Credit: Paul Bloch/Pixabay

The prime minister’s in-house high-end data-science unit is offering an annual pay packet of almost £120,000 for a senior manager to spearhead “high-impact” government policy initiatives.

The 10DS unit was created in summer 2020 – in a move often attributed to the influence of Dominic Cummings, who was Boris Johnson’s chief adviser at the time.

According to a recently published job advert for a new deputy director, the team “aims to improve the way in which key decisions are informed by data, analysis and evidence… [by] enabling No.10 to utilise the best available evidence and cutting-edge data science throughout the decision-making process, embedding a culture of evidence-informed policymaking”.

The unit’s objectives are also enabled by “collaborating across Whitehall to drive long-term systems change and collectively solve the most pressing policy challenges”, as well as by the provision of “challenge and feedback” to the rest of government.

The deputy director will be lead 10DS’s efforts to deliver “high-impact data-science dashboards, engaging with colleagues to engender change and innovation”. 

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“You will ensure that your team develops solutions and products in line with best practice,” the job advert added. “It is important you also understand how to operate strategically within complex governmental systems. You will work closely with analytical and non-analytical colleagues across government, building effective working relationships, and engaging with senior stakeholders to champion the work and culture of 10DS. You will also be a member of the Senior Civil Service in No.10 Downing Street, contributing to the continued development of No.10's systems, processes and culture.”

The position comes with an initial 24-month contract and a salary of between £71,000 and £117,000. The role will be based in London, and the successful candidate will join an organisation led by Dr Laura Gilbert, a physicist and computer programme who has formerly worked for the Ministry of Defence, as well as in financial services and medical technologies sectors.

To serve as her deputy, No.10 is seeking someone with “proven experience of using analysis to deliver high-magnitude positive impact, ideally within government or similar settings”, as well as “demonstrable experience of agile development techniques and how to align engineering productivity with customer-focused product development”

Applications are open until 11.55pm on 5 July.