Jobsplus Permit Number: 286/2023
The Executive (Research and Statistics) will be responsible for initiating and conducting qualitative and quantitative research, gathering statistics and data mining, assessing and evaluating cultural practices, monitoring trends effecting or resulting from cultural participation, production and consumption, and providing knowledge-based assessments and reports containing recommendations for policy proposals, strategic directions and action plans for the development of the Cultural and Creative Sectors (CCSs). The Executive will provide articulated research input and investigate trends and analyse developments with a view to implement, review and evaluate new and existing policies, strategies and action plans of Arts Council Malta.
The Executive will also be expected to coordinate and provide support on a range of national strategic public investment programmes and initiatives that address research, innovation and development within and for the arts in Malta. This includes close collaborations with Public Cultural Organisations (PCOs), private and voluntary cultural organisations, academic institutions, public institutions tasked with data management and policy evaluation, European and international research and policy networks, artists and creative practitioners and other key stakeholders as required. The role will entail the overall objective of ACM’s Research and Evaluation remit as per Strategy 2025 is that of developing a comprehensive knowledge base that will guide the future growth of Malta’s cultural and creative sectors, advocate for and support evidence-based policy development, and evaluate ACM’s funding programmes, strategy and general operations to ensure that ACM adheres to its core principles of cultural rights.
The ideal candidate will have a successful track record in managing and conducting research projects and good insight of Malta’s cultural policy developments. Knowledge, experience and interest in the cultural and creative sectors is essential especially in relation to research and statistics.
Main Responsibilities
- To carry out qualitative and quantitative research including designing and analysing questionnaires, surveys, and other appropriate research processes and procedures.
- To establish appropriate research methodologies and manage a research programme for ACM, developing benchmarks for sectoral development based on targets and objectives identified in the relevant policies, including but not restricted to policies on culture, enterprise, ICT, the environment, tourism and community, youth, and social development
- To apply a variety of research techniques to gather relevant information, including document analysis, surveys, case studies and interviews (face-to-face, telephone and online).
- To update existing research on the Creative Economy, cultural participation and sector-based data.
- To conduct information and data retrieval searches using electronic databases.
- To analyse and evaluate research and interpreting data, making sure that key issues are identified, and incorporating expertise from the relevant national and international research and statistics institutions.
- To gather information by directing or carrying out fieldwork.
- To present and disseminate results, both orally and in writing.
- To oversee special projects (e.g. data mining, etc.) and conduct pro-active research projects.
- To set up/strengthen relationships with key strategic research partners such as the Culture Directorate, the National Statistics Office, the Economic Policy Department at the University of Malta, Public Cultural Organisations and other relevant stakeholders both nationally and internationally.
- To prepare propositions for acquiring funding for research projects, and commissioning and project-managing research projects, including, where necessary, managing competitive tendering exercises.
- To ensure quality control of research through the setting up of the appropriate monitoring and evaluation systems.
- To provide information and analysis on CCS policy issues and its development.
- To set up Research Groups/Think Tanks so as to be able to build the capability to strategize, manage and tackle real policy challenges by utilising all the resources available, providing information on what research is already available in a policy area.
- To work in close partnership with external research contractors, other government analysts, and policy colleagues during the course of the research.
- To produce both written and oral briefs for colleagues and the Ministry responsible for CCSs based on reviews of research evidence.
- To keep and organise relevant data and statistics through a data management system, including populating and updating databases, registers, lists, and other sets of data relevant for the research and other functions of the Entity.
- To keep up to date with developments in policy and social issues, as well as qualitative and quantitative research methods.
- To collect and maintain a research library (virtual and/or physical) in relation to cultural policy and sectoral development in the CCSs.
- To monitor international, European Union and national legislation regulating CCSs, competition and state aid, including statistical developments from Eurostat, UNCTAD and other relevant international research institutions.
Consultation
Co-ordinating with
- The Culture Directorate within the Ministry responsible for Culture, the management of ACM, the Public Cultural Organisations, and other stakeholders within government whose policies and operations are directly or indirectly linked to the performance of the sector.
- The key stakeholders and sectoral representatives (organisations and professional associations) of the Cultural and Creative Sectors, both nationally and internationally.
- The National Statistics Office, the Economic Policy Department within the Ministry responsible for Finance, and the research and information offices of strategic organisations (including Malta Enterprise, Malta Tourism Authority, and others).
- Individuals, non- governmental organizations, and networks of service providers contributing towards research and statistics in the CCSs.
- The relevant research institutions that gather data and information on the trends and developments of the CCSs.
- International and European networks and institutions focusing on cultural policy research, cultural statistics and cultural development.
- Other public, private, national and international research institutions.
- The University of Malta.
Supervision Received
General supervision from the Director (Funding & Strategy) and Head (Strategy).
Self-improvement
- To undertake appropriate leadership and management training within the context of a Continuous Professional Development Programme agreed with the Director (Funding and Strategy)
- Acting to be well informed on:
- Cultural, social, and economic development issues especially the ones specifically related to the cultural sector and the CCS, with a focus on research and statistics.
- Emerging trends in research on the sector within international sphere, including aspects relating cultural policy developments, cultural participation and practice, sustainable development in the arts, innovation in the CCSs, economic and social impacts and trends in the arts, cultural infrastructure, cross-sectoral research, professionalisation in the arts and artistic legacy.
- Evaluation of ACM’s funding programmes through an evidence-based approach.
- New developments in the operations of the Public Cultural Organizations and CCS in Malta within the framework of their data and research needs.
Qualifications and Experience Required
- A recognised Master’s degree at MQF Level 7 or higher recognised comparable qualification in Cultural Policy, Cultural/Arts Management, Public Policy, Management or relevant areas plus one (1) year relevant work experience.
OR
- A recognised Bachelor’s qualifications at MQF Level 6, or an appropriate, recognised, comparable qualification in Cultural Policy, Cultural/Arts Management, Public Policy, Management or relevant areas, plus three (3) years relevant work experience.
AND
- Proven track record of working the Cultural Sector;
- Excellent writing and verbal communication skills in Maltese and English;
- Knowledge of the cultural and creative sectors;
- General awareness of office procedures and knowledge of Governments Procurement Regulations;
- Demonstrated ability to observe and acquire new skills pertaining to external and internal communication skills;
- An ability to work well under pressure, completing tasks efficiently, and handling deadlines;
- An understanding of international, European, and national research initiatives relating to the cultural and creative sectors.
- An ability to draft correspondence, research proposals and reports, discussion documents and position papers.
- In possession of Strategy-oriented thinking skills and excellent analytical and research skills with knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods.
- Demonstrates strong ability to interpret indicators and identify trends.
- Enthusiasm and motivation.
- Diplomacy and assertiveness in dealing with people.
- Well-developed judgement and the ability to make decisions.
- An ability to foster and cultivate effective working relationships with the entities falling within the portfolio of ACM as well as with external stakeholders.
- Capable of working independently with an attention to detail.
- Demonstrated general ability in word processing, spreadsheets, databases, data analysis and other computer applications, including specialised research software
Contract and Salary information
The selected candidate will enter into a full-time employment contract on an indefinite basis. The salary paid will be of a basic salary of €30,885 in 2023 (Grade 5 of the ACM Grading and salary Structure), a Disturbance Allowance of up to 15% per annum and a Performance Bonus of up to 10% per annum.
Applications
Interested applicants are required to send a motivation letter together with a CV and copies of certificates to vacancies@artscouncil.mt
Closing date for applications is Friday 28th April 2023 at noon.
Eligible applicants will be asked to sit for a selection interview.
