working environment, excellent bespoke personal and professional development opportunities and a supportive working culture. We provide 25 days annual leave.  The contract is permanent and on full time basis.

The successful candidates must, by the start of the employment, have permission to work in the UK. They will be expected to come into the office at least 2 days per week.

How to apply

• Submit your CV and covering letter (of no more than 500 words) to Leah Ashton-Hurst, l.ashton-hurst@tavinstitute.org

The TIHR supports the principle of Equality and Diversity in employment and wholeheartedly opposes all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination. We will be conducting a blind shortlisting process.

Closing date

12pm (midday), Monday 11th December 2023.

We aim to contact successful applicants to arrange interviews by 21st of December 2023. We anticipate a high volume of applications and, as such, may not be able to notify all applicants.

Interviews

First interviews to be held on the below dates at The Tavistock Institute office:

• 4th of January 2024
• 5th of January 2024

Second interviews will follow week beginning 15th of January 2024.

For further information, or if you wish to discuss the role, please contact Leah who will be able to help you.