About us

Pro Bono Economics (PBE) enables professional economists from across the private, public and third sectors to volunteer their skills to tackle some of the most pressing issues in society. Working with our network of experienced consultant economists, our volunteers help charities and social enterprises appreciate their economic and social impact and so improve their overall effectiveness. We have worked with over 400 charities across the third sector since our inception in 2009.

We are now embarking on an exciting new phase of our development, by adding a dedicated in-house research and policy function. In doing so, we plan to supplement our charity projects with new ‘macro’ insights into the value and the potential of civil society in the 2020s. Armed with new content, we want to play an enhanced role in helping shape the policy debate in the UK through a programme of public events, media engagement and contact with different layers of government.

In particular, PBE is about to embark on a major, high-profile two-year research programme on the value of civil society and the challenges and opportunities it faces in the 2020s. The senior research and policy analysts will be deeply involved in the design and delivery of this programme, contributing original research, building a rich cross-sector network of contacts, managing senior stakeholder groups and developing policy recommendations.

About the role

We are looking for two experienced and exceptional senior research and policy analysts to help deliver the programme. Working with the Research and Policy Director, you will design, deliver and disseminate your own research content and commission support from external partners. You will also have a key role to play in helping build PBE’s networks in the third sector, academia, government and the media.

Post type: Full-time, fixed-term (24 months). Flexible arrangements will be considered, and we welcome people applying on secondment

Reports to: Research and Policy Director

Main duties & tasks:

• Work with the Research and Policy Director to establish an overall research programme that shines a light on the value of civil society and the challenges and opportunities it faces in the 2020s

• Project manage this substantial research programme, to include an extensive programme of high-profile public events and publications

• Support the Research and Policy Director to manage a technical advisory group comprising leading experts on civil society, economics, demographics, technology, data analysis and government

• Conduct quantitative and qualitative research to the highest standards and publicise findings through written reports, media articles, blogs, presentations and social media

• Manage a rich network of stakeholders in the voluntary sector, government, the private sector, and academia to support and inform PBE’s research programme

• Commission work from external partners when appropriate, identifying opportunities for collaboration and then managing the ongoing relationships

• Propose, design and test policy solutions that promote PBE’s aims of using economics to support social change

• Work with our consultant and volunteer economists to provide ‘macro’ research support for our ‘micro’ charity projects

• Communicate PBE’s work in print and broadcast media, and represent PBE at our own seminars and at events run by others

• Work with PBE’s Director of External Affairs to produce press notices, media campaigns and organise events

• Any other duties as deemed reasonable by the line manager.

About you

We are looking for exceptional candidates with at least four years’ experience working in research and policy development or a related field. The role would suit candidates with formal training in economics/statistical analysis or qualitative research techniques, and ideally some knowledge of the key government and administrative datasets relating to wellbeing, living standards and civil society in the UK. However we will also consider candidates who are interested in developing these skills and knowledge. Candidates should be able point to a strong track record of delivering research or a related experience, the ability to organise complex projects, and interest in developing policy recommendations.

Ideal characteristics include:

• Ability to develop a research strategy and manage a programme of projects, with clear evidence of designing, managing and delivering high quality projects on time

• Demonstrable ability in original research or evidence-based policy development  

• Knowledge of a range of quantitative research techniques, econometric analysis and statistical packages; and/or Qualitative research skills using a range of techniques

• Interest in influencing policy change and a demonstrable interest in the public policy issues relating to civil society

• Demonstrable writing and presentational skills in a range of contexts and to a range of audiences, including published reports and press articles

• 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 using economics to drive wellbeing improvements in the UK.

Desirable characteristics include:

• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage complex projects

• 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 civil society

• Experience of working with the print and broadcast media.

Application process

To apply: Please go to https://app.beapplied.com/apply/clqmzuwdb7

Closing date: 10am Monday 20th July

Interviews: To be held week commencing 3rd August

PBE is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity

For details of our applicant’s privacy policy, please see https://www.probonoeconomics.com/policies.