CLASS is hiring!

Looking for a job in support of a progressive cause? CLASS (Centre for Labour & Social Studies), whose offices are based at Unite’s headquarters in Holborn in London, is seeking a highly competent Research Officer to drive innovative research and boast CLASS’s reputation as a leading left think tank.

 

Originating in the labour movement, CLASS works with a broad coalition of supporters, academics and trade unions to cement an alliance of progressive forces. We provide analysis and ideas that can challenge mainstream economic narratives, inspire the left, and influence policy development to ensure the political agenda is on the side of everyday people.

 

Contract:                   1 year contract (with strong likelihood of renewal)

Salary:                       £27,000 – £32,000 per annum, depending on experience

Hours:                       Full Time (37.5 hours per week), but we will consider applicants wishing to work 22.5 hours/ 3 days

 

The Role

The Research Officer will be an integral part of our small busy team, working under the guidance of the Director to lead research design and outputs. There are three core responsibilities:

 

• Keeping abreast of changing UK economic and labour market dynamics through monitoring key statistical releases and relevant reports. You will work with the Director to disseminate analysis with regular blogs and media appearances;
• Designing and carrying out primary research so that CLASS develop a unique and informed voice on core economic and social issues, able to challenge and progress mainstream conversation;
• Liaising with academics and experts to strengthen and grow the list of contributors to CLASS publications.

The role will involve ensuring that CLASS has a strong and unique research base from which we can develop policy ideas and a strong analytical stance on economic change. There is also room to develop policy expertise and research on topic areas deemed priorities by the team, as well as to receive training to partake in broadcast media.

 

Main Responsibilities

In your role as Research Officer, and under guidance from the Director, you will:

 

• Analyse economic trends, including the labour market, housing, regional and economic inequalities, producing written and spoken updates to the team and regular blogs and outputs for public consumption.
• Gather data by proactively scanning the external policy, parliamentary and research environments to identify emergent issues which may impact on the work of CLASS.
• Generate innovative ideas for new quantitative research using available government and survey data, as well as datasets from within the trade union movement.
• Lead and contribute to the dissemination of research findings in clear, accessible ways that maximise policy influence. This includes delivering presentations, speaking at relevant events and engaging with broadcast and print media.
• Take responsibility for the day to day progress and delivery of projects; working independently to deliver high quality and timely outputs.
• Work with CLASS staff to identify academics and experts to write research and policy papers.
• Liaise with academics and experts to undertake written contributions in line with CLASS’s strategy, critically analysing submissions, proof-reading drafts, as well as monitoring costs, budgets and timescales.
• Ensure that project teams (including external contributors) understand their roles and objectives, ensuring that communication is maintained with all involved.
• Draft project/ policy summaries, briefings and blogs for publicity and inclusion on the website.
• Present regular reports to the CLASS Officers and Management Committee.

You will also support other work of CLASS as and when required:

• Assist in growing and developing links with unions and other organisations.
• Provide general administrative and research support.
• Represent CLASS at external events and in the media.

 

Person specification

CLASS are looking for a highly numerate individual, with experience of manipulating and analysing data using programming languages. The candidate must be highly organised, and able to work with a considerable degree of autonomy and to consistently meet deadlines. Given the unique perspective of CLASS it is vital that the candidate has a strong understanding of progressive economics, the impacts of inequality and class, as well as the role of trade unions in British society today.

 

The post is based in central London (zone 1).

 

Deadline for applications: Midnight Sunday 22nd March

 

Interviews: Week commencing 30th March.

 

You can download the application form, application pack and job description here. Please send the completed application form and equal opportunities monitoring form to: [email protected] Please mark the subject title ‘Research Officer’. Alternatively please post to: Recruitment, CLASS, Unite House, 128 Theobalds Road, London, WC1X 8TN