Research Officer - Education

VanRath; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 53,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading public sector employer in Belfast as a Research Officer in Education. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to education policy through impartial, evidence-based research. You'll be responsible for producing high-quality research outputs, presenting findings to committees, and advising on policy development. With a hybrid working model and a competitive salary, this position is perfect for those passionate about making a difference in the education sector. If you're ready to take on a rewarding challenge, this interim role could be your next step.

Qualifications

• Must possess a relevant degree in education.
• At least two years of experience in evidence-based research.

Responsibilities

• Provide impartial research to support elected representatives.
• Produce research outputs including briefings and data visualisations.
• Present findings in public and private committee sessions.

Skills

Evidence-based research

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

Second-class honours degree in Education

Post-graduate qualification

Job description

Introduction

VANRATH are delighted to support a leading Public Sector employer based in Belfast are currently recruiting a Research Officer (Education) to join their team on an interim basis. This is a fantastic opportunity to join one of Northern Ireland's most recognisable employers.

Purpose of Role

Research Officers provide impartial, evidence-based research to support elected representatives and committees. They specialise in specific subject areas related to devolved powers and are responsible for producing published research. Their work involves presenting findings through written, oral, and visual formats in both public and private committee sessions.

What's in it for you?

• Salary - £52,009
• Interim contract (Up to 3 months)
• Hybrid working policy

Essential Criteria
Applicants must, by the closing date:

• Be in possession of at least a second-class honours degree (or equivalent or post-graduate qualification), which contained at least 50% of the course content relating to the subject area of education. Applicants must, in their application form, indicate how their qualification/s are relevant to education policy at the primary and post-primary levels in Northern Ireland;

AND

• Following completion of the above qualification, have at least two years of work experience in:

• Conducting objective, evidence-based research; and
• Producing and delivering evidence-based research findings to help inform discussion and decision making relating to policy development in the area of education (primary and post-primary).

Desirable Criteria (if applicable)

• N/A

Key Responsibilities

• Provide timely, accurate, impartial research and analysis to MLAs, Committees and senior staff.
• Retrieve, synthesise and analyse information from a wide range of sources.
• Produce research outputs including briefings, Bill Research Papers, financial assessments, blog posts, data visualisations and dashboards.
• Maintain publication-quality standards: well written, concise, accessible, and where appropriate, include recommendations.
• Support legislative scrutiny, including work on Private Members' Bills, witness identification, and stakeholder events.
• Advise Committees on forward work programmes and inquiries, including developing terms of reference and identifying key research needs.
• Present research to Committees and respond to questions in public and private sessions.
• Provide research support for Committee visits, including travel as required.
• Maintain strong communication with MLAs, Committee Clerks and senior managers to understand research requirements.
• Work with other parliaments on joint papers and respond to cross-jurisdictional research queries.
• Represent RaISe at public and stakeholder events such as KESS, and draft remarks for Committee Chairs.
• Deliver training for MLAs, party staff and Secretariat colleagues.
• Supervise placement students and guide new or agency research staff.
• Contribute to peer review and maintain specialist subject knowledge through training, literature, and expert engagement.
• Support the development of RaISe through participation in working groups and service improvement initiatives.
• Adhere to all organisational policies, including Equal Opportunities and Dignity at Work.
• Manage records in line with policy and statutory requirements.
• Undertake other duties as required.

To apply today contact Ryan Sykes in the strictest confidence.