Research Officer - EU Affairs (52k)

Job Title: Research Officer - European Affairs
Salary: £52,009
Contract Type: Initial Interim Contract, Up to 6 Months (with Possible Extension)
Hours: 37
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Accountable to: Senior Research Officer

To provide non-partisan, objective, and evidence-based research on European affairs to support elected representatives and committees. The role focuses on producing high-quality research outputs within the devolved powers framework, including published papers, briefings, and presentations, often in public or closed sessions.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Deliver timely, accurate, and impartial research on European affairs to representatives, committees, and managers.
2. Synthesise data from regional, national, and EU sources, including official databases.
3. Author published research papers on legislative proposals for committee stages.
4. Produce concise research outputs (e.g., briefings, financial assessments, data visualisations) with potential recommendations.
5. Present briefings to committees and suggest witness questions in sessions.
6. Advise committees on inquiry planning and key European issues.
7. Support legislative scrutiny, stakeholder events, and committee visits, including travel.
8. Represent the research unit at public events and lead knowledge exchange initiatives.
9. Build networks with government officials and parliamentary research services.
10. Deliver training on European affairs to staff and representatives.
11. Maintain expertise through training and collaboration, guiding students and peers.
12. Work collaboratively, comply with policies, manage records, and undertake additional duties as required.

Applicants must, by the closing date, demonstrate:

1. Qualifications:
   • At least a second-class honours degree (or equivalent/post-graduate qualification) with EU decision-making* as a key component.
2. Experience:
   • At least 2 years' post-qualification work experience in:
     a) Conducting objective, evidence-based research requiring an understanding of EU decision-making.
     b) Producing and delivering evidence-based findings to inform policy development and decision-making.
3. Applied Knowledge:
   • The Windsor Framework.
   • EU information sources, including official EU databases.

*EU decision-making refers to the processes by which EU institutions adopt laws and policy instruments.

For more information, please contact Ethan Boylan.