Research Manager - Farming Wellbeing Gap

Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution; Oxford; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A charitable organization supporting farmers seeks a Research Manager to design and manage a research program addressing the Farming Wellbeing Gap. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in research design and community engagement, excellent communication skills, and a passion for supporting the farming community in the UK. This role offers competitive benefits, including substantial annual leave and pension contributions.

Benefits

28 days annual leave

Pension contributions

Life assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Onsite parking

Qualifications

• Proven track record in research design and delivery.
• Experience of participatory/community-based research.
• Excellent analytical, writing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of a research strategy aligned with RABI's 5-year plan.
• Design and oversee community-based research activities.
• Commission and manage partnerships with academic institutions.

Skills

Research design

Community engagement

Data analysis

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Job description

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RABI is the farmers charity.

RABI supports farming people across England, Wales and NI with expert, one-to-one practical, financial and emotional help, all year round. From confidential advice and mental health support to direct financial assistance, their tailored services respond to the unique challenges of farming life.

At the heart of RABI's mission is a commitment to strengthening resilience; helping farming people feel valued, supported and better equipped to navigate uncertainty and change. RABI is working to close the farming wellbeing gap and build a future where farming people can thrive.

Over the past 25 years alone, RABI has delivered almost £250 Million in direct financial support to the farming community, whilst the charity's professional counselling service has provided 11,500 free sessions to farming people since 2022. RABI's wrap-around support services continue to evolve, reaching more people year on year.

RABI is on a journey to help shape a future farmers deserve.

Purpose of Role

To design, manage, and deliver RABI's research programme into the Farming Wellbeing Gap, ensuring robust evidence underpins community pilots, policy influence, and long-term strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of a 12 - 18-month research strategy aligned with RABI's 5-year plan.
• Design and oversee participatory, community-based research activities.
• Commission and manage partnerships with academic institutions and external researchers.
• Analyse data, prepare reports, and share findings with stakeholders including policymakers.
• Ensure ethical, inclusive and safeguarding-led research practices.
• Line manage research officers/assistants and coordinate volunteer researchers.
• Represent RABI in research networks and at external events.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Proven track record in research design and delivery (qualitative & quantitative).
• Experience of participatory/community-based research approaches.
• Excellent analytical, writing and communication skills - able to turn evidence into clear, actionable insights.
• Understanding of health and wellbeing challenges in rural or farming contexts (or transferable insight).
• Strong stakeholder engagement and project management skills.

Desirable:

• Experience in the charity/third sector.
• Familiarity with commissioning and collaborating with academic institutions.
• Knowledge of UK health policy, rural affairs, or farming communities.

This role profile is not exhaustive and is subject to review in conjunction with the post holder according to future developments at RABI.

Early applications are encouraged for this position as shortlisting and interviews will take place on a rolling basis. We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a suitable application prior to the deadline.

Benefits

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (full time allowance).
• Enrolment to Nest on commencement of employment and then opportunity to join RABI's group pension scheme with Standard Life where RABI make contributions equivalent to 10% of your basic salary, provided you make a personal contribution of 5%.
• Life assurance from day one.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Onsite parking.

RABI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and aims to ensure that all employment practices secure equality of opportunity and that no prospective or current employee receives less than favourable treatment at RABI as a result of their sex, sexual orientation, age, race, religion, belief, ethnic origin, disability, marital, or for any other reason which cannot be shown to be justifiable. Our recruitment process strives to ensure that individuals are selected only based on their relevant skills, experience, qualifications and abilities.