Ecorys is an international world-class research-based consultancy that helps our clients make a positive impact on society. We are leaders in research and evaluation, project management and communications providing the evidence and advice that our clients need to tackle the issues that affect communities around the world. Our 600 staff are justifiably proud of our innovative and thought-provoking contributions to policy and programme delivery. We are passionate about our environmental and social impact, donating profits to the Charity of the Year, volunteering days, and are committed to being carbon neutral by 2030.
What you will be doing
Our Policy and Research team is currently looking for emerging research talent to join our team of 100+ research and evaluation specialists delivering impactful work across a variety of clients.
For our growing International market, we are looking for Research Assistants to support our delivery of work to a variety of clients including qualitative and quantitative research studies, evaluations, impact assessments, supporting expert groups and networks, and monitoring.
We are particularly looking for junior researchers with an interest and knowledge of international development monitoring, evaluation, and research.
As a Research Assistant, you will develop and apply your range of quantitative and qualitative research skills, including desk-based research, literature reviews, survey design and implementation, in-depth interviewing, and qualitative and quantitative data analysis. You will also become familiar with research analysis software such as Excel, NVivo, SPSS, Stata and/or R.
As you develop in the role, you will have the opportunity to grow your client- facing and business development skills by contributing to work- winning activities. You may also be able to develop a specialisation into qualitative or quantitative methodologies. There is also the prospect for some travel when permitted.
Over the last few years, our UK Research Assistants have been exposed to a broad range of projects for the. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the UN, World Bank, British Council, a range of international charities and foundations and the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI). As well as embedding technical learning and development, this has enabled and supported a progression path to Research Manager and further progression within Ecorys.
In 2024 we are looking for Research Assistants to work in either our Birmingham or Leeds office. We are looking for successful candidates to join us as soon as possible potentially starting in summer 2024.
Your continued development will be supported by career development planning, training, mentoring and regular reviews, and you will be supported by a dedicated Line Manager and a buddy.
What you will be doing
- Ideally you will have a good Undergraduate or a Master’s Degree (including mid-studies or currently applying for) in a social science, social research, international development, geography, statistics, maths or economics, research methods and related subjects or equivalent work experience.
- To be able to demonstrate a genuine interest in the businesses’ key social and economic policy areas.
- Experience of researching or evaluating to produce report results in a variety of written and verbal styles.
- To be able to manage project delivery within tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience of undertaking qualitative research, including conducting in depth interviews face to face or by phone, and note-taking or moderating of focus groups
- Experience of undertaking quantitative research including designing, analysing and writing up findings from survey data, and other data sets
- Excellent English language skills both verbal and written are essential. Other language capabilities are desirable.
- Take ownership of problems and escalate in a timely manner and to be receptive to change and be prepared to try new things out
- To be able to manage own tasks and be able to prioritise own workload to meet team needs
- To demonstrate excellent organisational and administrative skills
- To become familiar with the research analysis software SPSS / Stata and or R and assist other staff in producing tables and cross tabulations of survey data.
We offer a highly competitive benefits package including variable pay (bonus), share scheme and buying and selling annual leave.
If you would like to find out more about this opportunity and our company please visit our website: https://www.ecorys.com/united-kingdom
Please apply with your CV and cover letter outlining clearly your preferred location of work and your availability to start if successful by 10th May 2024, early applications are encouraged and reviewed daily.
