PBE uses economics to improve lives. Through analytical expertise and a close connection with the social sector, we help charities, funders, firms and policymakers tackle the causes and consequences of low wellbeing. Economists, researchers and policy analysts work on a wide range of issues related to low wellbeing, including children and young people’s mental health, loneliness, private rental housing, education, employment, financial security, poverty, disability, inequality, philanthropy and civil society.
We pride ourselves on our flexible work environment, culture of learning, development opportunities, a focus on employee wellbeing, an attractive benefits package and the strength of our employee relationships.
About the role
We are looking for an exceptional candidate with compelling experience working in a field related to research and/or policy development. This is an exciting time to join PBE as we enter a new phase of our 3-year strategy, where you will have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, collaborating with economists and analysts, developing skills to become a subject matter expert in one or more aspects of our research into the drivers of low wellbeing.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
- Work with Research, Policy and Comms colleagues to design and deliver ground-breaking and impactful studies that help to shine a light on the causes and consequences of low wellbeing, generating new evidence to inform and influence government policy;
- Develop expertise in new areas of research into the drivers of low wellbeing and lead project plans from inception, including literature reviews to understand the current research landscape, gaps and where PBE can add value;
- Support senior colleagues to effectively project manage multiple studies, include high-profile public events and publications;
- Conduct quantitative and qualitative research to the highest standards and publicise findings through written reports, media articles, blogs, presentations and social media (with support from the communications team);
- Build up and manage a rich network of stakeholders in the voluntary sector, government, the private sector, and academia to support and inform PBE’s research programme;
- Support the team to commission work from external partners when appropriate, finding opportunities for collaboration and then managing the ongoing relationships;
- Develop and test policy solutions that promote PBE’s aim of higher wellbeing for all;
- Work with our consultant and volunteer economists to provide research support for our charity impact projects;
- Communicate PBE’s work in print and broadcast media and represent PBE at seminars and events;
- Work with the Development team to identify and secure funding and generate income;
- Any other duties as deemed reasonable by the line manager.
About you
The role would suit candidates with formal training in quantitative analysis, such as economics/statistical techniques, and/or qualitative research techniques, but we will consider candidates who are interested in developing these skills.
Candidates should be able to point to a strong track record of delivering research or a related skill, the ability to organise projects and workstreams, and interest in developing policy recommendations.
Skills / Competencies
Ideal characteristics include:
- Demonstrable ability to deliver research and/or develop evidence-based policy;
- Experience of quantitative research and analysis;
- Interest in influencing policy change and a demonstrable interest in the public policy issues relating to the social sector and wellbeing;
- Experience presenting in a range of contexts and to a range of audiences;
- Demonstrable written communication skills for a range of purposes including, for example, briefings, reports and/or blogs for internal use and external publication;
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work flexibly as part of a small team in a fast-moving environment;
- A commitment to PBE’s focus on driving wellbeing improvements in the UK.
Desirable characteristics include:
- Strong organisational skills;
- Experience of econometric analysis;
- Experience of qualitative research;
- Experience collaborating across teams and with external stakeholders;
- Willingness to develop a network among the UK’s analytical and policy communities;
- An ability to commission and monitor external projects;
- Comparative social and economic policy knowledge;
- An understanding and an appreciation of the diverse needs of the social sector;
- Experience/expertise in one or more of the current areas of focus for our research: housing, loneliness, mental health, the social sector and wellbeing;
- Experience of or willingness to engage in fundraising/income generation.