Research Officer - Social Justice / Equality (52k)

Job Description

Research Officer - Social Justice/Equality

Temporary Contract (3 months with potential extension) | Hybrid Working
Location: Belfast
Hours: Full-time
Salary: £52,009 - £53,538


About the Role:
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated and detail-oriented professional to join a prestigious organisation as a Research Officer - Social Justice/Equality. This role is instrumental in providing non-partisan, evidence-based research and analysis to Assembly Members and Committees, ensuring they are equipped with the insights needed to make informed decisions on critical social justice and equality issues.
The successful candidate will play a key role in producing high-quality research outputs, fostering stakeholder relationships, and contributing to the broader development of the Research and Information Service (RaISe). If you have a passion for public policy, a sharp analytical mind, and a commitment to driving impactful change, this is the role for you.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Engage with Assembly Members, Committees, and senior secretariat to understand and deliver on their research needs.
  • Retrieve and synthesise information from diverse sources, including online databases.
  • Provide timely, accurate, and impartial research and analysis on social justice and equality topics.
  • Produce accessible research outputs such as briefings, legislative analyses, and blog posts.
  • Present research findings to Committees in public sessions and facilitate events, such as seminars.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with government officials, external research bodies, and other parliamentary research services.
  • Work collaboratively as part of the RaISe team, contributing to new outputs and service improvements.
  • Ensure compliance with Equal Opportunities and Dignity at Work policies.


Who We Are Looking For:
The ideal candidate will be an analytical thinker with a strong academic background and practical experience in social justice or equality issues. Key attributes include:

  • Qualifications: An upper second-class (2:1) honours degree or equivalent in a relevant field, providing an understanding of public policy or lawmaking. A postgraduate degree is desirable.
  • Experience: At least two years' post-degree experience conducting evidence-based research, including data collation, validation, and visualisation, with a focus on social justice or equality topics.
  • Research Skills: Proven ability to produce and deliver high-quality research briefings on social justice/equality to decision-makers.
  • Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills to present complex ideas concisely and effectively.
  • Teamwork: Ability to collaborate within a team, fostering a supportive and collegial work environment.
  • Political Awareness: Understanding of the legislative process, political environment, and the need for impartiality and integrity.


What's on Offer:

  • A competitive salary of £52,009 - £53,538.
  • The opportunity to influence policy and decision-making on critical social justice and equality issues.
  • A supportive, professional work environment with access to ongoing training and development.


For more information, please contact Ethan Boylan today.