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The Royal Meteorological Society is the UK’s professional and learned Society for Weather and Climate and is respected around the world for its contribution to meteorology. The Society is a charity and its programmes of work include providing professional accreditation, developing educational resources and skills, producing scientific publications, holding public and professional meetings and events, giving advice to Government and policy makers, and a growing role in providing information to the public on the science of weather and climate change.
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant to support an exciting project called the State of the Climate for the Agri-Food Sector, which we are delivering in partnership with the Met Office. This project aims to contribute to the evidence base of current impacts of climate change on the agri-food sector in the UK. This role is ideal for someone with strong research skills and an interest in weather and climate and the influence on the agri-food sector.
Roles and Responsibilities
The candidate will be responsible for the following but will be expected to meet with the project team once a month and come to the kick-off meeting and launch event. There is also scope for involvement in the communication and dissemination of the work throughout the program.
The responsibilities and timeline are set out as follows:
- Update the research protocol with the project team (Q1)
- Evidence and Data Synthesis from publicly available data sources and data provided by project partners (Q1):
- Carry out evidence synthesis
- Compile results from synthesis
- Share results with stakeholders
- Indicator co-production workshop (Q1)
- With the project team identify key stakeholders for an indicator workshop
- Share results from evidence and data synthesis to support the discussion
- Co-deliver the running of the workshop
- Write a draft report of the outcomes and agreed indicators
- Develop Agri-Food Case Studies which will form part of a resource hub (Q2/Q3)
- Run online focus groups
- Develop case studies of transformative adaptation taking place in the UK
- Share case studies with stakeholders
- Final Report and Roadmap (Q2/Q3)
- Lead the write up of the final technical report
- Develop roadmap of the annual process
- Project wrap up feeding into planning for 2027 cycle (Q4)
Required Skills and Competencies
The required skills and competencies that the Society view as important for this role are:
Essential:
- Hold or carrying out a research degree and be either a student or an early career researcher/professional (i.e. MPhil, MSc, PhD); Background or strong interest in agri-food, weather and climate is highly preferred.
- Experience in academic or applied research including with quantitative analysis. Strong analytical skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to produce clear, professional documentation for external stakeholders
- Self-starter with excellent organisational skills and the ability to work independently and manage time effectively
- Confidence to chair and organise focus groups and workshop with stakeholders
- A friendly and open-minded approach, with strong interpersonal skills
- Familiarity with indicator development
- Skilled in programming in R and/or Python
- All applicants are required to demonstrate the right to work in the UK.
Desired:
- Experience working on a project with multiple stakeholders
Recruitment information and timetable
Funding: The salary range is £30,000 - £35,000 per annum depending on experience. This is advertised as a full-time position; however, we are open to flexible arrangements. For example, the role could be structured as a secondment from industry or academia; or offered on a part-time basis for a set number of days per week.
Closing date: The deadline for applications is 3pm, Tuesday 6th January. Interviews are expected to take place w/c 19th January 2026 with some flexibility for interview times outside of core working hours.
Start Date: February 1st, 2026
Duration: 12 months, with the possibility of extension dependant on funding.
Location: This will be a remote working role, with opportunities to visit Society headquarters and attend relevant RMetS events. There may also be an occasional requirement for in person meetings with the Met Office and our funding partner.
Support: The role will be supervised by the RMetS Science Engagement Business Development Manager. Expenses will be reimbursed in line with the RMetS Expenses Policy.
The Royal Meteorological Society values diversity of background and perspective and is committed to treating all people equally and with respect irrespective of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We value diversity of background and perspective.
We are particularly committed to the employment and career development of disabled people. As part of this commitment, we operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role they have applied for and we will proactively consider all reasonable adjustments to facilitate employment with us. If you wish to apply under this scheme, please indicate this in your covering letter.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is an exceptional opportunity to join Belong’s Senior Leadership Team as Director of Policy & Research, a role that sits at the heart of our mission to shape national conversations on cohesion and integration. You will lead Belong’s policy development, research strategy, and national partnerships, ensuring our work is grounded in robust evidence and lived experience. This position offers the chance to influence systemic change, amplify Belong’s voice with policymakers and opinion formers, and ensure our insights drive real-world impact.
As Director of Policy & Research, you will:
- Lead the development of Belong’s policy and research agenda, aligning it with organisational strategy and national priorities.
- Produce high-quality policy outputs, including reports, briefings, consultation responses, and thought leadership pieces.
- Oversee the design and delivery of research projects, including commissioning and partnership work, ensuring rigor and inclusivity.
- Translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations and advocacy strategies.
- Foster strong collaboration between the Policy & Research team and Programme Delivery team, ensuring insights inform both policy and practice.
- Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, journalists, and opinion formers.
- Represent Belong externally at high-level meetings, events, and in the media, amplifying our impact and reach.
- Develop strategic messaging and narratives that position Belong as a thought leader in social cohesion.
- Support campaigns and public engagement initiatives that promote Belong’s policy goals.
- Contribute to organisational development, strategic planning, and income generation through proposal development and funder engagement.
- Line manage policy and research staff, providing leadership, support, and professional development.
This is a senior leadership role for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to drive systemic change at scale.
About You
We are seeking a strategic and insightful leader with:
- Proven experience in policy development and research leadership.
- Experience working in or with government, think tanks, or advocacy organisations.
- Strong understanding of social policy and influencing processes.
- Knowledge of cohesion, integration, and community relations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including media engagement and public speaking.
- Ability to translate complex research into accessible policy messages.
- Familiarity with participatory and applied research methods.
- Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities.
- Relevant qualification in public policy, social research, or a related field.
- Experience managing teams and budgets, and supporting income generation through fundraising and proposal development.
Personal Qualities
- Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
- Strategic and visionary thinker.
- Collaborative and inclusive leader.
- Politically astute and intellectually curious.
- Practical, focused, and reliable.
- Committed to personal and professional development.
Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:
- 30 days’ annual leave
- Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
- Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
- 3% pension contribution
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
Join us and help shape national policy and research that builds stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.
Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Location: UK-wide (regular travel across England and Wales)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building a more united and less divided society. Established in 2019, we work across sectors to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience in communities. Through research, policy influence, and place-based programmes, we connect people, places, and organisations to share learning and drive systemic change. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.