Research Officer (Data, Policy & Analysis Focus)

Research Officer (Data, Policy & Analysis Focus)

Location: Belfast
Salary: £37,694 per annum
Contract: Temporary until 31st March 2026
Hours: 37 hours per week | Office-based

VANRATH are working with a respected public-sector organisation to recruit a Research Officer to support data-driven research and analysis within a policy and legislative environment. This role will suit candidates with strong research and analytical capability who are comfortable working with data to inform policy development and decision-making.

The Role

The successful candidate will contribute to a programme of analytical and policy-related research, using data and evidence to support organisational priorities. Key responsibilities will include:

• Undertaking quantitative and qualitative research to inform policy development

• Analysing datasets using appropriate research and statistical methods

• Supporting data collection, cleaning, coding and interpretation

• Producing clear, evidence-based reports, briefings and summaries of findings

• Presenting research outputs in accessible formats for policy and non-technical audiences

• Supporting the development of policy recommendations grounded in research evidence

• Monitoring and tracking relevant policy and legislative developments (NI, Westminster and EU)

• Supporting work with internal teams and external stakeholders on research and policy activity

• Maintaining accurate records and audit trails in line with data protection and governance requirements

The Ideal Candidate

Applicants should be able to demonstrate:

• A qualification in research, data analysis, statistics, psychology, social sciences, law, public policy or a related discipline

• Practical experience in research and data analysis, including quantitative and/or qualitative methods

• Confidence working with data, statistics and research outputs to inform decision-making

• Experience producing reports, briefings or publications based on analytical findings

• An understanding of public policy environments and legislative processes

• Interest in policy development, law reform, equality, social policy or human rights

• Knowledge of, or ability to work with, NI, Westminster or EU policy and legislative frameworks

• Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail and organisational skills

• A collaborative, curious and proactive approach

Experience within the public sector, academia, regulatory bodies or policy-focused organisations would be advantageous.

What's on Offer

• Salary of £37,694

• Temporary contract until 31st March 2026

• 37-hour working week

• Opportunity to work at the intersection of data, research and policy within a well-regarded organisation.

For more information, please contact Ethan Boylan today. IND04