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Job Title: Advocacy and Research Officer
Department: Advocacy Department
Reports To: Senior Advocacy Officer
Location: UK Based, remote
Compensation: £32,000 per annum
About Humanists International:
Humanists International is the global representative body of the humanist movement, uniting a diverse range of non-religious individuals and organizations committed to reason, compassion, and human rights. We work to build and strengthen the humanist movement worldwide, advocate for secularism and human rights, and promote humanist values in public life and at international institutions.
Humanists International’s advocacy programme promotes human rights priorities based on humanist values at the global level and represents a core role and function of organization. We do this by: advocating directly at the United Nations (UN) in Geneva, New York, and Paris, advocating at regional institutions, including the European Union, Council of Europe, European Court of Human Rights, and African Commission for Human and People’s Rights; supporting and training our members to engage with, and advocate at, relevant regional human rights bodies.
This work relies on having an advocacy team that can; (1) communicate and lobby in a clear, focused, and convincing manner, informed by high-quality and professional research; (2) can understand the dynamic international landscape on core human rights priorities and produce documentation and briefings on the organization's position; and (3) train and work with members to support their human rights advocacy at the regional and international level. The Advocacy and Research Officer will be instrumental in contributing to these areas.
Duties:
1. Advocate on behalf of Humanists International, by:
1.1. Drafting written and oral statements and submissions for the UN Human Rights Council;
1.2. Analyzing and summarizing complex legal / policy documents, such as International Conventions or UN reports, or jurisprudence at international courts and tribunals;
1.3. Undertaking research tasks and producing pieces of comprehensive legal research, and providing briefing or meeting notes for the Senior Advocacy Officer;
1.4. Representing and speaking on behalf of Humanists International at meetings of different sizes, including at the UN Human Rights Council;
1.5. Preparing and delivering presentations (often with the use of powerpoint);
1.6. Working with other civil society actors to lobby on common causes and mobilize on issues of concern;
1.7. Writing news stories for the website and contributing to the media output of the organization;
1.8. Undertaking administrative tasks to support the Senior Advocacy Officer in their work.
2. Supporting Humanists International's members in advocacy, by:
2.1. Developing and implementing trainings sessions for members and associates, including our annual UPR training, and others which leverage the expertise of the Advocacy and Research Officer;
2.2. Liaising with Humanists International members to enable and support them to make statements at the UN Human Rights Council, including with technical assistance;
2.3. Providing advocacy updates and briefings for Members and Associates;
2.4. Liaising with Humanists International members to use their knowledge and experience to feed into advocacy output;
2.5 Collaborating with the European Advocacy and Research Officer to forward advocacy priorities at European institutions.
Essential Criteria:
- Excellent understanding of, interest in, and demonstrable commitment to human rights and equality issues - particularly in the areas of freedom of religion or belief, gender equality and non-discrimination, reproductive and sexual rights, LGBTI+ rights, populism, democracy, and secularism.
- Good knowledge and background in international human rights law, international law, or global justice.
- Experience in the area of advocacy and/or of advocacy-related training.
- Familiarity (academic and/or practical) with the international human rights systems, particularly the United Nations and any regional human rights bodies.
- Good research, analytical and writing skills, and an excellent command of English.
- Well-organized, efficient and able to work independently.
- A clear and convincing communicator.
Desirable:
- Excellent understanding of, and sympathy with, the philosophy and policies of Humanists International.
- A good knowledge of other international NGOs and their role and scope.
- Knowledge of other languages (especially Spanish, French, or Arabic) would be an asset.
- Prepared to travel, and do so alone, including to United Nations headquarters in Geneva and to Humanist International’s annual World Humanist Congress, as well as to London on a quarterly basis.
If selected for interview, candidates will be asked to complete a short assignment, and interviews will be conducted on 30 March 2026. The successful candidate will also be asked to provide contact details for two references.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
About Adolescent Health Study
The Adolescent Health Study (AHS) is an ambitious new UKRI-funded initiative to establish a prospective, longitudinal population study that will generate a globally leading open science data platform and research resource. AHS aims to recruit at least 100,000 young people from across the UK and to follow their mental and physical health and wellbeing over at least 10 years. It plans to collect data through questions and measures; to obtain bio-samples for a wide range of genomic and other high-throughput assays; and to capture linked data relevant to health and wellbeing from participants’ health, education and other administrative records. There will be a strong emphasis on engaging with and involving young people, schools, parents and other relevant stakeholders in the design and delivery of the study, as well as on including young people that represent as wide as possible a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. AHS will focus on enabling a wide range of research, including studies of the critical biological and social developments that occur during the transition from childhood to adulthood and the determinants of both mental and physical health and wellbeing in adolescents and young adults.
Purpose of the post
The Research Officer will play a key role in supporting the scientific foundation, development, and coordination of AHS. The post holder will focus initially on supporting the development of the AHS pilot, contributing as required to methods selection, co-development of materials and assessment processes, writing of protocols and ethics submissions and preliminary testing of processes. Activities will involve conducting comprehensive literature reviews, supporting the development of piloting tools and protocols, engagement with schools, adolescents and parents, and addressing operational and logistical considerations necessary for successful delivery. The position is essential to ensuring the pilot and future study are grounded in robust evidence and implemented effectively.
Main responsibilities
Research & Evaluation
- Support in summarising existing evidence, and ongoing work with the research community, to identify insights and knowledge gaps that inform piloting and study research questions
- Support in conducting literature reviews and background research on determinants of adolescent health and identify tools and measures suitable for field-based assessment
- Contribute to the design and delivery of qualitative and/or quantitative research activities in support of study set-up
- Contribute to the design and delivery of public engagement and involvement activities
Piloting Design & Planning
- Contribute to developing piloting protocols and frameworks
- Assist in drafting documents for submission for ethical approval
- Help design, test and adapt measurement tools (e.g. questionnaires) and visit processes
- Support in the preparation of piloting recruitment materials
- Assist in the recruitment of, and relationship building with, schools for pre-testing
Data Collection & Fieldwork Support
- Support procurement of logistics for fieldwork
- Support in the preparation of field worker training materials
- Support training for data collectors and field staff
- Assist in data collection where required
- Be a part of a core team that ensures adherence to ethical standards and protocols
Piloting Coordination Support
- Support meetings and workshops on workstreams
- Support write-up of feasibility testing findings, and contribute to revisions on plans based on findings
- Support the senior study project manager as required on managing piloting timelines, risks and progress
Administrative and Logistical Support
- Take meeting minutes for the scientific study team as required
- Manage piloting documentation and version controls
- Respond to stakeholder queries as required
Knowledge, skills and experience
Essential criteria
- A Masters degree in epidemiology, public health, social sciences, or a related discipline
- Demonstrable experience in supporting research studies, preferably in population and/or adolescent health.
- Ability to translate complex findings into clear, actionable insights
- Ability to synthesise literature and evidence concisely for reporting to diverse audiences
- Evidence of strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to contribute to protocols and ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
- Proven ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Ability to form strong working relationships with colleagues, partners and stakeholders at all levels, both in person and virtually.
Desirable criteria
- A PhD in epidemiology, public health, social sciences, or a related discipline (completed or due to be submitted within 3 months of application)
- Prior experience of working on adolescent health, youth development, or related public health issues
- Experience of conducting and reporting on literature reviews
- Experience with Research Ethics Committee submissions
- Good knowledge of basic principles of ethical research
- Clear understanding of study designs (including piloting) and data collections tools, and their application in school settings
- Experience with the development, testing, or adaptation of research instruments (e.g. questionnaires)
- Experience of working with young people and/or schools (through research and/or public involvement)
Dimensions
- Full time role with flexible working arrangements
- AHS is a national organisation, and our activities take place across the UK
- Flexible working will be required across several geographical locations in the UK. Travel may be required to AHS locations, fieldwork sites and partner organisations
Application Process
This post is subject to receipt of satisfactory references and the post holder having the right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available). Please apply with a CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages) explaining what you can bring to this role, and including your current salary.
The closing date for this position is EoD Sunday 08 March 2026.
Interviews are currently expected to be held during the week commencing 30 March 2026.
Equal Opportunities Policy Statement
AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Beyond these protected characteristics, we acknowledge the importance of socio-economic background, childcare and caring responsibilities, educational background, neurodiversity, and any other factors that shape an individual’s identity and opportunities. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to contribute fully.
Values
It is an exciting time for the Adolescent Health Study (AHS) as we establish our senior leadership team. As the senior executive team evolves, the AHS values will be grounded in inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and collaboration
Thank you!
Working Pattern: 0.6 FTE (happy to discuss flexible working arrangements)
Dates: May 2026 - June 2027 (14 months)
Location: Home-based from anywhere in the UK with frequent (around once per month) travel across the UK
Working requirements: Applicants must have the right to work within the UK
Deadline for applications: Friday 6th March
Interviews: 19th and 20th March via Zoom
Salary: £42-44k pro rata dependent on experience
Job Purpose
We are looking for a Research Programme Manager with a strong grounding in scientific research and expertise in grant management to take on a maternity cover within our small and tight-knit research team.
The role’s core responsibility will be to lead on the delivery of the Foundation’s translational grant funding schemes - our Catalyst Awards and Advancing Treatments Awards. The post holder will have a visible presence within the research community acting as an important point of contact between researchers, committee members (including people living with MND), peer reviewers and the charity.
They will be responsible for the successful delivery of a large portfolio of active projects by working closely with others in the team to ensure all awards are expertly administered, monitored, evaluated and reported against, ensuring the outputs are of the highest quality and supporting the charities activities. The post-holder will identify opportunities to communicate the progress or impact of the work we fund and work with the communications team to develop compelling communications for our supporters.
Key responsibilities
Grant Funding Programme
● Lead on the management of several grant funding schemes, as well as ad-hoc applications that come to the Foundation;
● Oversee the smooth running of application rounds, peer review and ensure that funding committees function in line with AMRC guidance;
● Be the main point of contact for the AMRC with regards to research management;
● Support the ongoing implementation and development of the Foundation’s Grant Management Software, Flexi-Grant, ensuring the research team are using the platform effectively;
● Manage project set-up including contracting, the development of detailed project plans, including go/no-go milestones and budgets;
● Work with the others in the team to oversee the research programme budget including planning, monitoring and forecasting; work with the Directors of Research and Finance to ensure that accurate research finance information is available for organisational budgeting and planning;
● Seek opportunities to improve the Foundation’s grant funding schemes to increase the number and quality of applications received year on year, ensuring funded projects support the delivery of the Foundation’s research strategy;
● Monitor any developments or innovations across the sector and implement changes to maintain a high-quality impactful research funding programme.
Project Portfolio
● Manage and oversee project delivery of the Foundation’s active project portfolio by:
○ Building and managing relationships with award holders and attending site visits;
○ Approving grant payments and managing the change process for any project amendments;
○ Ensuring project progress is effectively monitored and reported against;
○ Identifying opportunities for and approving any project communications.
● Work closely with others in the research team to implement an Impact Evaluation Framework, to evaluate the impact of the research we fund.
General Responsibilities
● Support the Director of Research to deliver the Foundation’s research strategy;
● Support more junior members of the team through training and mentoring;
● Contribute to the team being proactive and supportive, and working effectively and efficiently to achieve agreed objectives;
● Contribute to the development and maintenance of strong internal relationships across the charity, working specifically with the Fundraising Team to support income generation;
● Support the Director of Research in the development of updates for the Board of Trustees and other groups such as our Scientific Advisors;
● Keep updated with the latest scientific developments in the field, attend conferences and build strong relationships with MND experts and other relevant stakeholders;
● Represent the Foundation at external scientific meetings and conferences;
● Undertake other work as required by the Director of Research.
Skills and experience required:
● Educated to PhD level or with equivalent experience in a science subject relevant to MND;
● Experience of research management, including the management of grant schemes, preferably with experience of using Flexi-Grant;
● Experience of research communications, including the ability to disseminate complex scientific information and present it to non-technical audiences;
● Experience of liaising with senior individuals in a variety of organisations with an ability to create favourable working relationships;
● Proven project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects at the same time;
● A great communicator, with excellent written and oral skills and the ability to maintain relationships with a wide variety of individuals, including those within the Foundation, researchers and clinicians, relevant organisations and industry bodies, MND patients, and other MND charities;
● Self-motivated, proactive and able to work using own initiative;
● Organised, with a proven ability to successfully manage a broad spectrum of tasks, deadlines and individuals;
● Motivated to make a real difference for those living with MND.
Registered Charity
6 - 10
We are My Name'5 Doddie Foundation and we're absolutely committed to our goal: A World Free of MND
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.