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Research Officer

About the role

The Research Officer will contribute to the Policy, Public Affairs and Research Team by providing qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research.

This role supports the Policy and Public Affairs Lead with research programmes, designing and analysing data, producing reports and presenting findings to diverse stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

  • Design and deliver compelling research projects using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches.
  • Analyse and interpret primary data, producing accessible reports and presentations for diverse audiences.
  • Provide operational and analytical support, including survey design, data collection, and research governance.
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders to support research delivery, knowledge exchange, and sector impact measurement.

This is an excellent opportunity for a curious and methodical researcher who enjoys translating complex data into actionable insight. This role is vital in generating evidence that shapes NCVO’s influence, supports sector development, and drives change.

Your background

  • Experience delivering research projects, ideally within policy, public affairs or the voluntary sector.
  • Experience interpreting primary data and translating findings into clear, accessible reports and presentations.
  • Experience designing surveys and supporting data collection, research administration and governance processes.
  • The ability to manage multiple projects and balance research delivery with operational responsibilities.
  • Experience collaborating with internal stakeholders to support insight generation and knowledge exchange.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor insight to diverse audiences.

This is a great time to join NCVO during a period of positive change and you can generate evidence that truly makes a difference. This role offers the chance to deepen your research expertise and work on meaningful projects with real-world impact

About the team

The Policy, Public Affairs and Research team works to ensure voluntary organisations have the wider conditions they need to achieve their missions. PPA analyses the political landscape, develops and communicates credible policy solutions to support the sector, and builds strong relationships across Westminster and Whitehall.

Why join us

With members at the heart of everything we do, we champion the charities and volunteers who make a daily difference to our communities across England. Join us and help us make communities stronger and support us making a bigger difference!

Some of NCVO’s great benefits include:

  • 25 days’ annual leave (pro-rata for part-time staff), increasing based on years of service
  • five days’ volunteering leave (pro rata for part-time staff)
  • enhanced pay for maternity/adoption leave
  • generous employer pension contribution of up to 8.5% of salary.

Find out more about the benefits of working at NCVO.

Important documentation

How to apply and contact

Send a copy of your CV and our information form, quoting the reference ROF, to recruitment@ncvo.org.uk. You can also send any queries about the process to this address.

We’re not able to respond to or provide feedback on every application received. If you have not heard back within 72 hours of your application, unfortunately you've been unsuccessful in progressing to the next stage.

Learn more about our approach to equality, diversity and inclusion.

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