The Centre for Cities is an award winning, influential think-tank that works with cities, government and businesses to improve the economic performance of UK Cities.
We conduct authoritative analytical research on urban economies in the UK and produce effective policy solutions that help shape the debate on a wide range of urban economic issues such as leadership and governance, skills, housing, entrepreneurship and infrastructure. We also regularly convene experts, policy-makers and practitioners from a diverse range of backgrounds - cities, academia, employers, Whitehall and politicians from across the political spectrum - to discuss the findings of our work and to ensure our work is of practical use to cities and the policy community.
This is an opportunity to play a key role in one of the UK’s leading organisations dedicated to cities and urban policy. We are looking for an experienced researcher who has got the skills to define and deliver research projects and related outputs.
Responsible to:
- Director of Policy & Research, line managed by Policy & Research Manager.
Responsible for:
- Carrying out research and policy work on the performance of UK cities and their economies;
- Deliver projects as a member of the Research team, managing key external relationships, delivering events and supporting the senior management team as required.
Job description:
- Undertake quantitative and qualitative economic and policy research on cities in the UK according to the Centre’s research priorities;
- Conduct literature reviews, policy reviews and other background research as required by the team;
- Work with colleagues to maintain a network of contacts in cities, government, business and academic organisations;
- Represent the Centre, as appropriate, at receptions, meetings and conferences;
- Input into fundraising activities, including preparation of proposals, meetings and presentations with potential partners and monitoring relationships and opportunities, as required by the Senior Management Team (SMT);
- Undertake such other duties as are commensurate with the post as directed.
Person Specification:
Essential
- Good general knowledge of UK urban economies and the related policy environment;
- Strong research and analytical skills, including the ability to understand data and draw out the key issues and apply them to the Centre’s research programme;
- Applied experience of using statistical packages, e.g. SPSS, STATA, Arcview, to undertake quantitative analysis;
- Ability to work well in a team;
- Ability to work under pressure and to juggle competing deadlines;
- Excellent written and spoken English;
- Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office products, especially Excel;
- Good first degree in economics or related subject that provides the experience and skills to carry out thorough research and policy thinking on urban policy, particularly related to the economic performance of cities.