Researcher / Investigator Jobs

We are looking for a Research Lead who will have a central role in this 4-year funded project that seeks to reduce structural violence and stigma against unhoused people who use drugs, a group facing substantial barriers to stable housing due to current policies. Many in this community endure cycles of homelessness and are often excluded from housing and support services due to drug use, eviction risks, or fines related to harm reduction efforts. Despite government acknowledgment of the intersection between drug dependency and homelessness, the focus has largely been on treatment, with little attention given to stable housing needs.

The project objectives will be 3 phased:

• Documenting lived experiences of unhoused people who use drugs through community-led research initiatives.
• Developing best practices with input from impacted communities to promote inclusive, supportive housing strategies.
• Advocating for policy change that challenges stigma, reduces evictions, and lowers overdose risks.

Summary

To deliver our research strategy goals and continue to fund exciting and life changing diabetes research, we are looking for a Research Funding Officer to join our research funding team within the Research Directorate. You will join a friendly, supportive and busy team with a strong reputation for rigorous grant funding processes, ensuring that gold standard governance processes for funding are implemented. These roles are critical to warrant that the research which Diabetes UK funds is relevant to people affected with diabetes and has the potential to make a difference to their lives.

We have a friendly and inclusive working environment here at Diabetes UK and are proud of our hybrid approach which allows great flexibility in the way that we work. This means that you can balance your working time between home and the office, subject to the needs of your role.

Interview(s) date: 2nd and 4th December 2024

Package

What we can offer you:

• Generous annual leave starting at 25 days plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time)
• A Cash Healthcare Plan (giving you up to £1,600 towards a range of out of pocket health expenses like new glasses, dentist, chiropractor or osteopath appointments)
• Early finish Friday and flexible working as part of our approach to activity based working (not applicable to roles with fixed shift patterns)
• 2 Days TOIL in recognition of fixed shift patterns (pro-rata for part-time)
• Discounts on gym membership
• Employee assistance programme to give you support on any issues that come up in life
• Annual season ticket loan* (on completion of your probation period and if contract is permanent or longer than 12 months)
• Very active social scene including sport teams, gardening and other activities
• Generous pension provision, life assurance and income protection insurance
• Cycle to work scheme* (eligible for scheme if contract is permanent or longer than 12 months)

*Some benefits aren't available until you've passed your probation period and are dependent on the length of contract.

Main Responsibilities

Together, the Research Funding Officers will administer and manage the entire grants management life cycle, both pre- and post-award. The charity has a number of grant funding schemes, including career awards, larger project grants and strategic research, and you will be central in the delivery of these. You will be the primary point of contact for applicants and other stakeholders throughout the grant management process, ensuring that they are supported and any support is managed in a professional and timely manner, including communicating feedback to applicants on funding proposals. As part of the grant management process, you will become proficient in using the grant management system which will involve building application forms, setting up funding rounds and review panels and troubleshooting when required. You will be responsible for the involvement of people affected by diabetes in the various funding schemes. You will also be involved in the organisation and delivery of our annual networking events for our PhD funded students and fellows.

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for an individual who is interested in developing or expanding their career in research grants management within a growing grant-making charity. You will have a BSc in biomedical sciences or life sciences. You will also have:
* A strong interest in scientific and clinical research. An understanding of research funding processes is desirable.
* Excellent organisational and time management skills, and the ability to deliver rigorous processes, work proactively, independently and in a team are essential.
* You will be an excellent communicator, able to build confident working relationships at all levels - an ability to network and liaise with scientific, clinical, research and expert by experience communities will be key to this role.

Having recently secured a strategic partnership with Sport England, this role will play a pivotal role in activating the research activities that are required to inform the Leadership Skills Foundation and the wider sector to empower a more diverse range of young people with opportunities to develop essential leadership and life skills, regardless of their background.

You will be a valued manager within the ‘Programme Delivery’ team and will work with other departments across the organization to support the development of future accessible and inclusive essential leadership programmes. With a key focus being on the needs, benefits and outcomes required among underserved and/or under-represented communities and individuals.

This role will require positive and proactive internal working relationships to be created with other teams and colleagues to support organisational objectives and goals.

In addition, the role will also be required to foster relationships with external stakeholders to shape the research that you will manage through your team.  This work will support the development of our programmes to engage thousands more young people and give them the essential leadership skills for them to believe, lead and succeed.

We’re looking for a confident, collaborative research manager that wants to make a positive social difference through research.  This role will inform the changes that are required within the organisation’s programmes and support the sector to give access to essential leadership skills development to under-served communities through breaking down barriers.

Role duties and responsibilities

1. Manage research and impact projects and activities, internally and externally, in support of our programme delivery strategic goals.
2. Develop and manage research proposals and methodologies to address strategic goals. 
3. Manage both primary and secondary research using a range of methodologies. 
4. Interpret and analyse research to derive meaningful insights and provide actionable recommendations.
5. Present research findings, into clear, actionable recommendations, and compelling presentations that facilitate informed decision making across all levels of the organisation. 
6. Identify and recommend new research and evaluation projects and approaches which address gaps in our current evidence base. 
7. Engage with the Leadership team and Head of Programme Delivery to understand the organisation’s research requirements and align with organisational goals.
8. Manage other researchers providing guidance and support in their professional development.
9. Contribute to the research project budgeting process, ensuring efficient use of resources. 
10. Scope and produce ‘Invitations to Tender’ for commissioned research and manage the commissioning process, ensuring that the proposed research meets required objectives. 
11. Manage commissioned research contracts, including monitoring progress, reviewing and editing reports. 
12. Foster collaborative internal relationships to drive a culture of research driven decisions throughout the organisation. 
13. Build and maintain relationships with external partners and funders and communicate key findings where required. 
14. Ensure all research activities comply with ethical standards. 
15. Maintain an awareness of new research developments across the sector and use this to inform planning and decision making.   

People Management Responsibilities

• Delivery Programme Research Executive (0.8)
• Working with other managers whose direct reports will support the delivery of programme goals and activities

Key Relationships

Internal

• Line Manager: Head of Programme Delivery
• Direct report: Delivery Programme Research Executive
• Departments: Innovation, Marketing and Communications
• Leadership Team including - Directors of: Innovation & Standards; Engagement; Finance and Operations, and Chief Executive.
• Finance Manager

External

• Strategic partners including organisations such as Sport England.
• National and regional network and research partners.
• Key local delivery centres

Skills, experience and knowledge

Required/essential:

• Educated to degree level in a subject with substantial statistical or research content.
• Proven experience of working in a relevant research role. 
• Experience of leading/managing a range of different research projects, using a range of both primary and secondary research methodologies to gather both qualitative and quantitative research. 
• Experience in designing and leading high quality research proposals and tenders.
• Demonstratable experience and evidence of aligning research projects and activities with strategic goals and informing organisational decision making.
• Experience of formulating research reports and making recommendations in a range of easy to read and innovative formats.   
• Proven track record of building and nurturing highly effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including senior colleagues and external funders or partners. 
• Effective communication skills with the ability to present information confidently to a diverse range of stakeholders, including leadership team, funders and external partners.
• Excellent project management skills and experience of leading research projects on time and on budget.  
• Strong organisation skills, ability to multi-task and work effectively in a busy team environment. 
• Able to deliver at pace ensuring efficiency.
• Excellent listening and recording skills to effectively evidence the findings of research. 
• Understanding of ethical standards and practices in research including potential issues.
• Complete and finish tasks independently and/or as part of a team. 
• Show competence with IT (including Microsoft Office). 

Desired:

• Line management experience
• Knowledge and understanding of the sector, including trends, challenges, and best practices
• Experience of researching on funded projects and meeting grant requirements.

 Personal qualities

• A confident, collaborative manager that wants to make a positive social difference.
• Pro-active with the ability to work on own initiative collaboratively and independently.
• Effective and confident communicator.
• Adaptable to operational requirements with an openness to give and receive constructive feedback as part of a growth mindset.
• A creative, problem solver with the ability to think critically and analyse a range data. 
• An ability to travel across the UK is required.

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic social researcher to join our fantastic Surrey Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) team.

Based with Good Company, a local anti-poverty charity, the Community Researcher role would design and conduct research on wider determinants of health (e.g., poverty, food insecurity) and their impacts on health inequalities, with a particular focus on co-production and other forms of participatory research. The wider determinants of health are a diverse range of social, economic and environmental factors which influence people’s mental and physical health. Systematic variation in these factors constitutes social inequality, an important driver of the health inequalities.

In addition, this role would seek to increase the capacity of local voluntary sector organisations to carry out their own participatory research, as well as supporting the HDRC programme team in promoting participatory research methods across Surrey and building the local evidence base on the wider determinants of health.

There will be a second Community Researcher post based with Reigate & Banstead Council which will focus on building the participatory research capacity within the local authority.

About Surrey Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC):

This role would form part of the new and innovative Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) programme funded by the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR). The Surrey HDRC programme is delivered by Surrey County Council,  University of Surrey (UoS), alongside local partners Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, Good Company and Surrey Minority Ethnic Forum (SMEF).

Surrey HDRC is designed to boost the capacity of Surrey County Council to do research, together with our communities, with the aim of improving health outcomes and reducing health inequalities in Surrey communities. Surrey HDRC will develop a sustainable research culture, build research capacity and capability, and increase our local evidence-base on wider determinants of health.

About this role:

The post holder will be based at Good Company and will work as part of the Surrey HDRC programme team, leading on participatory research and co-production. The role includes:

· Developing a programme of research on wider determinants of health inequalities, with a particular focus on co-production and other forms of participatory research.

· Strengthening the participatory and co-production research capacity across Surrey, with a particular focus on the Voluntary, Community, Faith, and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector.

· Actively supporting the wider Surrey HDRC team in promoting the value of participatory research and co-production across Surrey County Council and its partners and building the local evidence-base on the social and wider determinants of health.

The post holder should have demonstrable skills in qualitative research methods, including experience of conducting participatory research. Ideally, they will have an understanding of health inequalities and the social and wider determinants of health. Experience of working or volunteering within a community setting would also be desirable.

Can you help us champion the cause of low-income households?

Closing date: Friday 1st November 2024.

The cost-of-living crisis has hit lower income households hard. Many are using high cost credit to meet the cost of essentials. Many are weighed down by debt problems.

We're a registered charity on a mission to improve the way that credit is provided and create better support and solutions for people who are struggling with debt. We conduct high quality research and test out innovative solutions. We're now seeking a Researcher to join our small but developing team.

Job Description

Salary Range: £29,000 to £34,000. 

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week. Consideration will be given to four day working and other flexible arrangements. 

Pension: Company pension scheme with NEST, with employer contributions at 6% of salary. 

Term: Fixed for 12 months, with an intention to extend. 

Reporting to: Chief Executive. 

Location: Remote, but with a requirement to attend physical team planning meetings four times per year in locations around the UK (expenses covered).

Probationary period: 6 months. 

Purpose 

CfRC has a solid reputation for delivering high quality mixed methods research and evaluation. The postholder will work on a variety of projects and tasks and will be supported to obtain a flexible skillset in research and evaluation as well as building their knowledge of the impacts of credit use and debt problems amongst low-income households. 

All our projects involve reviews of relevant literature in their design phase. Recent examples of projects also include: 

• Designing topic guides and conducting in-depth on-line qualitative interviews with low-income households to explore how messaging about the importance of maintaining ‘good’ credit scores is impacting financial behaviours. 

• Designing and analysing a survey of borrowers using a no interest lending product to assess the impacts for financial well-being and health.

• Undertaking secondary data analysis of the Financial Lives Survey to explore the drivers behind the use of illegal lenders. 

• Conducting stakeholder interviews with not for profit third sector lenders to evaluate the effectiveness of grant support received during the Covid pandemic. 

The researcher will play a key role in helping us to deliver similar projects to time and budget and maintain our high standards. The role requires commitment to our mission and values to maintaining the standards set by the Research Integrity Office.

Duties and Responsibilities 

Conducting literature reviews. 

Assisting with the drafting of research proposals, evaluation frameworks and analysis plans. 

Designing topic guides, setting up and and undertaking qualitative interviews, online or by phone, and conducting focus groups. 

Designing surveys and managing analysis processes (for example, creating coding frameworks or summarising data in Excel). 

Undertaking quantitative research (for example, analysing survey results using statistical software such as SPSS or STATA). 

Drafting sections of professional reports in MS Word and PowerPoint. 

Presenting findings to clients and facilitating learning workshops. 

Supporting with day-to-day client relationships, such as attending meetings with clients to give project updates. 

Contributing to the strategic direction and health of the organisation by identifying research opportunities related to our mission and values, helping to maintain effective working practices, and participating in regular team meetings. 

Person Specification 

Qualifications and Experience 

A ‘good’ (2:1 or above) social science degree or equivalent experience (Essential).

A post-graduate degree or equivalent experience (Desirable).

Experience of producing written work to a high standard (Essential).

Experience of undertaking quantitative and qualitative research using a range of methods (for example, interviewing or running focus groups, handling and analysing quantitative datasets in SPSS or STATA).(Essential).

Knowledge & Skills 

Knowledge of good research ethics (Essential) 

Understanding of safeguarding policies and protocols (Essential). 

Interpersonal skills and empathy for others (Essential).

Good analytical skills and critical thinking (Essential).

Initiative and Collaborative: you are able to work on your own initiative and also collaborate effectively with others as part of a team (Essential).

Able to prioritise and plan work to ensure tasks are completed in line with agreed deadlines (Essential). 

Ability to present research findings and recommendations in a concise and clear manner to relevant stakeholders and audiences (Essential).

Knowledge of current policy issues relating to credit use, financial exclusion, and debt amongst lower income households (Desirable).

Knowledge of, and commitment to, equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice (Essential).

This is an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to lead Open Door’s year-long "Impact and Evaluation" project, for which we have been awarded funding by The Prudence Trust.  

Julie’s Bicycle (JB) is seeking a proactive and flexible part-time Researcher with a strong understanding of climate and environmental themes and policy, and an interest in the ways that these connect with cultural and creative industries. The Researcher will undertake a wide range of desk research, sourcing and synthesising information into clear summaries and briefings to be shared internally and externally. They will collaborate with JB’s Programme Leads to link insights from on-the-ground projects into the wider external context. Working closely with the Senior Leadership team, the Researcher’s work will underpin JB’s thought-leadership and advocacy work for the role of culture (the arts, cultural heritage and creative industries) in climate action, simultaneously deepening our understanding of how we can affect the most change.

CONTRACT Part time 2.5 days per week, 2 year fixed term contract

LOCATION Hybrid working (*): office base is at Somerset House, London

SALARY £35,000 pro rata

LEVEL Mid

REPORTING TO Head of Programmes / Co-Director

START DATE ASAP depending on any notice period

NORMAL HOURS Office hours are 9.30 - 5.30pm, Monday – Friday (requests for flexible working hours will be considered). As this is a part-time role there is flexibility on how the time is spread across the week). Please state how you would intend to allocate your time when you apply.

If you’d like to apply, please complete the application form and equal opportunities monitoring form via our website. Submit your application by 11.59pm on Sunday 3rd November 2024.

We are committed to being an Equal Opportunities Employer; we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, gender, disability, culture, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.

Please note, this post is open to people who already have the right to live and work in the UK and are based in the UK, as Julie’s Bicycle is not currently in a position to sponsor a work visa.

Research Funding Officer (Research Impact)

Permanent

Salary: £28,000 - £30,000 per annum, plus benefits

Full time – 37.5 hours a week 

London N1

We're a hybrid working employer, meaning you're currently required to come into the office a minimum of 2 days per week, currently Tuesday and Wednesday or Thursday.

Closing date: 5pm, Friday 8th November 2024

Interviews: w/c 25th November 2024

Preventing cancer, saving lives

Ready to play a pivotal role in advancing cutting-edge cancer prevention research? Join us as a Research Funding Officer (Research Impact) and support innovative global studies on how diet, nutrition, physical activity and body size influence cancer prevention and survival.

We are seeking a Research Funding Officer (Research Impact) to work mainly on our Research Grant Programme. As part of our Research Funding team, you will support high quality and innovative research on the effects of diet, nutrition, physical activity, and body size on cancer prevention and survival, managing an international portfolio of projects and working closely with leading researchers around the world.

In addition to the Research Grant programme, you will have the opportunity to contribute to other Research Funding activities such as our Academy programme and work closely with colleagues across the Science department and with other departments such as PR & Editorial and Fundraising.

The Research Funding Officer (Research Impact) will work mainly on the post award phase (e.g. active monitoring of funded projects, liaison with our grant holders, supporting our Academy programme initiative and evaluation of the impact of our funded research).

You will have experience working in a fast-paced research environment, whether in academia or research administration/management. Strong writing, communication, and presentation skills are essential for engaging a diverse range of audiences. Additionally, you should possess a solid understanding of statistical analysis. A Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences or Nutrition is required, while a Master’s degree is preferred but not essential. An interest in science communication and social media is also desirable.

Application Details:
If you are interested in this role/s and feel you possess the necessary requirements, please submit a current CV and covering letter (maximum 2 pages) by the closing date. Please indicate in your covering letter which position you are applying for. 

You must have current right to work in the UK. 

Please note: Your cover letter should highlight how your skills and experience will benefit WCRF International and equip you for the role.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are only able to provide feedback to shortlisted candidates. If you do not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. 

We are looking for someone with experience of conducting research who can work within our research team and alongside our modelling team.  The candidate would be expected to conduct qualitative research, write briefings and reports, and present findings to stakeholders.  They would be supported by the Head of Policy Research and the Deputy Director of the PPI. 

The Pensions Policy Institute (PPI) is an educational research institute established to help improve later life outcomes. We are independent and an expert across all elements of the UK pension system. We contribute facts, analysis and commentary to help stakeholders, decision-makers and law-makers take informed policy positions and decisions on pensions and retirement income provision.

Ideally the appointment would run from December 2024 to November 2025.

Team: Policy Research Team

Direct Reports: None

Reports to: Head of Policy Research

Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for the management and timely delivery of PPI research projects
• Manage multiple external and internal stakeholders including project sponsors
• Conduct literature reviews and desk-based research
• Analyse and interpret data from a policy perspective and develop conclusions from analysis
• Work closely with the PPI modelling team to determine methodology for the production of data and projections
• Draft PPI reports
• Present on a variety of retirement and pensions topics (internally and externally)
• Participate in discussion groups and seminars on pensions policy issues
• Generate ideas for new areas of research and get involved in developing and securing new PPI research projects if possible/appropriate
• Manage competing deadlines and priorities
• Work closely with other members of the PPI

Essential skills:

• A working knowledge of the UK pension system, or the ability to acquire knowledge quickly and / or work experience in social policy research;
• Proven high quality research skills, including desk and internet research and the ability to lead research projects in a pro-active way;
• Proven ability to interpret statistics and modelling results;
• Excellent report-writing and data presentation skills, drafting for public, or non-technical, readers in plain English;
• Good organisational and time management skills;
• Good interpersonal skills and demonstrable team player qualities.
• Experience of presenting research findings in seminars or conferences.

The successful candidate will be required to provide evidence of the right to work in the UK and two referees.  One should be the current/most recent employer and/or prior employer but they will not be contacted without prior consent. The successful candidate will also need to maintain an independent point of view to fit with the PPI’s non-political, fact-based stance.

The PPI takes the security of your data seriously. It has internal policies and controls in place to ensure that your data is not lost, accidentally destroyed, misused, or disclosed, and is not accessed except by our employees in the proper performance of their duties.

Location

We are a hybrid organisation and operate a remote working policy which means staff spend some time working in the office and some time working remotely. It is important that the successful candidate builds strong relationships across the team as a whole and with our stakeholders.  As most of our audiences and sponsors are mainly based in London, there will be a strong case for the successful candidate being London based, or able to come to London as frequently as required. We therefore anticipate that the normal place of work will be at the PPI office in Central London.

Diversity and Inclusion

We aim to build, develop and retain a talented workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, skills and experiences. We welcome and actively encourage applications from anyone who feels they’d be a good fit for our organisation, regardless of race, religion, colour, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, neurodiversity or any other protected characteristics.

We are looking for a Prospect Researcher and Trust Fundraiser to join a well loved National health charity.

The role can either be UK homebased working, once a month in the London office £27,250 - £29, 697 (Rest of England)
or Hybrid working with two days a week in the London office £30,300 - £33,533 (London).

The Charity
An inspiring medical charity dedicated to helping people at some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives. Youll be joining a highly respected organisation, known for its supportive and inclusive working culture, offering fantastic benefits and flexible working!

The Role
Lead the development and maintenance of a health pipeline of Trusts, Corporate and Philanthropy prospects (80%).
Research, identify and draft applications for small - mid value Trusts (20%).
Monitor and evaluate the progression of prospects through the pipeline.
Manage a portfolio of Trust donors, stewarding relationships to ensure long term support.

The Candidate
Prospect research experience for a fundraising function in a charity.
Trust fundraising experience is desirable but can be learnt in role.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Our aim is to respond to all successful applications within 5 days. If you havent been contacted within 5 days your application has been unsuccessful and your details will not be held further but we positively encourage you to apply for any other positions that you may see in the future.

We apologise that we cannot contact everybody in person but thank you in advance for your interest.

Third Solutions encourages applications from individuals of all ages & backgrounds. Appointment will be made on merit alone but candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to work in the UK. Third Solutions acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment & an employment business for temporary recruitment as defined by the Conduct of Employment Agencies & Employment Business Regulations 2003.

This role will support the development and implementation of research and communications initiatives on safeguarding in higher education in Africa as well as contribute to the development of Keeping Children Safe globally.

Location: Africa – remote

Salary /Grade: £30,000 per annum

Duration: 18 months with possibility of extension if funding allows.

Background

Keeping Children Safe sets International Child Safeguarding Standards to help organisations protect children from abuse in organisations across the world.

We are completely independent and guided by the best interests of the child principle in all that we do. We work with people who have been subjected to child abuse, researchers, practitioners, policymakers and leaders to defend children’s right to be safe in all organisations, no matter how big or powerful.

This newly created role will support the development and implementation of research and communications initiatives on safeguarding in higher education in Africa, as well as contribute to the development of Keeping Children Safe globally. The overall goal of this programme is that all children, young people, and youths and adults at risk – especially refugees, youths with disabilities and persons vulnerable to discrimination because of their gender – who encounter Higher Education Institutions are safe from harm.

Find out more at www.keepingchildrensafe.global

Main Duties:

Key Responsibilities will include:

· Supporting the development and implementation of research and communications initiatives on safeguarding in higher education in Africa.

· Supporting the development and implementation of events, tools, resources, educational materials and publications based on research.

· Undertaking any other reasonable duty and tasks that may from time-to-time be requested by the line manager consistent with the nature of the job and its level of responsibility.

Person Specification

Essential

Strong academic research, communication and presentation skills with experience of research projects related to safeguarding, including issues related to refugees, youths with disabilities and persons vulnerable to discrimination because of their gender.

· Experience and understanding of issues related to safeguarding in higher education in Francophone Africa.

· Professional level French and English.

· Skilled at identifying and mitigating risks.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills including presentations, report writing and conducting evaluations.

· Evidence of Continued Professional Development relevant to the role purpose and level.

· Able and willing to travel.

Personal qualities:

· A proven commitment to safeguarding and human rights.

· A commitment to the vision, aims and approach of the organisation.

· A commitment to non-discrimination, respect and dignity for all.

· A team player, able to manage their own workload as well as, work with and support others and deliver to agreed standards and targets.

· An entrepreneurial, positive, solution-focused approach to work.

· Integrity with appropriate ethics and behaviours

Desirable

· Fluency in Spanish or Portuguese.

· Graphic design and video editing skills.

The Appointment

• The appointment will be full time

• The leave allowance is 25 working days per annum

• In view of the nature of the work involved, any offer of appointment will be conditional upon receipt of satisfactory references

            and Disclosure and Barring Service/Police checks.

Applications

To apply for this post and to be considered for an interview please apply with your CV and a covering letter addressing each point in the person specification to Helen Carter.

Interviews will take place on a rolling basis. The position is open until filled.

Safeguarding statement

Keeping Children Safe has a zero-tolerance approach to any harm, exploitation or abuse of anyone including our staff and stakeholders. Safeguarding forms an intrinsic part of everything that we do. Recruitment to any jobs within KCS will include criminal record checks and the receipt of satisfactory references. Compliance with all our Child Safeguarding Policies and Procedures is mandatory.

Keeping Children Safe values diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination we welcome and actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and will select employees based upon their individual merits and abilities, irrespective of a person’s gender, sexual orientation, caring responsibilities, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic background, religion or belief, age or disability.

Sevenoaks School is currently seeking to appoint a Prospect Research Manager (Full-time, all year round).

We are looking for someone with a working knowledge of prospect research or screening individuals, companies, foundations or organisations for ethical and reputational risk. The successful candidate must have experience and/or understanding of fundraising prospect research or undertaking research in a professional or academic capacity with strong organisational skills and attention to detail as well as having to work to deadlines and under time pressure.

Please see Job Description above for full details about the role.

Please Note

For applicants applying from other job boards, please ensure you get diverted to the website that contains our application form.

For applicants applying directly on the support staff vacancy page of the Sevenoaks School website, please click on ‘Read more’ alongside the role you are applying for and then click on ‘Apply Now’ (Blue button) on the next page that appears and follow the instructions.

To be considered, you will need to complete the full application form and also attach an updated CV.

The closing date for applications is 27/11/2024 at 09:00am and first stage interviews will take place on 04/12/2024. The School retains the right to interview suitable applicants and appoint before the deadline.

At Sevenoaks School our mission is to ensure that students secure their full potential. We prepare young people for life in a modern, global society and seek to provide every student with excellent role models. Having a diverse staff enhances our school community and we warmly welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Sevenoaks School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and therefore, the offer of employment is subject to the satisfactory completion of a number of background checks including but not limited to an enhanced DBS check with Children’s Barred list check, the taking up and verification of references and the verification of career history and fitness to undertake the role, as well as an online check. Registered Charity No. 1101358.

About Lepra

Lepra is dedicated to addressing leprosy and lymphatic filariasis (LF) and their consequences through direct support, advocacy, and the promotion of inclusive communities. We work in Bangladesh and in India, through our sister organisation, LEPRA Society. We work in partnership with people affected by leprosy and LF to improve detection, ensure access to treatment and care, and promote inclusion and wellbeing. We have just finalised our new Global Strategy for 2024-30, which will guide us in our efforts to accelerate progress towards global targets for leprosy and LF, and towards our vision of a world free from leprosy and LF.

Job Context

Our new Global Strategy introduces some new approaches and priorities to our work, including: our first ever global Theory of Change (ToC), the most detailed Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) approach ever, and a sub-strategy dedicated to research, innovation and technology: the Global Research, Innovation and Technology Strategy (GRITS). With the finalisation of the new strategy, and as part of our ongoing commitment to improving our impact and efficiency, we are now seeking a consultant to provide specialised research support and technical advice.

Job Purpose

The primary objectives of this role are to lead the transitional phase of the GRITS, creating a detailed operational plan for its implementation; support the management of the existing research portfolio ensuring technical soundness, budget adherence and timely delivery; establish a sustainable pathway for research expertise to be led by in-country professionals.

Working Relationships

• Reports to Lepra UK’s Director of Programmes and Advocacy
• Day-to-day management liaison with the Director of Programmes and Advocacy and team members of Lepra’ sister organisation in India, LEPRA Society
• Close working links and collaboration with UK Fundraising, Communications and Finance teams
• International travel as needed for programmes oversight and support, and external representation.

Key responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the transitional phase of the GRITS.
• Identify and address any gaps or challenges in the current strategy.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure alignment and smooth transition.
• Support Programmes in the design of new projects / programmes by ensuring proposals submitted are technically sound and capitalize upon learning. Lead on ethical approval applications.
• Support Programmes in identifying, maintaining and growing academic / research -related partnerships, according to Lepra’s strategic interests and capacities 
• Serve as a focal point for external research contacts that have an interest in people affected by leprosy and LF.

Operational Plan Management

• Develop a comprehensive operational plan for the rollout of the strategy.
• Establish the initial GRITS processes including the Go no Go; steering group established and functioning.
• Define clear timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
• Ensure the plan is realistic, achievable, and aligns with the charity’s objectives and resources.

Support Existing Research Profile

• Review and support ongoing research projects.
• Ensure all research activities are technically sound, within budget, and on time.
• Provide technical guidance and support to research teams.
• Provide ongoing mentoring and coaching to staff and partners.
• Ensure that data sets and tools are appropriately designed and employed.

Pathway to Sustainability

• Create a sustainability plan to ensure research expertise is transitioned to and led by in-country professionals.
• Develop capacity-building programmes for local researchers and institutions
• Establish mentorship and training frameworks to support local leadership in research.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including donors, research institutions, and community leaders.
• Facilitate collaboration and partnerships to enhance the research profile and strategy implementation.
• Ensure transparent and effective communication throughout the transition process.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Develop and implement a monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress and impact of the strategy.
• Regularly report on progress, challenges, and achievements to the Lepra’s leadership team.
• Adjust plans and strategies based on feedback and evaluation results.

Safeguarding

• Support the implementation of newly developed processes in relation to the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation & Abuse (PSEA) and Safeguarding (SG).
• Ensure safeguarding measures are integrated into all project activities.

Technical advisory

• Guide and advise on the implementation of leprosy and LF control tools and approaches, specific healthcare models and/or health solutions in partner countries, when appropriate and according to Lepra and donor standards.
• Provide strategic and technical advice on the development and roll-out of country programmes as well as the overall leprosy / LF programme in Lepra.

Monitoring, evaluation and impact

• Advise the programmes team on the development of appropriate results frameworks, objectives, outputs, indicators and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and support the analysis of Lepra datasets.  Advise the HPMEL on analysis of Lepra datasets.  Provide technical inputs to Lepra’s reports, according to Lepra’s needs.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Relevant degree level of education

Desirable

• Relevant post-graduate qualification
• Relevant professional health-related qualification

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Extensive knowledge of global health issues and an up-to-date familiarity with issues and practice in the international development sector
• Substantive experience in designing and leading research projects and of communicating research results to different audiences 
• Ability to analyse quantitative and qualitative data using a range of different approaches and software and to present this information so that it may be easily interpreted by different users and audiences

Desirable

• At least ten years’ experience as a health advisor or researcher, preferably gained with an overseas development organisation or in academia, in a similar health focused role
• Familiarity with data visualisation tools and packages
• Experience with the concept and use of dynamic datasets

Skills, Attitudes and Personal Qualities

• Strong research administrative skills, specifically excel; STATA; SPSS; Nvivo and significant experience in MS Office packages
• Excellent attention to detail, and organisational and time management skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, verbal communication skills, and confidence at presenting and representing at international global to a wide range of stakeholders
• Ability to work independently, be flexible and prioritise workload.
• Ability to travel within the UK and overseas
• Permanent resident and legal rights to work in the UK.

Job Title - Research Manager

Contract - Permanent

Work pattern - Full time or 0.8 FTE (for flexible working, including term time working)

Salary - £42,000 - £48,000 per annum (or pro rata)

Location - Flexible, with an expectation of working at Coram’s campus in London on average at least once a week. 

We are looking for someone who is passionate about using their research and evaluation expertise, including involving children, young people and their families in research, to join our growing Impact and Evaluation team to help improve support for vulnerable children and young people, and ultimately make a positive difference in their lives.

About Coram and the team

Established as the Foundling Hospital in 1739, Coram is today a vibrant charity group of specialist organisations, supporting hundreds of thousands of children, young people and families every year from infancy to independence. We champion children’s rights and wellbeing, making lives better through legal support, advocacy, adoption and our range of therapeutic, educational and cultural programmes.

Coram’s vision for children is a society where every child has the best possible chance in life, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Building on our legacy as the first and longest continuing children’s charity, we have launched the Coram Institute for Children, the dedicated research and development organisation for children. The Institute will be instrumental in realising this vision by acting as a catalyst for change and collaboration, seeking evidence-based solutions to the challenges facing children in the 21st century in policy, law and practice.

The Impact and Evaluation team sits within Coram’s Institute for Children. Our team consists of 14 Researchers and a Research Coordinator, along with a network of around 15 research associates, pro bono analysts and peer researchers. We carry out qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research with children and young people, which often involves parents and carers and the professionals who support them.

As a team, are values are to be child-centred, rigorous, grounded in experience, collaborative and impactful. We are dedicated to delivering child-centred research to ensure their voice is at the forefront of our work. We use co-design and participatory research methods to challenge power imbalances within research and work with marginalised groups.

Our work includes a diverse range of evaluation designs from feasibility studies and process evaluations through to large-scale, multi-site experimental and quasi-experimental impact evaluations. We work with a range of partners including Foundations, the Youth Endowment Fund, Department for Education, local authorities, the NHS, and universities as well as other third sector organisations. We also work in-house to support the Coram group of children’s charities to help evaluate their effectiveness and assess the impact of their work.

This role will be based in Coram’s Impact and Evaluation team which sits at the heart of Coram’s Institute for Children dedicated to improving the life chances of children. This role will play an important part in building the Institute and the strategic direction of the team. The role offers exciting opportunities to work within the Coram’s Impact and Evaluation team to lead a portfolio of mixed methods research projects and evaluation studies. As well as build links across Coram as well as externally with research partners and universities to pursue research dedicated to improving the lives of children and young people.

About the role

The Research Manager will play an important role in working with the Head of Impact and Evaluation and across Coram to develop and expand work of the team within Coram’s Institute for Children.

Working within Coram’s growing Impact and Evaluation team (which currently includes eight permanent researchers) the Research Manager will lead the delivery of high quality, innovative qualitative and quantitative studies including externally commissioned research and evaluation to support the improvement of policy and practice for vulnerable children, young people and their families. This will include implementation and process evaluations with children/young people, parents/carers and professionals as well as quasi-experimental and experimental impact evaluations.

We welcome applications from mixed-methods, quantitative and qualitative researchers who have knowledge of a range of research methods and evaluation approaches. We are dedicated to delivering child-centred research to ensure their voice is at the forefront of our work. We use co-design and participatory research methods to challenge power imbalances within research and work with marginalized groups.

The Research Manager will work with colleagues across Coram and with external partners in local authorities, central government, businesses and other third sector organisations. They will have the opportunity to shape the work of the Institute by designing new research funding bids, responding to tender opportunities and developing our academic partnerships.

The role also comes with a range of personal and professional benefits including dedicated time for continuous professional development, 25 plus days of annual leave, regular team reflective practice sessions and flexible working arrangements.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced research manager who has a passion for innovative, participatory research to take the initiative to design and deliver high-quality evidence which improves policy and practice for children, young people and their families.

Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from global majority groups, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented in research roles. If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience in their personal statement as part of their application.

To apply for this role, please click on the 'apply now' button below to complete the application.

Closing date: 5pm on 15/11/2024

Interview dates: week of 25/11/2024

We will also make any reasonable adjustments at the interview stage for applicants invited to interview to support inclusivity.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No. 312278.