E&S Researcher

Researcher position in the Environment & Society team

We have a Researcher opportunity within our Environment & Society team. We are looking for someone enthusiastic and energetic to support ongoing projects in the fields of marine and fisheries, and flooding and erosion. You would also contribute to work in areas such as natural capital, water quality and renewable energy.

Risk & Policy Analysts Limited (RPA) is an employee-owned, B Corp certified, independent consultancy with an established reputation and proven expertise in the fields of economics, chemicals, social policy and the environment. Our main office is in Norwich city centre and so if you have recently graduated, or are shortly graduating from the UEA, this opportunity offers you the chance to stay in our wonderful and vibrant city.

We provide multi-disciplinary, innovative, expert advice and strategic analysis, assisting both public and private sector decision makers in the development and implementation of sustainable policies. We deliver this through a broad range of services and use a variety of skills to produce high quality, tailor-made outputs. The work we do places us directly at the centre of the UK and European legislative processes, providing us with an opportunity to help ensure public and private sector entities achieve their sustainability goals.

Over the past 33 years, we have innovatively and proudly pushed forward the boundaries of how impact assessments and evaluations, as well as broader policy analyses, are carried out across a range of different fields. Our work has often been used as examples of best practice. Our clients come to us for innovative approaches, creative thinking and critical analysis.

This position requires someone who is methodical and analytical, and prepared to tackle unfamiliar subjects with enthusiasm. At the Researcher level, you will be expected to carry out literature reviews, collect and analyse large amounts of information and data (including use of spreadsheets), and prepare written materials. Typically, you will be involved in multiple projects at the same time offering you a range of experience in the field from which to build your career in the environmental policy sector. You should be able to demonstrate good organisational skills and an ability to prepare written materials to a high standard. Our team and your nominated line manager will be there to support you through every stage of your development, and on hand to answer your questions. From day one, you will have a workplace ‘buddy’ to support you on day-to-day activities as you build your confidence working at RPA.

Requirements:

Degree to at least a 2:1 level in a science discipline. Degrees in environmental/natural sciences, marine science, geography, geology and ecology would have particular relevance
Excellent desk-based analytical research skills
Experience of quantitative research techniques and good computer skills
Ability to work flexibly, effectively manage your own time and to deliver high quality work within deadlines
Good organisational skills and an ability to prepare written materials to a high standard
Experience of working independently and contributing to small teams
Willingness to learn and develop your skills

Desirable:

Some professional experience
Confidence with Microsoft Office tool (e.g. Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Proficiency in another language would be advantageous

Salary

The position initially offers a £23,400 salary increasing after 6 months to £24,000 (masters/PhD).

Benefits

33 days holiday a year, building up to 38 (including bank holidays)
After 6 months, you will gain equity in the business via the Employee-Owned Trust which brings tax free profit share
We offer private health care to all employees from day one
5% pension contribution
Enhanced pay family policies
20 days full sick pay
5X salary death in service cover
Paid volunteering leave
B Corp discounts

We operate an agile working policy allowing flexible working hours and location meaning each employee can manage how often and when they are in the office. We believe this helps our co-owners to have a good work life balance. When you want to be in the office, you will be based at our modern head office in central Norwich. Our expectation for a new starter learning the role and sector is that they have face time (most likely in the office) with fellow team members at least 50% of their time during probation.

The position is permanent and can be full time or part time. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons. You need to have the right to work in the UK.

If you want to be part of a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team with ample opportunity to help steer the future direction of EU and UK work, whilst contributing to a positive impact on society, please send your CV, desired start date (must be pre end of September) and a brief summary of why you are looking to join RPA and why you are the right person for this key role to applications@rpaltd.co.uk (REF: RPA ENV REA 2023).