Research Fellow London, England
Job description
- Salary: £70-80K, depending on experience (full-time). The position will be part of a team of researchers, and part-time/flexible arrangements will be considered, with the salary pro-rated.
- Start date: Immediately
- Contract: Fixed-term contract (from Jan 2023 - Dec 2023), whether full- or part-time.
- Location: London, UK (hybrid)
Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in research.
Please note you must have the right to work in the UK.
What We Do
Apolitical is a social learning platform for government. Our mission is to help build 21st-century governments that work for people and the planet. We equip policymakers with the knowledge, skills and community they need to solve the world’s hardest challenges. Our platform is used by more than 180,000 public servants and policymakers in 170 countries, with community members ranging from mayors, ministers, and heads of civil services to policy pioneers and digital disruptors. Apolitical is backed by mission-driven investors around the world and by prestigious European Union innovation funding. Apolitical’s decision-making and team culture is guided by The Apolitical Leadership Principles and The Apolitical Charter.
The Project
Apolitical is launching an ambitious project to design a framework that enables governments to identify gaps in capacity and capability and assess their capacity and capability-building initiatives against intended outcomes for the individual (such as professional development), the organisation (such as performance and cultural change) and the long term impact on issues (such as gender, climate). The framework will be made publicly available for governments and other stakeholders to engage with and use in their work. This project is being supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The Role
We are looking for an experienced Researcher to deliver this strategic project. You will have demonstrated leadership in Theory of Change and theory-based evaluation. Skills in both qualitative and quantitative research would be an advantage.
The role demands that the successful candidate be able to think critically, and write clearly and communicate convincingly. The role also requires a demonstrated track record in research publication, experience in research and analysis, and project leadership.
What you’ll be doing:
- Conduct primary research on the current models' governments are using to assess their capacity and capability in specific areas (e.g. in advancing gender equality). You’ll also conduct primary research on the evaluation and monitoring initiatives governments use to assess the extent to which public servants build capacity and capability to advance these areas.
- Develop a robust Theory of Change, informed by your primary research, that clearly shows how the final output of the research project will assist governments in building capacity and capability. Note that the Theory of Change will be rigorously engaged and ultimately validated by at least two universities.
- Propose and develop a framework, based on your Theory of Change, that governments can use to measure and track their capacity and capability in advancing gender equality. Many of Apolitical’s teams will be working together to build the framework on our platform, including Product and Partnerships. Your main responsibility during the development of the framework is to ensure that the Theory of Change has been realised in the framework. You will also oversee the user research conducted to gather feedback about the framework before it’s launched.
- Provide ongoing progress reports of the project to internal and external stakeholders.
The Team
Apolitical is currently just over 50 people. Our Partnerships team is made up of a Chief Partnerships Officer, Head of Partnerships, Head of Government Sales, Partnerships Managers, and Partnerships Engagement Managers. You will work closely with members from Partnerships as well as with our Product and Growth teams. You will also be leading a two-three person research team. You will report directly to Kristen, a Partnerships Manager.
Requirements
You’ll need:
- PhD or Postdoctoral fellow in applied research in a relevant discipline, or a Masters + 5 years relevant research experience
- At least five to seven years of experience in impact assessment, and evaluation and monitoring
- Experience in developing theory of change and theory-based evaluation
- Experience using various information sources and research tools, with the ability to rapidly assess, analyse, interpret, and summarise it accurately and clearly.
- Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy when collating complex, technical material relevant to a subject.
- Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to explain complex information clearly and succinctly with strict political impartiality and authority, in line with the audience's needs, which will include specialists and non-specialists.
- Ability to work independently and in a team.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to multitask and meet deadlines in a high-pressure environment.
It would be great if you also had:
- Start-up experience or experience in a small team.
- Demonstrable interest or experience in government
- Experience in Learning and Development
- Research experience in gender policy and related areas
Before applying, you should read Apolitical’s leadership principles. Check in particular that you’re excited by the autonomy and changeability that a growing and ambitious startup demands.
Please note that, due to the nature of the work we do with global governments and partners, all employees are required to passBPSS verification.
Benefits
(In addition to working with smart, kind people on one of the most important challenges of our time…)
- Flexibility: Everyone works differently. Whether it’s early mornings, late nights or a day at home, we support what gives you energy and makes you effective.
- Holidays: Unlimited holidays, trusting people to take what they need when they need. As a restorative reboot, we give everyone on the team the last Friday of every month off.
- Office: We’re a hybrid working company, but when we’re at the office, we’re based 3 minutes North of in Elephant & Castle, easily accessible from all areas of London. We also have flexibility around remote work.
- Development: Learning and development budgets for books, conferences and courses. We also offer learning time off and have an extensive library to which every team member contributes their favourite book.
- Socials: Monthly virtual socials and more in-person meet-ups as some of the team head back into the office.
- Financial wellbeing: Pension contribution on a banded scheme, salary sacrifice, and access to Maji, a financial planning tool to help you achieve your goals.
- Knowledge-sharing: On Fridays we have talks on Zoom from team members to public service members sharing their work.
- Mental Wellbeing: Membership to Spill, supporting employee mental health through Slack.
- Cycle-to-Work: We are registered on the UK’s Cycle-to-Work scheme, so you can buy a bike and cycling accessories tax-free.
Before applying, you should read Apolitical’s leadership principles. Check in particular that you're excited by the autonomy and changeability that a Series A stage startup demands. We care deeply about having a diverse and inclusive workforce, and welcome candidates from all backgrounds.
Non-discrimination and equal opportunity policy
Apolitical is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, colour, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
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Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 11 months
Part-time hours: 20 per week
Salary: £70,000.00-£80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Flexitime
Schedule:
- Flexitime
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: Hybrid remote in London
