FAMILY MATTERS INSTITUTE

OUTLINE JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Senior Researcher
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
FMI vision: A society supporting families and children to thrive
Job Purpose
To contribute to the development of the research strategy and carry out both quantitative and qualitative social research projects in accordance with the research plan, appropriate protocols, best practice and ethics of the organisation.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Area of Work / Responsibility / Result Required
Strategic / Contribute to the development of the research strategy for FMI. / Active and relevant contribution to research strategy.
Working with the CEO identify potential research projects. / Clearly defined strategic research plan.
Monitor and report on the research plan progress and completion. / Delivery of strategic research plan on time and within budget.
Quantitative Research / Design and develop quantitative research projects which take account of appropriate data collection methods, sampling techniques, sample management, question development, survey instrument design and communications with research participants. / Quantitative research projects are well designed and developed to meet project brief and best practice.
Where appropriate ensure effective recruitment and briefing of field workers and monitoring of field work progress. / Field workers are motivated and require minimum supervision.
Undertake effective data management and preparation ensuring data security and confidentiality, data integrity and quality, effective editing and coding regimes and the management of quantitative datasets and variables. / Data integrity is assured and utilised within a secure framework.
Carry out appropriate analysis and interpretation of research data ensuring the use of effective data analysis approaches and use of interpretative skills. / Production of statistically sound, relevant and accessible reports.
Qualitative Research / Design and develop qualitative research projects which take account of data collection methods, sampling techniques, qualitative/cognitive data collection instruments and communication with research participants. / Qualitative research projects are well designed and developed in accordance with strategic research plan.
Manage fieldwork and associated tasks including respondent recruitment, qualitative fieldwork skills, briefing of field workers and monitoring of progress. / Respondents and fieldworkers are motivated and require minimum of supervision.
Undertake effective data management and preparation ensuring data security and confidentiality together with implementation of effective qualitative/cognitive data management protocols. / Data integrity is assured and utilised within a secure framework.
Qualitative Research / Carry out appropriate analysis and interpretation of research data ensuring the use of appropriate qualitative/cognitive data analysis and interpretation skills. / Production of sound, relevant and accessible analysis and reports.
Ethics and Standards / Ensure projects are delivered in accordance with FMI’s ethical standards. / Fully conversant with the ethical standards of the organisation.
Contribute to learning and development opportunities for colleagues and volunteers. / Effective sharing of knowledge.
Communications / Provide regular alerts of research, media reports and other items of interest on social research. / Contribute to raising the profile of FMI and research projects. Support FMI in being informed source of comment on family matters.
Tenders / Work with FMI bid staff to provide research and input data relevant to tenders. / Support and strengthen FMI tender submissions.
People management / Recruit and manage volunteer researchers to placement programme. / Sufficient volunteers are well motivated and committed to research project.
General / Use a variety of software packages such as Microsoft Work, Outlook, Powerpoint, Excel, Access, Eventbrite etc to produce correspondence, documents and maintain presentations, spread sheets and databases. / Ensure expertise in use of software packages.
Use a variety of Google Apps tools such as Google Mail, Google Calendar and Google mobile for effective diary management, administration and workflow support. / Ensure expertise in use of Google App tools
Undertake any other duties and responsibilities commensurate with the level and responsibilities of the post. / Delivery of maximum efficiency and effectiveness
Work in harmony with all other personnel and communicate in an open and courteous manner with colleagues and clients and service users. / Promotion of a supportive and friendly working environment
Carry out responsibilities in accordance with FMI’s policies and procedures. / Compliance with Company policies and procedures
Undertake any training necessary to carry out duties and responsibilities. / Continuous improvement in performance
JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT
Employee / Signature / Date
CEO