Policy & Research Support Officer

Policy & Research Officer| 18 Month Contract | (Inside IR35) | Hybrid (Edinburgh -1 day pw) | Starting ASAP

Job Description:

Harvey Nash's public sector client is seeking a skilled researcher to join our team. This role is central to driving forward evidence-based investigations through the identification, synthesis, and analysis of large volumes of predominantly qualitative data.

You will have a sound understanding of research methodologies, be experienced at assessing the quality of various data sources and thrive in an environment that requires significant autonomy and collaboration.

Main Duties:

• Conduct secondary research activities including reviews and analysis of existing published articles, databases and records to support the work across four investigative portfolios. (25%)
• Plan and execute a series of comprehensive evidence-based reports, summaries and recommendations for range of audiences, including legal, policy-makers and the general public. (20%)
• Build and maintain relationships with Snr stakeholders and legal team and other members to respond to research requests and needs. (15%)
• Provide support to the Solicitor and Counsel team in the preparation of interim reports, employing qualitative and quantitative approaches to synthesize large volumes of evidence into clear, comprehensive summaries. (10%)
• Support members of the wider business with research and analysis activities. (5%)
• Actively monitor developments in qualitative research methods and data analysis tools to consider how emerging trends may influence the work of the Inquiry. (5%)

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Knowledge and experience of applying a range of social research methods (including human-rights based and gender-competent approaches) to all stages of research including design, delivery, write-up and dissemination.
• The ability to communicate effectively (both orally and in writing) on complex issues to non-specialist audiences.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to critically evaluate information from a variety of sources and draw out key messages to meet the needs of research users.
• Ability to carry out tasks independently with minimum oversight, balancing a range of competing priorities and deadlines to deliver both short- and long-term goals.

Desirable Skills:

• You should hold a Master's degree in a relevant social science, public health, or related field where there was a substantive emphasis on the use of qualitative research methods.
• It would be preferable for candidates to have experience of working with Qualitative data analysis software (eg NVivo), or express a willingness to learn at pace.

This role has been deemed Inside IR35 by the client. Applicants must hold, or be happy to apply for, a valid Basic Disclosure Scotland. Please click the link to apply.