2 x Research Officer Secondment Opportunities

Margaret Thompson
NICVA

e: interchangesecretariat@dfpni.gov.uk
w: www.interchangeni.org.uk

Closing Date: 16 February 2010

NICVA is a membership and representative umbrella body for the entire voluntary and community sector of Northern Ireland. Its membership reflects the make up of the sector in terms of both thematic (issue based) and geographical representation.

The Research Unit's aim and strategy is to contribute to and develop knowledge about the voluntary and community sector for the benefit of researchers, policy makers and organisations interested in the sector.  The Unit undertakes a range of research projects generated both in line with NICVA's own research strategy and on behalf of client organisations e.g. Northern Ireland Housing Executive and the Volunteer Development Agency.

The main objectives of the role are to develop the NICVA research & policy programme to provide economic, social, cultural and environmental data on the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland. The role also includes developing and carrying out analysis of the work of the voluntary and community sector and support, developing and promoting research and policy work by the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland.

Specific Duties will include:

• Research an analysis
• Consultation and contribution to policy
• Producing research reports
• Development and promotion

ATTAINMENTS:

Essential:

1. Minimum of two years experience in a research capacity to include devising appropriate methodologies and using both qualitative and quantitative techniques.

2. Experience of producing high quality research reports both in summary for wide dissemination and in detail as in depth reports.

3. Computer literacy to include extensive experience of, and expertise in, statistical analyses, spreadsheets, databases and word processing software in particular SPSS and the Microsoft Office suite as well as internet and email facilities.

Desirable:

1. Postgraduate qualification in social research techniques or other related areas.

 2. Knowledge / experience of the Supported Housing environment.

 3. Third level qualification in a relevant discipline to include considerable experience of qualitative and quantitative research methods.

SPECIAL APTITUDES

Essential:

 1. Excellent analytical skills to examine results of research and draw conclusions and policy implications.

 2. Demonstrated ability to identify and utilise primary and secondary sources of research data.

 3. Ability to organise workload to achieve set objectives to strict deadlines.

 4. Strong written and oral communication skills including the ability to speak to a wide range of audiences on complex issues.

 5. The ability to build good working relationships with individuals and organisations.

 6. Ability to work with minimum supervision.

INTERESTS

Essential:

 1. An interest and understanding of the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland.

 2. A knowledge of NI government departments and structures and an understanding of the sector's relationship with Government.

DISPOSITION

Essential:

 1. Ability to work within the mission, vision and values of NICVA.

 2. Ability to work flexible hours and to travel throughout Northern Ireland at times demanded by the job.  It is essential that applicants have access to a form of transport to allow them to fulfil the requirements of the post.

Start Date: Between the end of April and beginning of July 2010

Duration: 9 to 10 months with the possibility of an extension, subject to the agreement of all parties.

Location: NICVA, Duncairn Gardens, Belfast

Resources: Office, PC, Printer, ICT Support, Admin Support

Salary: £24,646, this figure will be subject to NJC cost of living award which has not yet been agreed

Funding arrangements: Salary costs and associated expenses will be met by NICVA. This figure will be subject to NJC cost of living award which has not yet been agreed. (The figure includes gross salary costs and any admin charges from the successful individual's parent organisation). NICVA will also cover any employer's and national insurance costs which will be additional to the above figure.

Selection: It is planned to fill the post by interview.  A date for interviews is still to be agreed.

Contact: For further information about the post please contact Margaret Thompson in NICVA on Tel: 028 9087 7777 or by email at margaret.thompson@nicva.org

Interested staff should complete a candidate proforma, available at www.interchangeni.org.uk and return through your Interchange Manager to interchangesecretariat@dfpni.gov.uk by 2.00pm on Tuesday 16 February 2010;