Job description

Research and Information Officer

Band 6 Research and Information Officer required for a large public sector organisation based through the Belfast Trust.

Rate of Pay: £16.52/hr

Location: Linum Chambers Belfast

Hours: 37.5hrs/week

Duration: ongoing

JOB SUMMARY / MAIN PURPOSE:

These posts will support the research and information activities of the Health Intelligence Unit, PHA. Topic areas include mental health, wellbeing & suicide prevention; and Drugs & Alcohol.

The post holder will assist with a range of research and information activities designed to help provide a strong evidence base for public health activity in Northern Ireland. The post holder will be supported by the Band 7 Health Intelligence Manager. The post will involve liaising with a range of colleagues including colleagues working in public health, nursing, HSCB, Trusts, BSO, DoH and NISRA.

KEY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Research and development
2. To support a programme of research and evaluation that will facilitate the effective operation of the PHA.
3. To assist in commissioning and managing external research and evaluation and to conduct in-house research and evaluation which will involve assisting in or carrying out:

• the design of research and/or evaluation frameworks;
• the preparation of briefs;
• the design of research/survey and qualitative instruments;
• the analysis of large-scale data sets (eg lifestyle surveys);
• qualitative research, including analyses;
• report writing and presentations.

1. To assist in education and training programmes as appropriate.

2. Policy and planning
3. To provide advice to PHA staff and others, where appropriate, on current research and evaluation and information sources.
4. To promote high standards in the research and evaluation work of the PHA with particular regard to matters such as defining appropriate study methodology, sampling, statistical analysis and presentation of results.

3. Management

To provide information to assist PHA staff in the commissioning and managing of external projects. This will include preparing briefs for tender, liaising with consultants, participating in working groups and reviewing draft reports.

4. Evaluation and monitoring

To assist with the development and coordination of evaluation studies as defined in the PHA's operational plan.

5. Information
6. To support the research and evaluation function of the PHA through the provision of information - this will include literature searching and reviewing.
7. To contribute to the development of education materials, information reports and training manuals in support of the PHA's various areas of activity.
8. To provide information support to PHA staff and partner organisations.

6. Liaison
7. To contribute to effective liaison with organisations, agencies and individuals with a responsibility for and/or an interest in health promotion and public health.
8. To represent the PHA as appropriate on research committees and at conferences as required.

Essential criteria

1. Possess a university degree (social science or related) with a significant research component, or an equivalent research related qualification

AND

Have at least two years' experience of working as a research assistant/information officer in a health and/or social research environment whether in the voluntary, statutory, academic or private sectors.

OR

Have at least five years' experience of working as a research assistant/information office in a health and/or social research environment whether in the voluntary, statutory, academic or private sectors.

AND

Hold a current full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK and have access to a car on appointment. This criterion will be waived in the case of applicants whose disability prohibits driving but who have access to a form of transport approved by The Organisation which will permit them to carry out the duties of the post.

Skills

Demonstrate practical experience of statistical analysis and data management which must include experience of one of the main statistical packages.

Have knowledge/experience of qualitative research methodologies and practice.

Have experience of literature searching including the use of electronic bibliographic databases and literature reviewing.

Have the ability to critically appraise relevant research and identify implications for planning.

Have good organisational and communications skills including the ability to produce and present high quality papers.

Have the ability to work on their own initiative and also as part of a team, and to perform to a high standard with the minimum of supervision even under occasional pressure.

Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of current health issues and the role of research and information in relation to these.

BELSL

If you are interested and available for this position please upload your CV to the link or contact Hannah Fitzsimons. Hannah.Fitzsimons@staffline.co.uk

To be shortlisted for this role all applicants MUST meet the essential criteria. Please note that these roles may be filled quickly but your CV will be kept on file for future similar roles. As there are so many applications, unsuccessful candidates may not be contacted.

Successful candidates may need to apply for an Access NI Certificate with Staffline regardless if you already have a valid certificate. It will be a cost of between £18 - £33 depending on clearance level.