Our vision is that by 2030, Nesta will have improved the lives of millions of people by designing, testing and scaling new solutions to society’s biggest challenges.
We have chosen to focus on three guiding missions – A Better Beginning, A Healthy Life, and a Sustainable Future. In each of these areas, we will partner with frontline organisations to generate and rigorously evaluate new interventions, and support their widespread adoption. We will support the creation of new products and ventures, and shape the system as a whole to support innovation.
Working with a range of delivery partners, we will deploy multi-disciplinary teams that bring together capabilities in design, data science, behavioural insights, experimental research, and arts and culture methods. We believe that by bringing together innovation methods to design, experiment, rigorously evaluate, and scale innovations, we can be a world leader in driving innovation for social good.
The role
Nesta is looking for a hands-on and highly organised individual to join us as Mission Manager, where you will manage Nesta’s work in Wales that delivers against our A Better Beginning mission. This will see you proactively design and deliver practical innovation projects that will focus on improving the lives of millions of people across the UK and particularly in Wales.
Key roles and responsibilities
You will be responsible for managing Nesta’s work in Wales that delivers against the A Better Beginning mission – where our vision is for every child to have the fairest possible start in life, so they can thrive and realise their potential. This will involve leading on the delivery of practical innovation projects that test new ideas on the ground (both research and delivery), plus directing and working on the end-to-end project cycle, for example owning relationships with stakeholders sponsoring the project and overseeing, conducting, and reviewing the outputs of primary research. You will also be expected to:
- Help to identify, develop and deliver new projects and programmes linked to Nesta’s strategic priorities
- Scope and deliver new projects and set up effective teams to deliver this work
- Critically assess whether live projects are on track and put in place mechanisms to realign the work plan
- Generate and publish useful lessons from the projects in appropriate ways for Nesta’s different audiences
- Provide effective line management to team members, both permanent staff and other team members
Experience and skills
You will have established networks and a strong personal reputation within early childhood interventions, backed up by practical experience working in the sector supporting early years, either in a research, delivery or support function. You will also be able to plan work, execute against the plan, identify and act on risks and issues, plus have strong stakeholder management, research and facilitation skills.
An excellent communicator, who is confident presenting and public speaking to different audiences, you must be someone who embraces change with an adaptable, flexible and professional approach to your work.