Senior Research Officer

Description:

This role sits within the Strategy and Communications directorate. Strategy and Communications sits at the centre of the organisation, bringing together several teams with organisation-wide remits and mutual collaboration opportunities.

The work of the directorate’s teams includes delivery of major events, designing and leading public affairs or marketing campaigns, providing data, evidence and analysis, leading cross-organisational programmes, making sure we plan for and can respond to emerging events or emergencies in our city.

About the team

The Opinion Research team sits within the City Intelligence Unit, whose purpose is to provide the Mayor and the GLA with world-class evidence and analysis which enable the formulation of policy and strategy in London. We are a small group of qualitative and quantitative practitioners. You will be working alongside the existing Research Manager, Senior Qualitative Research Officer, Research Officer and Research Assistant.

Using more traditional forms of social research through to innovative digital engagement techniques, the Opinion Research team conducts and commissions research to tell the Mayor of London and policymakers the views and experiences of all Londoners to inform all stages of the policy cycle. We also provide advice and guidance on how to consult and involve Londoners to develop policies and strategies. We work closely with policy teams, colleagues in the Strategy and Communications directorate, and the Talk London community team.

About the role

This role focusses on managing research activities, with a focus on quantitative social research. It involves planning, organising and carrying out social research and consultation projects. The research will inform the design and delivery of policies and programmes at City Hall. It will provide Londoners a voice and influence through consultation and engagement. A key part of the role is co-ordinating a regular online poll of Londoners. This entails writing questions that answer a brief and interpreting results. Presenting the findings in an unbiased and engaging way is also critical.

As Senior Research Officer, you will build relationships with colleagues across the GLA to identify their research needs. Answering those needs, you will deliver presentations and written reports. These need to be engaging and accessible and incorporate other value-adding survey sources. Findings are shared both within the GLA and externally.

The team does not carry out every project. For some needs, you will support on commissioning a research agency. The role involves procuring suppliers, monitoring spend and ensuring value for money.

The team is always seeking to improve the impact and quality of research at the GLA and across the GLA family. As Senior Research Officer you will ensure that research reflects the diverse needs of London’s communities. You will seek new research methodologies and approaches to sharing insights. You will provide advice and expertise on research design and delivery across the GLA.

What your day will look like

* ·Drafting polling questions responding to a policy team brief to understand how Londoners are experiencing the cost of living crisis.

* ·Liaising with the polling agency to finalise timings and delivery according to the contract.

* ·Meeting with a policy team and the Talk London community team to discuss the best engagement approach to understand Londoners’ views on adapting London to cope with heat waves brought about by climate change.

* ·Reviewing agency proposals for research to understand Londoners reactions to adverts raising awareness of misogyny.

* ·Working with colleagues to deliver a presentation sharing learnings and best practice.

Skills, knowledge and experience

To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:

* ·Experience of planning, and carrying out quantitative opinion, social or market research projects. This should include experience of writing surveys and working with large datasets to produce accurate insights and reports.

* ·A proven track record of conducting or commissioning quantitative research with demonstrable skills in project planning and organisation; analysis and interpretation; and delivering influential presentations.

* ·A very good understanding of quantitative research and consultation methods.

* ·Experience working with communities and stakeholders in a creative and engaging way to inform policy and decision making.

* ·Excellent IT skills including proficiency with spreadsheets, presentations and survey tools.

* ·Building and managing effective relationships respecting equality and diversity needs.

An understanding of research or consultation database software, such as SPSS, NVIVO or similar, or knowledge of relevant coding languages such as Python or R is desirable