Research Officer

Prospect is a leading trade union that delivers advice, support, representation, and a voice for our members. We are a not-for-profit organisation with over 250 staff helping to support more than 150,000 people in specialist, professional and technical roles across the private and public sectors.

Our members want to get on at work. They work in a diverse range of professions, including energy, science, engineering, heritage, defence, entertainment and digital. As a union for modern working life we aim to get the best deal for our members by using evidence and building partnerships – while never being scared to call employers out when they get things wrong.

Our priorities are to grow our membership through attracting new members and to improve our impact, whether that is helping members win improvements at work or changing the policy environment which affects them.

Diversity is an important value for the trade union movement, and as an organisation we are passionate about promoting equality at work and are committed to it for all our staff; we would be particularly interested in applications from groups that are underrepresented in the workplace.

Prospect is a great place to work - this role has access to our high-quality defined benefit pension scheme and 33 days annual leave each year. We offer a good work-life balance, flexible working options and offer support for training and development. This role is part of our research team and is based at our London Headquarters. The research team have a hybrid pattern of work with both office and homeworking. We will consider requests for flexible working.

Energy Research Officer role

Energy is a vital and fast-moving policy area whether it is power generation, low carbon technology, consumer prices or climate policy. Prospect is looking for an experienced research and policy professional to help us to champion members’ roles in the energy sector, and to develop our policy work.

Prospect members work across the energy sector from renewables, nuclear, distribution, and research working as engineers, managers, and specialists keeping our energy system running and driving us towards a net zero future. They are a vital part of the union. And this job is about developing our work to support them in lobbying, campaigning, influencing public policy and engaging with employers.

The role will be part of our Research team at Prospect. Applicants should have good analytical skills, an ability to use data creatively, excellent writing skills and an ability to communicate effectively to a range of audiences. The successful applicant will be expected to develop our energy policy work, whilst also contributing to the wider objectives of the research team, including on pay and conditions and regulatory reform.

You will need to:

• Respond to enquiries from negotiators and reps on negotiating issues
• Use their expertise to develop insights that assist the development of the union’s policy work in the energy sector, which can be used for lobbying, campaigning and social media work.
• Have an ability to analyse data from economic, statistical, and other information sources to produce guidance that assists Prospect’s bargaining agenda and policy work
• Proactively develop policy in areas of expertise by analysing trends and assessing how this is likely to impact in Prospect areas
• Help shape the national debate on regulatory reform to prioritise jobs and skills development
• Provide thought leadership and develop policy initiatives that may include commissioning research from external providers.
• Develop and deliver presentations and training including online webinars.
• Want to make the world of work better for everyone through promoting membership and the values of the trade union movement

Where this role fits in

This role is part of our Research and Policy team. You will be working with colleagues in the research, negotiating and communications teams and with our volunteer representatives.

Employee Benefits include:

• Annual incremental salary steps until the maximum is reached.
• Up to 33 days annual leave per year.
• Office closure over the Christmas period.
• Contributory defined benefit pension scheme with high employer contribution rate.
• Employee Assistance Programme which offers telephone counselling and a website with many useful toolkits.
• Eye care voucher scheme and cycle to work scheme.
• Access to Prospect member services benefits including shopping, travel, health and insurance discounts.
• Access to training to support career development

To apply please select 'Apply now'

For any queries please email: recruitment@prospect.org.uk

Closing date: 3rd May 2024 – Noon (CVs will not be accepted)

Interviews will be held on 15th May 2024.

Prospect Union is committed to create a diverse environment and is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. All our applicants will be given careful consideration for employment regardless to race, colour, religion, sex, physical and mental disability, age, citizenship, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, and any other protected status.

www.prospect.org.uk