Research Specialist
£35,072 - £36,918
Home Working
The WEA is the UK`s largest voluntary sector provider of adult education, a charity dedicated to bringing high quality, professional education into the heart of communities. We believe that all adults, regardless of their situation, should have access to education.
Job Description
WEA are looking for talented individuals to help us deliver our mission - to bring education within reach. We believe that all adults, regardless of their situation, should have access to education
In the Research Specialist role, you will support the planning, design and delivery of projects and publications relating to WEA`s impact and in support of WEA`s advocacy and stakeholder engagement work across the education and broader charity sectors. Reporting to the Senior Public Policy Manager, you will work closely with colleagues across WEA, and with our learners and partners, you will understand the practical application of WEA`s mission, values, and strategic objectives, its position and potential within the education and charity sectors, and methodologies for measuring impact and ensuring effective action planning.
This is an evolving role, and the nature of the duties may change and develop over time. This will require a flexible and adaptable approach.
The key deliverables for this role are:
1.Undertake research under the supervision and guidance of the Senior Public Policy Manager using a variety of research skills and methodologies, and working with internal teams, partners beneficiaries, and external stakeholders.
2.Develop research protocols, instruments and methodologies to suit project needs, ranging from academic to consultancy-based research.
3.Support advocacy, external communications and engagement activities, including support for Leadership Team and senior volunteers in raising WEA`s public profile.
4.Manage data and undertake analysis in support of WEA`s response to public consultations and enquiries relevant to the sectors in which it works, and in the interest of contributing to research undertaken by peer organisations or partners.
5.Ensure research projects deliver evidence-based, credible, and relevant outcomes, including recommendations that enable effective response and/or action planning.
6.Contribute to the ongoing development of advocacy and campaigning efforts that translate knowledge into practice, and that advance WEA`s mission, values, and strategic priorities.
7.Undertake research and analysis and develop content in support of the publication of the annual Impact Report.
8.Communicate research outcomes, analysis of data and trends, and other knowledge resulting from research activities to diverse audiences using a variety of approaches and media.
9.Use and apply a variety of research methods and tools (e.g., policy reviews, desk reviews, qualitative, quantitative, co-design, participatory methods, etc.) as appropriate to achieve the most effective outcomes.
10.Draft high-quality presentations, reports, and other content for use and consideration across the Association, including publication, and use by Leadership Team and senior volunteers engaged in public-facing activities.
11.Support clear, effective action planning that builds on research outcomes and informs new projects and initiatives.
About you:
The successful candidate will have:
1. Experience of project research, data analysis and reporting using a variety of methodologies, particularly within education, charities, or the public sector.
2. Excellent verbal and written communication.
3. Knowledge of project management tools
4. Collaborative working across teams.
5. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple work streams and priorities.
6. Ability to translate knowledge into practice and actionable insight.
7. Pro-active, and able to work independently.
8. Balancing organisational awareness with timely delivery against objectives.
9. Openness to change.
10. Demonstrated commitment to WEA mission and values and understanding of strategic priorities.
Our key role competencies are:
1. Accountability
2. Collaboration
3. Customer Service Relationship Building
4. Resilience
5. Problem Solving
We offer a great range of benefits, such as:
- Enhanced holiday entitlement (30 days, plus bank holidays);
- Agile working opportunities;
- Life insurance cover;
- Employee assistance programme;
- Cycle to work scheme;
- Eye care vouchers.
In our recent OFSTED inspection we received a GOOD overall grade, with an OUTSTANDING rating for Behaviour and Attitudes and Personal Development.
You can read more about our benefits and what it’s like to work here, on our website https://www.wea.org.uk/why-work-for-us
We are working hard to create a workplace that reflects the communities we seek to serve and in which everyone feels empowered to be themselves and work together to drive positive change. We strongly encourage applicants from a diverse range of candidates and encourage everyone with the appropriate skills, experiences and potential to apply. Should you need any support with your application, then please email recruitment@wea.ac.uk