Voluntary Action Scotland
Research and Information Assistant
Job description
Job Title:
Research and Information Assistant
Location:
Central Glasgow
Salary:
£18,000
Line manager: TBC
Reports:
None
Main purpose: To provide a research, analysis and knowledge sharing capacity for VAS and our
network of third sector interfaces (TSIs).
Main duties and responsibilities:
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Creating new data sets for analysis and analysing existing available data from TSIs and the
wider third sector.
Developing survey materials to assist in the collation of data for analysis.
Conducting desk based research on topics of key interest to TSIs.
Working closely with policy and development colleagues to develop evidence to support
advocacy work.
Assisting the development of key policy and research based materials for TSIs and major
stakeholders.
Producing reports for internal and external use.
Undertaking the research, analysis and writing for our annual TSI Impact Report based on
the experiences of TSIs.
Assisting the development of digital knowledge exchange activity.
Developing content for knowledge exchange activity across and amongst TSIs.
Keeping up to date with major developments in the third sector and related social policy
fields.
Building and maintaining good relations with colleagues in TSIs and with key stakeholders.
Alongside colleagues provide a friendly customer-service focussed approach.
Develop skills and undertake responsibilities as appropriate which will fulfil the purpose of
the role and support the success off the organisation and our network.
Special working conditions
As duties and responsibilities change, the job description will be reviewed and amended in
consultation with the post holder.
The post holder will be expected to carry out any other duties as defined within the broad scope and
purpose of the job as requested by their line manager.
The post holder will receive external developmental support to produce our annual TSI Impact
Report.
The post holder will be expected to attend the VAS annual conference which may involve one or
more overnight stays. Some travel within Scotland may be required to support meetings and events
outwith Glasgow.
Person specification
Knowledge including necessary qualifications:
Essential
1. Educated to degree level in a course including qualitative and quantitative research
methodology
2. Knowledge and understanding of the research process
3. Knowledge and understanding of Scotland’s third sector and related social policy
4. Knowledge of current online communications media
Desirable
5. A 2.1 degree minimum
6. Knowledge of current issues associated with volunteering, voluntary organisations, social
enterprise, community planning and public service reform
Experience
Essential
1. Generating qualitative research and analytical papers
2. Producing reports on complex topic areas
3. Producing and analysing complex data sets
4. Producing desk-based research briefings within short timescales
5. Conveying complex topics in a plain English, accessible manner
Desirable
6. Contributing to the development of digital based knowledge exchanges
7. Generating quantitative research and analytical papers
8. Conducting research interviews
9. Designing online surveys
10. Utilising statistical software and analyses based on MS Excel or MS Access
Skills, abilities and aptitude
Essential
1. Ability to draft and present research work in plain English.
2. Understanding of and enthusiasm for the third sector
3. Strong-interpersonal skills and ability to build good relations
4. Ability to multi-task and work to tight deadlines
5. Ability to manage and progress larger research and analysis tasks
6. Ability to work with a wide variety of people at different levels in organisations
7. Familiarity with major MS Office packages and digital engagement and knowledge exchange
tools
Desirable
8. Familiarity with publicly available statistical data repositories
Summary terms and conditions of employment:
Salary:
Working week:
Annual leave:
Place of Work:
Pension:
Probation period:
Sick pay:
c £18,000
Full-time position. 9am – 5.30 pm with 1 hour unpaid for lunch (37.5 hrs per
week). Some flexibility will be required.
25 days annual leave plus 9 public holidays.
Central Glasgow. Some travel may be required.
VAS will contribute 6% of salary to a recognised personal pension scheme of
your choice.
The post is subject to a 6 month probationary period. Following successful
completion of the probationary period the notice period will be 1 month.
Statutory sick pay is available for the first year of employment after which
organisational sick pay of 6 weeks full pay and 6 weeks half-pay is available
subject to certain conditions clarified in the full terms and conditions
provided upon joining the organisation.