Research manager jobs in hertfordshire, east of england

Detention Action is a small organisation with a big impact. Since 1993, we have worked to improve the welfare of people in detention centres and tirelessly campaign alongside our beneficiaries to reduce the use of immigration detention. We work on the frontline with people in immigration detention, as well as challenging injustices in asylum, detention and deportation systems in the UK.

We are looking for a Fundraising Lead to join our organisation and ensure the smooth running of our fundraising operations. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate individual who is looking to develop their fundraising skills, and to join us in defending the rights of people in detention at a critical time for our organisation and the wider immigration and human rights sector.

TO APPLY 

Please use the Apply Now button to upload a CV and Cover Letter to the CharityJob portal by 9am UK time on 16 May 2025.

Please read the Candidate Information Pack carefully, including the instructions on how to apply, which explain the requirements for your CV and Cover Letter. We will not accept incomplete applications.

We welcome and encourage applications from people from all backgrounds, including those from minority groups that are underrepresented in the workplace. We strongly encourage those with lived experience of the asylum, deportation and/or immigration detention systems to apply.

Location: London (remote working within the UK is possible)

Hours: Full-Time or Part-Time (5 days or 4 days per week pro rata)

Remuneration: £80,000 -£100,000 depending on experience

Role overview 

This is a new role within FILE, providing dedicated thought leadership internally and externally with respect to our land use and nature strategies. You will support our partners to accelerate a transition to sustainable food production, secure and enforce sustainable frameworks for extraction of transition minerals, and contribute to safeguarding key global ecosystems, including through enhancing and protecting the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities.

You will work closely with the Director of Program Strategy, Regional Directors, and other portfolio leads to ensure land use and nature strategies are developed and integrated throughout our funding portfolios. Externally, you will build and maintain relationships with some of the world’s leading climate and biodiversity lawyers and campaigners, as well as with aligned philanthropies.

Our land use and nature work mainly supports partners working on protecting habitats in biodiversity rich areas of Africa, South America and South East Asia, including by challenging harmful practices of corporations based in the Global North. Its scope may shift over time, including as the successful candidate refines our strategy going forwards.

We seek to protect the rights of, and support partnerships with, indigenous people and local communities. Key strategic outcomes pursued include confronting supply chains of major corporates that drive greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and violate the rights of local communities, and securing regulatory changes to drive finance towards cleaner, more equitable alternatives.

Key Responsibilities

Each of these is conducted in close collaboration with relevant colleagues across FILE’s strategy teams, as well as FILE’s Research, Impact, and Learning, Grant Management, and Philanthropic Partnerships teams: 

• Lead the development of FILE’s land use and nature strategies, including a focus on legal and narrative and movement-building approaches, as well as on enhancing and protecting the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities 

• These strategies will set out a well-considered approach to sectors and themes including exploitation of transition minerals, deforestation and biodiversity loss driven by industrial agriculture, addressing rights violations in global corporate supply chains, etc 

• Work in close collaboration with strategy, grant making and fundraising leads within FILE to increase access to funding sources and the resilience of partners working in the field

• Developing, maintaining and convening external partnerships and networks with partners and practitioners working on and use and nature strategies 

• Provide leadership to the wider philanthropic and donor community on the need for legal interventions in pursuit of FILE’s land use and nature strategy, and support fundraising for FILE as well as directly for our partners 

Key Outcomes 

• FILE has a well-considered land use and nature strategy, including a focus both on legal and related narrative and movement strategies, which is integrated throughout our funding portfolios

• Increased funding is made available to partner organisations working on land use and nature, via FILE or directly from other philanthropies

• FILE colleagues and external partners have a trusted thought partner and collaborator on developing and implementing land use and nature legal strategies 

• Overseeing / establishing high quality convening(s), with support of FILE’s Convening Manager, and networks of civil society and relevant legal practitioners and peers working in this area, to catalyse innovation and strengthen connectivity 

• An engaged group of funders, ready to deepen their support for our partners’ work on land use and nature strategies 

About you 

We know that long lists of criteria can be discouraging and that some candidates will not apply for a role unless they feel they are 100% qualified. If you feel you meet at least some of the relevant criteria, we still encourage you to apply.

We also recognise that skills and experience can be gained in unexpected places, so we welcome applications from candidates who feel they have relevant skills for the role, gained from a wide range of professional, lived and learned experiences.

Essential criteria 

• A strong commitment to protecting the environment, reforming corporate and financial governance, strengthening government ambition, and prioritising the rights of indigenous peoples, marginalised groups, and other communities most affected by climate change and environmental harms 

• Experience of and expertise in developing and / or delivering legal strategies to advance systemic change on land use and nature 

• Demonstrated experience in linking legal strategies to effective communications, campaign, and/or movement strategies to advance systemic change 

• An ability to strategically manage projects, including prioritisation and forwards planning

• An ability to work equitably and effectively with multiple perspectives and build trust with diverse partners, and understanding of funder positionality and responsibility. 

• A willingness to travel from time to time (at least four times a year, more if working remotely) to meet FILE staff and partners 

• An ability to work flexibly as part of a team spread across many time zones, which will involve some meetings outside of standard working hours 

• A professional standard of written and spoken English

Desired criteria 

• A current or past qualification / bar admission as a lawyer 

• Experience of working as a lawyer on strategic litigation against governments, corporations, or financial institutions 

• Demonstrated experience of building and / or maintaining external networks, bringing expert practitioners and / or civil society together 

• Experience working with communities adversely affected by climate change, environmental harms, and/or related human rights violations, particularly in the Global South 

• Existing relationships with NGOs, lawyers, and / or philanthropic partners working on relevant land use and nature strategies 

• An ability to communicate with partners in other relevant languages, including Portuguese, French, Spanish, and Bahasa Indonesia, would be a bonus but not essential 

About FILE

The Foundation for International Law for the Environment (FILE) is a not-for-profit philanthropic organisation working to accelerate legal action on climate change. 

Through grant-making and in-house legal expertise, we empower our partners to deliver strategic, innovative legal interventions and we support lawyers in their own countries to bring their own cases. 

Legal action can unlock the systemic changes in finance, policy and social systems needed to protect all of us from climate change. The power of the law is both direct (changing policy and practice) and indirect (signalling the wider shifts taking place across these systems).

FILE is a ‘regrantor’ - this means we do not bring legal action in our own name. We receive grants from our philanthropic donors (a small group of like-minded climate foundations) and make onwards grants to partners who align with FILE’s charitable aims and purposes. We do not seek to make any profit from our activities either in a relevant financial year or in the longer term.

Working for FILE

FILE is a collaborative community of individuals who share a passion for climate, nature, and justice. We bring together knowledge and experience to support our mission.

Our people are empowered to lead their work both individually and as part of a wider team in order to make impactful change. As a relatively young organisation with the ambitious mission to change global systems, our roles are ideally suited to those who are highly strategic, flexible and adaptable, and open to growing in line with the Foundation.

FILE is committed to challenging inequality and values diversity, equity and justice in all areas of life. Our mission, work and impact is global, with staff and partners from across the world and a range of lived experiences. We firmly believe that we are strengthened by the diversity of our partners and staff.

At FILE, we actively work to create an inclusive culture where colleagues feel welcomed, heard and supported to succeed and thrive.

Location

FILE has offices in London and the Netherlands. We are advertising this role for candidates based (and with the right to work) in the UK, the Netherlands, Brazil or South Africa but will also consider applications from other locations where we are able to do so.  

Please note, therefore, that you will see this role advertised in multiple locations but that we are only hiring for one position. Please apply to the job post for your preferred location. 

How FILE supports its staff 

FILE is committed to creating a workplace that supports our staff to do their best work and develop professionally. FILE offer a generous annual leave policy and additional time-off work to support wellbeing. Amongst other benefits, FILE offers private healthcare and a contribution to a pension scheme.

FILE is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and encourage candidates who can contribute to the diversity of our team to apply.
Join us in making a tangible difference in the fight against climate change by creating spaces where diverse voices come together to drive impactful solutions.

Applications 

Please apply on our website and upload your CV. This role is open for applications immediately and we accept applications on a rolling basis. If you are interested, we encourage you to submit your application as early as possible. The role will remain open for at least four weeks from the date of advertisement.
 

Diversity & Inclusion

As an equal opportunities employer, FILE is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join FILE. We are committed to continually learning and improving our diversity and inclusion practices, which can best be done if we are as diverse as the people of the world we’re working to protect. 

This role is a new post within our Fundraising and Communications team and an exciting opportunity to shape a growing area of our work. The successful candidate will have some experience of working on a range of events, ideally challenge and sports fundraising, including tasks such as participant recruitment, tracking income, contributing to supporter journeys and assisting with event day activities.

Doctors of the World UK (DoTW) is part of the global Médecins du Monde (MdM) network, which delivers over 400 projects in more than 70 countries, 6,000 volunteers and 5,000 employees. We deliver both emergency and planned medical support, staying to support people in need of healthcare for the long term. We advocate directly for the rights of everyone to access healthcare, no matter who they are or where they are from.

In the UK, we deliver our own domestic programme supporting people excluded from healthcare in the UK, including people seeking asylum and those who are homeless. Across our network we have projects ongoing in countries ranging from emergency responses in Gaza and Ukraine through to development work in Sierra Leone and Myanmar.

This role plays a part in our fundraising and communications team helping us to meet our fundraising targets and drive growth in both our responsive and strategic communications.

Our vision is of a world in which people affected by war, natural disasters, disease, hunger, poverty, or exclusion get the healthcare they need.

Benefits

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Additional leave days, on top of the 28 days per calendar year:

o Birthday leave

o Religious leave

o 2 days for volunteering

o 1 day for moving house/relocating

- Pension

- Cycle to work scheme

- Flexible working: operating on a 35hr working week

- Registered as a London living wage employer

- Eye tests and subsidised glasses/contact lens

- Blue light card

- Breastfeeding arrangements

Application deadline Sunday 25th May 2300hrs.

Interviews week commencing Monday 9th June

Applications should include CV and cover letter (mandatory).

The School:

Merchant Taylors’ School is a large Independent Boys’ School, situated in 280 acres of parkland in Northwood, Middlesex.  The School was founded in 1561, is owned by the Merchant Taylors’ Educational Trust and moved to its present site in 1933. There are four distinct boys’ day schools on campus. The Nursery, the Pre-Prep & the Prep cater for 370 boys, while the Senior School has over 960 pupils. The Senior School employs over 110 teachers and 160 Support staff across Merchant Taylors’ School.

Main duties and responsibilities:

Fundraising

· Developing and innovating the school’s regular giving programme, the Merchant Taylors’ Fund, to ensure a consistent income stream and increased participation from alumni, parents and friends.

· In conjunction with external consultants, running our (currently) biennial telephone fundraising campaigns and Giving Days.

· Liaising with school departments, clubs and societies to identify exciting projects to motivate supporters.

· Segmenting and targeting recipients for appeals to ensure the greatest impact and returns.

· Devising the strategy for promoting legacy giving as a means of supporting Merchant Taylors’, and to implement this strategy to increase the number of known legacy pledges to the school.

 Stewardship

· Establishing and running a comprehensive benefactor stewardship programme that thanks and stewards donors at all levels, including legacy pledges, through regular communication and events.

Reporting

· Reporting on progress against all objectives to the Development and Alumni Relations Sub-Committee of Governors.

· Where appropriate, working with the Development Executive (Events and Communications), to produce benefactor report publications and contribute to other Development publications.

· Ensuring that all contact with OMTs and parents is recorded on the Development Office’s database, the Raiser’s Edge.

Safeguarding responsibilities:

It is the post holder’s responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom s/he is responsible, or with whom s/he comes into contact and to adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Safeguarding Policy Statement at all times.  If in the course of carrying out the duties of the post, the post holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the School s/he must report any concerns to the Head Master.

Merchant Taylors’ School is an equal opportunities employer committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. As this role will bring you into contact with children you are expected to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.  Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Further information on how the School uses personal data is set out in the School’s Staff Transparency Notice, which can be found n the Vacancy page of the School Website.

Are you our first Deputy Director?

• Are you passionate about the voices of people with lived experience in campaigns and communications around the asylum and immigration system?
• Are you a diplomat and leader, able to influence and collaborate with a network and partners?
• Do you enjoy being part of a small, dynamic team working with movement leaders, turning your hand to different challenges?
• Can you further build a campaign coalition to equip it to win deep change in the way the UK treats refugees?

About us

The Asylum Reform Initiative (ARI) is an alliance of nine leading national organisations collaborating to secure deep change towards a fair, compassionate and well-managed UK approach to refugees. Central to its strategy has been incubating, launching and backing the broader, public-facing Together With Refugees campaign coalition, now with over 600 national and local member groups from across the refugee sector and beyond. The ARI team provides a dynamic hub that supports Together With Refugees, coordinating the development and delivery of the coalition’s campaign strategy.

About the role

This is a new role. Working closely with the rest of the ARI team, One Strong Voice, and the newly formed Together With Refugees Steering Group, it will play a key part in shaping and delivering the ambitious next phase of the Together With Refugees strategy. The Deputy Director will lead on movement building, strengthening the coalition, and developing the reach, activation levels and effectiveness of the coalition’s grassroots campaign organising to secure changes in policy and practice. At the heart of this is the engagement and leadership of activists with lived experience as refugees, and of member groups that are led by and for refugees – so advancing the goal of a transition to leadership by people with lived experience across the coalition. Key to this work will be building the capacity, effectiveness and impact of the One Strong Voice network to support lived experience campaigners, organisations and leaders at all levels. The Deputy Director will also contribute to wider leadership of the team’s work including fundraising, support for – and accountability to – coalition leadership structures, and effective delivery of the team’s work programme.

About you

The Deputy Director will be a natural collaborator and relationship builder, able to work with diplomacy to drive forward our ambitious strategic aims. You will need ambition, energy and an ability to work at both strategic and more detailed levels. This could be the right opportunity for a range of potential candidates. You could be someone who has led and managed in other issues-based settings, in the asylum and refugee sector, or more broadly. Whatever your background, if you think you have the skills and experience to contribute to our team and take Together With Refugees forward then we’d like to hear from you.

Our commitment to and our strategic aims means that, we warmly invite and encourage applications from people with lived experience of the asylum system, or of forced migration more generally.

How to apply

First, download the candidate information pack; you will also need the application form and the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form (these are all downloads under "Application resources" below). Send the two completed forms with your CV to the email address in the pack.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an aspiring individual to develop their career in a charity that is passionate about families with young children. We're looking for someone who is a self-starter, well-organised and committed to the cause. In addition to providing administrative support to the organisation, you will be a natural communicator who is comfortable with using social and creative media, as well as basic IT systems. 

Home-Start Barnet delivers early intervention programmes to families with young children, who have multiple needs and are struggling to cope with the challenges they face. Our trained volunteers provide the emotional support needed to prevent crisis and the practical tools to empower parents and carers to give their children the best start in life.

Key responsibilities are to:

• Handle all incoming communications - phone, email and other communications
• Provide central administration support to the charity
• Support and build engagement across different social media channels
• Update content for HSB’s website
• Support and help organise training and events

Further details can be found in the Job Description.

The role is based at our offices in Finchley, N3. Due to the nature of our work, we require someone to be present in the office 5 days a week. We have a welcoming and relaxed office environment, but also take pride in our professional standards.

We welcome applications from candidates who may not have previous office or administrative experience, but who can demonstrate that they have the right skills and are keen to learn. This role would suit new graduates, or someone who would like to work shorter days around other commitments. We are a diverse workplace and we offer flexibility and accomodations for staff to ensure they can deliver their full potential.

Salary range £27,000 – £30,000 per annum | 35 hours per week (Full-time) | Fixed term contract to March 2026 with possibility of extension

Hybrid work model involving home and weekly office-based working in Bethnal Green

Do you want to be at the forefront of national reforms improving access to justice for sexual violence survivors?  

 Women and Girls Network (WGN) and Centre for Women’s Justice (CWJ) are seeking a committed paralegal with feminist values to join its Legal team and play a part in this ground-breaking new work.    

 The successful applicant will work as part of WGN, supporting survivors of sexual violence to access high quality legal advice relating to their rights as survivors of sexual violence within the criminal justice system.  

About the role

We are seeking a motivated and empathetic Sexual Violence Paralegal to join our Sexual Violence Legal team and support the delivery of our pioneering Sexual Violence Legal Pilot. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic, survivor-centred legal service committed to improving access to justice for those affected by sexual violence.

As a key member of the legal team, you will assist lawyers with casework, support client care, and ensure the smooth operation of our legal advice service. Your role will be integral to ensuring survivors receive high-quality, compassionate, and informed legal support.

About you

You are highly organised, detail-oriented, and committed to working in a trauma-informed, survivor-focused manner. You bring a strong interest in legal issues affecting survivors of sexual violence and are eager to learn and contribute meaningfully to the work of the team. Experience working in a legal or support services setting is desirable.

About us

Women and Girls Network (WGN) was established in 1987 and has spent over 30 years supporting women and girls across London affected by gendered violence. This includes childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, rape, prostitution (including trafficking and sexual exploitation), female genital mutilation (FGM), and so-called ‘honour’ based crimes such as forced marriage. Our goal is to promote, preserve, and restore the mental health and wellbeing of women and girls, to empower them to make a total and sustainable recovery from the experiences of violence. 

The Centre for Women’s Justice (CWJ) aims to help women and girls who are subject to male violence get better access to legal remedies to defend and enhance their rights; CWJ’s mission is to hold the state to account and challenge discrimination in the justice system around male violence against women and girls. 

How to apply

Please visit our website for more information and to download an application form. Completed application forms and equal opportunities monitoring forms should be submitted by 9am on Tuesday 27th May 2025.

Interview details

Interviews are expected to take place on 17th June 2025, however, please note that dates may be subject to change.

Further information

We welcome and encourage applications from women of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Ethnic communities.

WGN’s employee benefits include: 3% pension contribution, enhanced leave entitlement and an Employee Assistance Programme, as well as the opportunity to work with a leading multi-cultural, women-led feminist charity. 

This post is subject to satisfactory references, DBS check, and social media check. 

WGN is an equal opportunities employer. 

The above post is exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1