Impact Research Lead

Lewis Davey; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Lewis Davey is searching for an experienced Impact Research Lead to develop impact valuation models for a purpose-led organization. This role focuses on aligning methodologies with global standards and requires strong skills in economic modeling and impact assessment while also supporting client engagement. Working flexibly from home, occasional travel to customer sites will be needed.

Qualifications

• Strong background in impact assessment and economic modeling.
• Advanced Excel skills including VBA.
• Excellent communication skills in client-facing settings.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of impact valuation models across social, environmental, and economic domains.
• Conduct scoping workshops and align methodologies with global frameworks.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure models are scalable.

Skills

Impact assessment

Economic modeling

Monitoring & Evaluation

Communication

Client engagement

Education

Master’s degree in Environmental Science

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

Excel

Python

SQL

Job description

Lewis Davey are excited to be working with a high-growth, purpose-led organisation who are revolutionising how companies account for their value.About the RoleOur client is seeking an experienced and intellectually rigorous Impact Research Lead to join its research team.This role is pivotal in developing impact valuation models aligned with global standards including SROI, GIIN IRIS+, the Capitals Coalition, IFVI, and the Value Balancing Alliance.This is a largely autonomous role requiring someone capable of designing, building, and delivering robust, evidence-based models that capture environmental, social, and economic impacts. The successful candidate will also support client engagement, ensuring models are applied effectively and deliver maximum value.This is a flexible home based role with some travel to customer sites as needed and team meetups in London as needed.Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of impact valuation models across social, environmental, and economic domains
• Align methodologies with globally recognised frameworks and standards
• Conduct scoping workshops and methodology sessions with clients
• Produce white papers and contribute to academic publications
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams to ensure models are scalable and platform-ready
• Participate in industry discussions and stay informed of trends in impact measurement and ESG

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong background in impact assessment or Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)
• Demonstrated experience in economic modelling or cost-benefit analysis
• Advanced Excel skills (including VBA or equivalent)
• Ability to design digital-ready models using global datasets
• Comfortable with GenAI tools or prompt engineering
• Excellent communication skills with confidence in client-facing engagements
• Self-directed and accountable, with a track record of delivering in fast-paced, evolving environments

Desirable Experience

• Knowledge of Python, SQL, or data visualisation tools
• Experience working with open-source data or impact standards
• Familiarity with SaaS platforms and digital product development

Education

• Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Economics, Social Studies, or related discipline
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or another quantitative field

Key Competencies

• Action Orientation – works independently and drives projects forward.
• Manages Ambiguity – thrives in early-stage or evolving contexts..
• Communication – clear communicator with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Manages Complexity – capable of synthesising competing factors and reaching reasoned conclusions.
• Decision Quality – makes sound judgments with limited information.
• Economic Acumen – strong understanding of economic principles and quantitative valuation.
• Nimble Learner – quick to adopt new tools, concepts, or approaches.
• Drives Results – delivers consistently without needing to be chased.