Consultant - Public Policy

ICF Olson; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Private medical insurance

Dental insurance

Pension 5%

Life assurance 4x salary

Annual leave 25 days

Job summary

ICF is seeking social researchers/public policy consultants to join its established practice in the UK. You will analyse and evaluate government policies and programmes across priority domains such as education, youth and communities, with opportunities to contribute to impactful projects nationwide.

The role involves qualitative and quantitative methods, data visualisation, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. A hybrid working model and supportive environment are offered.

Qualifications

• Graduate or postgraduate qualification in social policy or research methods.
• 1-2 years’ experience in using qualitative/quantitative methods for analyst roles; 3+ years for consultant roles.
• Strong interest in UK policy and evidence-based policy making.
• Excellent oral and written English; excellent time management.

Responsibilities

• Perform research and analysis on public policy issues for public/third sector clients.
• Conduct interviews and qualitative analysis; write up interviews and focus groups.
• Analyze quantitative data using various tools and software.
• Produce insightful findings, descriptive/analytical texts and data visualisations.
• Provide research and administrative support to team members.

Skills

Social policy

Research methods

English proficiency

Time management

Data analysis

Education

Graduate or postgraduate in social sciences

Tools

Qualitative & quantitative analysis tools

Job description

About the team

We are looking for social researchers/public policy consultants to join a well-established practice within ICF that develops, analyses and evaluates UK Government policies and programmes across priority social policy domains, including education/employment, communities, youth and families. ICF’s clients include government departments and agencies such as the Department for Education, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Department for Work and Pensions – as well as local government and leading charities. From day one, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a varied range of influential research projects across the UK. We are particularly interested in hearing from people with a background or interest in sport and active leisure, as well as broader social policy topics such as youth inclusion and employment.

Responsibilities

• Perform research and analysis on public policy issues and programmes for public and third sector clients, by:
• Carrying out research and analysing / summarising academic and policy literature.
• Conducting face to face, telephone and video interviews, writing up interviews and focus groups, and carrying out qualitative analysis using a variety of tools and software.
• Analysing quantitative data using a variety of tools and software.
• Generating insightful findings, preparing descriptive and analytical texts and data visualisations.
• Providing research and administrative support to other team members.

Essential Requirements

• Qualifications relevant to social policy or research methods (graduate or postgraduate, for example but not limited to social sciences, economics or health economics, applied statistics, geography, political science, service design, psychology or sociology, public policy research or public administration).
• 1-2 years’ employment experience of using a variety of methods (qualitative and/or quantitative) in research projects (either own project and/or as part of a team) for analyst roles, and 3+ years’ experience for consultant roles.
• Strong interest in UK policy, the improvement of public services and use of evidence in policy making.
• Excellent oral and written English.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Intermediate or advanced computer user skills related to carrying out research and data analysis.

Desirable

• Skills in editing or proofreading other people’s written work.
• Experience in undertaking evaluations of projects or programmes.
• Knowledge of the work of UK government departments.

Personal Qualities

• Ability to write skilfully and accurately summarise and synthesise information and evidence from a wide range of sources.
• Highly developed interpersonal / communication skills, and ability to work with a multidisciplinary team spread across the UK.
• Sound research and business ethics.
• Ability to manage own time and be flexible to handle multiple priorities, managing a varied workload to meet deadlines.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong, demonstrable commitment to helping us build an inclusive team that values diversity.

This is a full-time position, but we are very much welcoming of applications from candidates who would like to work part time.

About us

Working at ICF means applying a passion for meaningful work with intellectual rigor to help solve the leading issues of our day. Smart, compassionate, innovative, committed, ICF employees tackle unprecedented challenges to benefit people, businesses, and governments around the globe. We believe in collaboration, mutual respect, open communication, and opportunity for growth. We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building an inclusive workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are committed to creating a culture where we embrace our differences in ideas and identities. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. Learn more about what we do and our commitment to inclusion.

The benefits of joining ICF

• Hybrid working policy, which will provide you with the flexibility to collaborate in the office, as well as in the comfort of your own home, ensuring you are able to successfully deliver the requirements of your role.
• Employee wellbeing hub providing highly personalised support across a range of wellbeing issues, such as mind, body, finances, community, career programs and HR support.
• Competitive recognition program called ‘You Matter’, which awards points as a ‘thank you’ for your work achievements. These can be spent on a large variety of high-quality items, as well as online or high-street vouchers, all with zero tax payable by the employee.
• Single Private Medical Insurance cover with no restrictions on existing conditions.
• Dental insurance and an online GP service.
• 25 days annual leave, plus UK bank holidays (annual leave increases with years of service).
• Pension scheme with 5% of salary employer contribution.
• Life assurance paying 4x annual salary and Group Income Protection paying 66% of salary for up to 5 years if you are off work on long-term sick.
• Enhanced parental leave policies, enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental pay.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair and equitable interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process. However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodations that involve the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at [e-mail]. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.

London (GB80) Need help? We're here: [e-mail]

About ICF

ICF is a global consulting and technology services company with approximately 9,000 employees, but we are not your typical consultants. At ICF, business analysts and policy specialists work together with digital strategists, data scientists and creatives. We combine unmatched industry expertise with cutting‑edge engagement capabilities to help organizations solve their most complex challenges. Since 1969, public and private sector clients have worked with ICF to navigate change and shape the future. Learn more at icf.com.