NatCen Social Research
35 Northampton Square
London EC1V 0AX
t: 020 7250 1866
f: 020 7250 1524
e: info@natcen.ac.uk
www.natcen.ac.uk
Job Description – ASSISTANT PROJECT
PROGRAMMER
Department:
Location:
Job Purpose:
Duties &
Responsibilities:
Project Computing, Service Division
London
To play an active role in supporting the work of our Project
Computing department
To support staff in the Project Computing Department delivering
particular elements of projects. Key tasks will include:




Writing and editing programs to deliver our survey
questionnaires;
Processing data and sample files in order to create required
outputs
Assisting the quality assurance process by checking and
cleaning data;
Supporting other departments in their use of programs and
systems set up for a project.
Candidates will be inducted in a process of formal and informal
training to support their work.
Other Duties
 To perform any other reasonable duties that NatCen may require
that are consistent with the broad nature of the job.
Information Security
Maintains high ethical standards and is able to demonstrate
knowledge and awareness of individual responsibilities in relation to
maintaining confidentiality with written and verbal communication. In
addition takes steps to actively conform to the legislative and
procedural requirements in relation to the collection, management
and storage and destruction of data.
Generic
Competencies:
Organisation
Able to plan and organise workload; balances conflicting priorities to
ensure that tasks are completed on time and of a high quality; uses
appropriate tools to plan, organise and conduct work.
Ways of Working
Works effectively with others to achieve team goals; freely contributes
ideas and expresses opinions to others in the team; helps and
supports others; willing to subordinate personal working goals for the
overall interests of the team and NatCen; at the same time is able to
perform job responsibilities without close supervision and knows
when to ask for advice when appropriate.
Customer / Colleague Focus
This job description describes the principal purpose and main elements of the job as it currently exists. It is not a
permanent schedule and does not form part of the contract of employment. Any changes made to this job description
will be made in consultation with the relevant individuals.
December 2012
Page 1 of 2
NatCen Social Research
35 Northampton Square
London EC1V 0AX
t: 020 7250 1866
f: 020 7250 1524
e: info@natcen.ac.uk
www.natcen.ac.uk
Understands and seeks to meet the expectations of internal
colleagues and external customers; bases decisions on the needs of
the customer, colleagues and NatCen; seeks customer and colleague
feedback.
Creativity and Problem Solving
Creates new and imaginative approaches to work-related issues;
identifies fresh approaches and shows a willingness to question
traditional assumptions; analyses issues logically and from all angles;
makes systematic and rational judgements based on relevant
information and generates logical, timely and workable solutions.
Flexibility and Adaptability
Takes a flexible approach to work situations; willing and able to adjust
to changing demands; receptive to new ideas.
Information Security
Maintains high ethical standards and is able to demonstrate
knowledge and awareness of individual responsibilities in relation to
maintaining confidentiality with written and verbal communication. In
addition takes steps to actively conform to the legislative and
procedural requirements in relation to the collection, management
and storage and destruction of data.
Specific
Competencies:
Competency and definitions that are specific to this particular
position:
Quality Orientation
Shows awareness of goals and standards; follows through to ensure
that quality and productivity standards are met.
Specialist Knowledge
Understands technical and professional aspects of work and
continually maintains technical knowledge.
Budgetary Control
Understands and applies financial principals; keeps within budgeted
limits of expenditure for work on projects.
Relationship Management
Interacts with others in a sensitive and effective way; respects and
works well with people at all levels; handles potential conflict
effectively.
Resilience
Maintains effective work behaviour in the face of setbacks or
pressure; remains calm, stable and in control of themselves.
Personal Drive
Is committed to working hard towards goals; shows enthusiasm and
career commitment; seizes opportunities and acts upon them; proactively influences events.
This job description describes the principal purpose and main elements of the job as it currently exists. It is not a
permanent schedule and does not form part of the contract of employment. Any changes made to this job description
will be made in consultation with the relevant individuals.
December 2012
Page 2 of 2