Research Officer - EU Affairs (54k - Immediate)

VanRath; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Research Officer focused on EU affairs to provide high-quality research for a public sector body in Belfast. This hybrid role requires expertise in objective research, evidence-based analysis, and the ability to present findings effectively. The contract is temporary until April 2026, offering a salary of £54,090 per annum. Ideal candidates will possess a degree with a minimum 2:1 classification and at least two years of relevant experience in research and policy analysis.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of work experience in objective research and report writing.
• Experience with academic level analytical writing.

Responsibilities

• Produce research outputs including papers and briefings.
• Deliver research and analysis on Windsor Framework issues.
• Monitor policy and legislative developments.
• Present research briefings to committees.

Skills

Objective research

Evidence-based analysis

Writing and presenting reports

Understanding of EU decision-making

Spreadsheets usage

Education

Primary degree, minimum 2:1 classification

Job description

Research Officer - European Affairs

Location: Belfast (Hybrid Working)
Salary: £54,090 per annum
Contract: Temporary Assignment to April 2026

About the Role

VANRATH are pleased to be supporting the recruitment of a Research Officer - EU Affairs on behalf of a high-profile public sector body. This post sits within the Assembly's Research and Information Service (RaISe), providing impartial, evidence-based research and analysis to MLAs, Committees, and senior stakeholders.

The role will focus heavily on EU decision-making, Windsor Framework legislative developments, and delivering high-quality written and oral research outputs to support scrutiny and policy development.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce research outputs including research papers, legislative analysis briefings, and blog articles.
• Deliver timely, high quality and impartial research and analysis on Windsor Framework related issues.
• Monitor and provide commentary and analysis on policy and legislative developments which have relevance to the operation of the Windsor Framework.
• Develop and maintain up to date Excel spreadsheets tracking the development of Windsor Framework related law.
• Present research briefings to committees in public session.
• Scope research requirements with individual MLAs, Assembly Committees, and the senior secretariat.
• Facilitate public events, including those forming part of the Knowledge Exchange Seminar Series (KESS).
• Develop links across government and external research communities, including parliamentary research services.
• Work collaboratively and collegially as an effective team member.
• Demonstrate the ability to work on your own initiative.
• Contribute to the development of RaISe, including service improvement.
• Comply with Equal Opportunities and Dignity at Work policies and procedures.
• Carry out such other duties as required within the research business of RaISe.

Essential Criteria

At least a primary degree, minimum 2:1 classification, in any subject. Applications will be considered from applicants with formal qualifications of an equivalent or higher standard.

Following completion of the above qualification, have at least two years of work experience in both a) and b) below.

1. Undertaking objective, non-partisan, evidence-based research requiring the use of spreadsheets or databases and other resources.
2. Writing and presenting objective, non-partisan, evidence-based research reports/papers, which demonstrate an applied understanding of EU decision making.

* Research carried out as part of academic study does not qualify as work experience.

** EU decision-making covers the ways in which the EU institutions adopt policy and legal acts.

For more information, please contact Ethan Boylan today.