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Research Analyst - Defence Workforce & Armed Forces Community

RAND Europe
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RAND Europe is a not-for-profit policy research organisation. Our mission is to help improve policy- and decision-making through evidence-based research and analysis. We realise our mission by undertaking objective, balanced and relevant research, sharing the insights and information widely, and working in partnership with a range of clients and collaborators.

 

RAND Europe has offices in Cambridge and Brussels, and employs approximately 170 staff: just over half of our research staff have doctorates with the balance holding other post-graduate degrees. Our work lies on the continuum between that of universities and consultancies, combining the academic rigour of universities and the professional, task orientated approach of consultancies. In addition to our strong ethos of evidence-based research, RAND Europe is a values-driven organisation, and our experience shows that our most successful researchers closely align their behaviours with our value set.

 

The Defence and Security Research Group conducts a wide-ranging portfolio of research for a diverse client base in the UK, Europe and beyond. Our clients include UK government departments (e.g. Ministry of Defence, Home Office, Office for Veterans Affairs), EU institutions (e.g. European Commission, European Parliament), national and international defence and security organisations (e.g. national defence departments, NATO), and various third sector and humanitarian organisations.

Our work covers a broad range of public policy issue issues across:

  • Defence (the Armed Forces Community and the Defence workforce; strategy, policy and capability; acquisition; technology; space; Defence economics; futures and foresight; gaming and operational analysis)
  • Security (terrorism; counter-violent extremism; human security; border security; energy security; resilience and cyber)

 

RAND Europe is looking for an experienced Defence and Security Research Analyst to manage and deliver public policy research focused primarily on Defence personnel, veterans and military families, and other areas relevant to defence and security policy. (for examples of RAND’s recent work in this area, please see here). Here, you will conduct collaborative research in an intellectually stimulating, fast-paced and diverse working environment. You will directly inform government policy and decision-making at the highest levels and generate impact from your research for the public good.

 

This role is well suited for candidates with prior experience conducting research with human participants and with an interest in military organisations, the Armed Forces,

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct high-quality research and analysis on research projects for clients on a wide range of defence and security topics, with a primary focus on Defence workforce policy and military manpower research, ex-Service personnel and military families.
  • Manage research projects that may involve a diverse and interdisciplinary mix of RAND researchers and external partners, under the guidance of an experienced project leader, including monitoring budget, timetable and deliverables.
  • Support RAND’s wider activities in the Defence Workforce and Armed Forces Community portfolio, including its co-leadership of the Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT) Research Centre (please see here).
  • Draft research reports or proposals with minimal supervision, but under the guidance of experienced research and proposal leaders.
  • Maintain day-to-day contact with clients in a professional manner.
  • Contribute to the wider promotion of our research and its impact by communicating research findings to a broader audience.
  • Assess invitations to tender from a wide variety of clients to identify potential opportunities that fit within RAND’s research portfolio.
  • Manage the development and submission of small proposals with minimal supervision.
  • Support business development activities and corporate initiatives as required.
  • Ensure research outputs (e.g. research reports, briefs, etc.) meet RAND quality standards (i.e. peer review standards)

Requirements

Candidates should have some professional experience in conducting defence and security research and applying a broad range of research methods in an academic institution or consultancy.

Essential

  • You have proven interest in military organisations, the Defence workforce and Armed Forces Community (e.g. Defence personnel policy, military sociology, diversity and inclusion in the military, professional military education, civil-military relations, military transition, support for veterans and military families).
  • You have experience conducting research with human participants, e.g. through interviews and focus groups, and have an understanding of relevant methodological and ethical considerations.
  • Your experience includes applying qualitative and quantitative research methods to address complex research questions.
  • You experience managing or coordinating research projects and conducting individual research tasks with minimal supervision.
  • You are able to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.
  • You can communicate research findings effectively to policymakers through written and verbal means.
  • You manage your time effectively and are a resilient individual.
  • You have an excellent command of English language.
  • You are proficiency in using Microsoft Office tool suite.
  • You are eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV) (this does not require you to be a UK citizen)

Highly desired

  • You have a track record in research on the Defence workforce and Armed Forces Community (e.g. Defence personnel policy, military sociology, diversity and inclusion in the military, professional military education, civil-military relations, military transition, support for veterans and military families).

 Desired

  • You have an academic background in sociology, psychology, anthropology or other behavioural science disciplines.
  • You have some experience of working with clients in the public and third sector.
  • You have achieved impact through the delivery of your research.
  • You have experience as a research project manager.
  • You have networks and relationships in relevant organisations and fields.
  • You possess experience of working with external research partners and collaborators, including multinational consortia.

Qualifications

This role is suitable for candidates with a PhD and/or a post-graduate Research degree (MPhil or equivalent) with relevant work experience.

Candidates should have Higher Degree level qualifications in a relevant social science or humanities discipline which may include International Relations, Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Behavioural Science, Politics, or Area Studies.

Benefits

  • Pension - 8% Employer contribution;
  • 33 days holiday allowance, including the Bank Holidays;
  • Annual salary review;
  • BUPA medical insurance;
  • Generous company sick pay;
  • Enhanced family friendly policies;
  • Group income protection scheme;
  • Group life assurance;
  • Compassionate leave;
  • Flexible working arrangements;
  • Learning and development opportunities;
  • Employee wellbeing training and support;
  • Fresh fruit every day;
  • Free on-site parking;
  • Cycle to work scheme;
  • Access to company bikes;
  • Service awards.

Salary

 

Starting from £30,000 per annum