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Senior Researcher

Job description

I am delighted to be working with an amazing children's charity to find a Senior Researcher for a 12-month FTC. This role involves making a major contribution to the Research and Policy Team by developing, managing and delivering a portfolio of research projects.
Key Accountabilities:
Be responsible for the day-to-day project management and successful implementation and delivery of a range of research and evaluation projects
Be responsible for designing a range of small and medium sized qualitative and quantitative research and evaluation projects
Undertake and supervise data collection, including surveys, in-depth interviews and focus groups
Conduct literature reviews
Speak on behalf of, and represent the charity's Research and Policy Team at conferences, seminars and internal and external meetings
Champion the views of children and young people in the development of research and policy work

Decision Making:
Carry out research in line with the charity's strategy and ethical guidelines
Be an active member of the Research Ethics and Advisory Group (REAG), reviewing and offering timely feedback on submitted research proposals
Contribute to the development and review of research guidelines and the charity's corporate strategy and policies

Analysis and Initiative:
Draft appropriate qualitative and quantitative sample designs and data collection instruments and analysis schedules
Carry out analysis of qualitative and quantitative data
Solve research and evaluation design and analysis problems and advise on alternative methods to meet project demands and constraints
Disseminate research findings effectively to a range of audiences using appropriate media and in consultation with relevant colleagues
Keep up-to-date with research literature relevant to projects, children and young people policy, and new developments in research methodology

Developing Others:
Supervise others in the carrying out of qualitative and quantitative research tasks - including design and analysis and the carrying out of literature reviews
Be responsible for involving children and young people in different research roles
Provide training, guidance and support to staff in relation to specific methodological areas
Line manage and support Research and Policy Analysts/Assistants as required

Resource Management
Prepare and present timely management reports as required for the Head of Research & Evidence, Head of Policy & Public Affairs or External Affairs Director relating to staff-capacity, project staffing requirements and budgets.
Write research proposals and respond to invitations to tender, including leading on some small-to-medium sized proposals
Contribute to funding proposals as required including drafting methodology and compiling outline costings

Essential Person Specification:
A graduate/postgraduate qualification in a relevant social science or similar numerate discipline, and substantial experience of social research outside study for academic qualifications and which has involved children and young people
Able to set and quality assure standards of quantitative and qualitative research and evaluation
Advanced understanding of principles of research and evaluation project management, experience of effectively managing medium scale projects
Sound understanding and substantial experience of different qualitative and quantitative sampling and data collection approaches, of developing appropriate sample designs and data collection tools
Substantial experience of advanced quantitative and qualitative data analysis and interpretation
Substantial experience of communicating research findings to different audiences, writing reports, supervising and quality assuring the written work of others
Experience of contributing to research proposals
Experience of contributing to applications for grant funding and/or responding to invitations to tender

If you are available for an immediate/ASAP start, with the above skills and experience, please apply online today!