Youth Employment UK is an independent, not-for-profit social enterprise founded in 2012 to tackle youth unemployment. As experts on youth employment and unemployment, we are ideally placed to understand the complex landscape facing young people, employers and policymakers.
To find out more about Youth Employment UK, see here.
The role
Position: Research Officer/Manager
Department: Policy, Research and Education
Reports to: Policy and Research Director
Job Summary: We are seeking a dedicated Research Officer/manager to join our Policy and Research department. The Research Officer/manager will support the development and implementation of research projects, analyse data, contribute to report writing and policy recommendations. This role is ideal for someone with strong analytical skills and a passion for evidence-based decision-making.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct qualitative and quantitative research: Design, implement, and manage research projects, including designing and programming surveys, designing focus group and interview topic guides, data collection and analysis.
- Data Analysis: Analyse quantitative and qualitative data using appropriate statistical tools and methodologies.
- Report Writing: Contribute to report writing and producing reports, briefs, and presentations to communicate research findings to stakeholders.
- Collaboration: Work closely with team members and support the Policy and Research director to manage external partners and projects.
- Monitoring Trends: Stay informed about current trends, issues, and research relating to youth employment and conducting comparative analysis with our data sets where possible.
- Administrative Support: Assist with the organisation of meetings, workshops, and events related to research projects.
The main responsibilities of this role are as described here. As our needs as a not-for-profit organisation change, we may need to make reasonable changes from time to time, in consultation with you.
Your Team: You will be joining a small and focused team. The Policy, Research and Education teams’ responsibilities within Youth Employment UK include producing an annual youth voice census, reviewing the data from the Good Youth Employment Benchmark, qualitative research mainly facilitating focus groups as part of youth voice and maintaining and maintaining the Youth Employment UK’s network of policy, research and education stakeholders and partnerships.
Ideal candidate profile
We are looking for someone with:
- Education: to a Degree level in a relevant field.
- Experience: some experience in research, data analysis, or a related role; experience in policy research is a plus.
- Skills:
- Strong understanding of statistics and data analysis
- A proven ability to monitor, analyse survey data
- Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, Excel).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
Personal Attributes:
- Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy.
- Passionate about research and its application to policy-making.
- Ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines.
Training and development
Please specify if you are applying for the officer or manager role. It is anticipated that as a research officer you will be provided with a training programme to develop your research career.
The research officer is an entry level role that may be suitable for a graduate or someone at the early stages of their career, who is looking to develop research skills while working for an exciting and impactful organisation.
Please indicate in your cover letter if you are interested in applying for the research officer role.
As part of this role, the Research Officer will be supported to undertake a training programme to build knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods, including:
- External training on quantitative research methods
- Internal training on setting up and designing focus groups.
- Internal training on data on quantitative and qualitative analysis
- Internal shadowing of leading analysis of the youth voice census.
After 12 – 18 months of being in post, Research Officers will have developed the skills to lead analysis and research projects within Youth Employment UK.
Working at Youth Employment UK
Working Hours : Full Time 37.5 hours a week.
Location: Kettering office (with hybrid working)
Salary: £26,000 – £34,000 f.t.e depending on experience
Key Benefits available to all Youth Employment UK staff:
- 25 days holiday pro rata per annum in addition to bank holidays; 4 wellbeing days and 2 volunteering days per year
- Breakfast & lunch provided
- Dog friendly office
- Standard pension scheme package
Additional Benefits:
- Annual appraisal and pay review
- Commitment to your development through training and mentoring, regular lunch n’ learns
- Opportunity to attend a wide range of events
- A social and fun working environment, regular team activities including sports day, quizzes and bake off
Things to know:
- All staff are subject to a check by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The level of check which will apply shall be an “Enhanced” level check.
- All applicants must already have the right to work in the UK as we regret that we are unable to sponsor visas.
How to apply
Interested candidates should submit a CV and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and motivation for applying to Ellie Chambers (Eleanor@youthemployment.org.uk) by 15th November 2024.
Once applications have been reviewed there will be a 2 stage interview process.
Stage 1: informal interview via zoom proposed dates 21st/22nd November.
Stage 2: an in person interview which will include a presentation to a selection of colleagues, meeting the staff team and visiting our Kettering base. The proposed date for interview is 28th November.
Employment is subject to references being received.
Contact us
Thank you for your interest in working at Youth Employment UK. If you have any queries, please contact us at info@youthemployment.org.uk
