Senior Researcher

Researcher (UK Programmes)
2 Positions available
About us:
UKIM is one of the premier faith based civil society organisations working in the UK which has been serving the needs of the Muslim community for over sixty years and has over fifty branches across Britain.
About the Role:
To conduct research, analysis and publish findings in the form of briefings, papers, reports, books and relevant media that contribute to the positive transformation of British Muslim communities.
The post holder will work closely with the Head of Research, Head of UK Programmes and other team members to generate original ideas and solutions to the challenges facing British Muslim communities and will also contribute to the success and financial sustainability of UKIM’s think-tank.
The post holder will also provide research and evaluation input and support to the other UKIM Programmes e.g. iCare, IAspire, Dawah, Tarbiyah and Education to enable them to be better delivered to the different audiences that UKIM engages.
Main Activities and Responsibilities:
• Work with Head of Research and Head of UK Programmes to develop research proposals
• Undertake research and scholarship across British Muslim communities
• Use relevant research techniques and methods.
• Analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions
• Produce evidence-based briefings, papers, reports and knowledge for public dissemination
• Make presentations at UKIM events, public conferences and other relevant platforms.
• Deal with problems which may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Engage in continuous professional development and be responsible for continually updating              knowledge and developing new skills.
• Support internal UKIM projects such as the Dawah, iCare, IAspire, Tarbiyah, Madrasah
• Produce publicity materials to support above
Skills & Knowledge and Competencies
Essential
•    First degree in social sciences or humanities subject.
•    Strong knowledge of Muslim communities in the U.K and Europe.
•    Knowledge of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.
•    Excellent written and verbal communication skills
•    Able to communicate material of a specialist or highly technical nature.
•    Able to manage research and administrative activities and balance competing pressures of research and administrative demands and deadlines.
•    Good interpersonal skills with the ability to work with team members and stakeholders.
•    Evidence of engagement in continuous professional development
•    Understand equal opportunity issues and how they may impact on areas of research.
•    Understanding of Health and Safety requirements and experience of carrying out risk assessments.
•    Self-motivated and committed to enhancing British Muslim communities and wider society.
•    Ability to communicate complex information orally, in writing, electronically and actively participate as a member of a research team.
•    Work with colleagues on joint projects, as required and collaborate with academic colleagues on areas of shared research interest.
•    Analyse and interpret the results of research and generate original ideas based on outcomes.
•    Be rigorous in analysing and interpreting research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes
•    Contribute to collaborative decision making with colleagues in areas of research.
•    Be aware of the risks in the work environment and their potential impact on their own work and that of others.
Desired
•    Possession of PhD.
•    Evidence of research activity and published research is desirable.
•    Able to build contacts and participate in internal and external networks for the exchange of information and collaboration.
•    Able to identify potential sources of funding.
•    Contribute to the preparation of research proposals and applications to external bodies, e.g. for funding and contractual purposes
•    Use creativity to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
Expectations of Employees:
The job holder is expected to deliver UKIM’s vision and mission and help develop the organisation to strengthen its position within UK’s civil society sector. All staff employed by UKIM are expected to exhibit high professional standards and should be sympathetic to Islamic principles and values and have a solid understanding and experience of Muslim communities in the UK. The job holder is expected to provide within a team, community development projects (both religious and mainstream), engagement with the target communities and internally with mosques, community centres, members and trustees in order to promote the objectives of UKIM’s and its vision and mission.
Location:  Oldham  
Salary: £30,000 Per Annum (Possibility of Incremental Increase after six months subject to review)
Contract: 1 Year FTC – with expectation of renewal
Application Deadline: 26th January 2024
REF: 210 795