Further Particulars
This document includes information about the role for which you are applying and the
information you will need to provide with the application.
1. Role details
Vacancy reference:
8834
Job title:
Information Analyst
Reports to:
Senior Information Manager (Forecasting)
Salary:
£27,854 - £36,298 per annum depending on
qualifications and experience
Terms and conditions:
Academic-Related
Grade:
Grade 6/7
Duration of post:
Temporary – until 31 July 2015
Working hours:
37 hours per week
Location:
Walton Hall, Milton Keynes
Closing date:
Noon 21st March 2013
Type of application form accepted:
Full version and covering letter
Number of referees required:
2
Unit recruitment contact:
Univ-Sec-Recruitment@open.ac.uk
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2. Summary of duties
Role Summary
The post holder works with the Information Office team to support the preparation and analysis
of management information in support of institutional and unit planning. The particular focus for
this role is to provide analysis and programming support to student number planning, student
population forecasting, and student recruitment reporting.
Main duties
1. Develop forecasting and monitoring tools
Contribute to the development of new student number forecasting and monitoring tools and to
the operation of existing processes for routinely forecasting and reporting student numbers.
This will involve developing and maintaining systems and undertaking and presenting analysis
covering all stages of the student journey from
first contact with the University to qualification completion. This work includes:
 analysis and system design
 SAS programming
 authoring and presenting summary reports on student numbers
 preparation of system documentation
 training and advice to others in the use of forecast data.
2. Other information analysis and support
Contribute to:
 the provision of information based on the analysis of student enrolment and progress
data for the range of internal and external stakeholders of the services provided by the
Information Office, including statutory returns;
 the design, production and analysis of summary statistical reports;
 ad hoc requests for information based on the management information supported by
the Information Office.
 support for ad hoc requests for statistical information and liaison with other units to
meet their needs for information and analysis
 building and maintaining strong working relationships with those who require the
services provided by the Information Office.
 Other duties within the Information Office as may be required.
3. Person specification
Essential Competencies:

An undergraduate degree or an equivalent qualification with a strong mathematics
and/or statistics component.

Experience of data manipulation using SAS, SPSS or a similar analytical tool to
prepare and analyse large datasets and a willingness to become proficient in writing
SAS code.

A facility with IT systems generally and proven ability with word processing and
spreadsheets.

Experience of data analysis and of presenting the results of data analysis.
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
Ability to translate complex data specifications into organisation-specific requirements.

Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, contributing to the whole to the work of
the team and to work independently using own initiative.

Ability to produce clear written reports, to contribute to informal and formal discussions
and presentations, and to deal effectively with internal and external customers at all
levels.

Ability to work under pressure, prioritise work and deal with unforeseen issues.

Willingness and ability to embrace new ideas, develop new skills and adapt to
changing situations and requirements.

Knowledge of and commitment to equal opportunities.
Desirable:

Experience of programming with SAS.

Knowledge of higher education statistics.

Familiarity with statistical techniques and their application in a business
environment.
Note: Essential elements are those, without which, a candidate would not be able to do the job. Applicants who have
not clearly demonstrated in their application that they possess the essential elements will normally be rejected at the
short listing stage. Desirable elements are those which it would be useful for the post holder to possess.
4. Role specific requirements e.g. Shift working
-
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5. About the Information Office
The Information Office is a small unit providing information and analysis to all parts of the
University on students, student recruitment, funded student numbers and module
completion. We prepare and submit the University's statutory returns for student, staff and
research data and support the generation and presentation of a range of internal and
external performance measures.
Much of our work is concerned with the regular cycle of strategic and operational planning:





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the five-year student recruitment forecast, the setting of annual recruitment targets
and support for unit planning;
monitoring student numbers (at registration and at completion) against funding
requirements for each nation;
a one-year student recruitment forecast, updated monthly, to support a range of
operational management and the work of Student Number Group;
preparing and submitting the annual individual student and staff records to HESA
and the range of student-related returns made to funding agencies;
supporting the National Student Survey and the Destination of Leavers from Higher
Education survey;
developing and managing the Institutional Dashboard.
We also use our skills in managing data and in SAS and statistical techniques to provide a
general analytical service, including:

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a web facility to enable users to produce statistical summaries of student data;
reports of analysis in specific areas, for instance on Market Share and Younger
Students;
analysis undertaken by agreement to support institutional activities such as
widening participation;
advice, access to datasets and support for other users wanting to undertake
analysis;
a service responding to queries from around the University for statistical
information and analysis.
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6. How to obtain more information about the role or application process
If you would like to discuss the particulars of this role before making an application please
contact Harvey Moore on 01908 653985 or email harvey.moore@open.ac.uk.
If you have any questions regarding the application process please contact Univ-SecRecruitment@open.ac.uk
7. The application process and where to send completed applications
Please ensure that your application reaches the University by: noon 21st March 2013.
You should enclose:

A covering letter, clearly indicating how you believe you meet the person
specification. Please ensure you provide relevant examples as evidence to
support your statement on no more than two sides of A4

Your completed application form (long version)
Post it to:
Name/Job title:
Mrs Diana Griffiths
Department/Unit: University Secretary’s Office
Address:
Room 202, Pinfold Building
The Open University
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
Post Code:
MK7 6AA
Or e-mail your application to: Univ-sec-recruitment@open.ac.uk
8. Selection process and date of interview
The interview panel will be chaired by Nick Wood. The Interviews will take place w/c 8th April
2013.
The selection process for this post will include an interview and two tasks to be completed by
shortlisted candidates, one before the interview and one on the day of the interview.
We will let you know as soon as possible after the closing date whether you have been
shortlisted for interview. Further details on the selection process will also be sent to
shortlisted candidates.
Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
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