Surveys and Research Manager

General information

Staff are contracted to work 37.5 hours. However, Live Here Live Here operates a 4-day working week of 30 hours with staff benefitting from a paid “non-working day. Given the seniority of this post, the post-holder will be expected to work additional hours when necessary. For further information please email [email protected] 

We ask applicants not to rely on AI tools when preparing their application, we want to see responses reflecting your own experience and voice, demonstrating your understanding and suitability for the role.

Purpose of role

The Surveys and Research Manager will lead the delivery, development and quality assurance of Live Here Love Here environmental survey programmes, including Borough Cleanliness Surveys, Cleaner Neighbourhood Surveys and Marine Litter Surveys. They will ensure that survey methodologies are robust, relevant and responsive to emerging policy priorities in Northern Ireland, while producing reliable data and insight to support reporting, policy development and behaviour change relating to local environmental quality in Northern Ireland. They will also lead on data protection.

Duties and expected outcomes

DATA AND SURVEY MANAGEMENT

• Full delivery of Live Here Love Here Borough Cleanliness Surveys, Cleaner Neighbourhood surveys and Marine Litter Surveys and associated reporting requirements. The job holder will be required to perform regular on the ground surveying alongside coordinating other staff who support survey delivery.
• Maintain and develop the current survey methodologies and systems, accommodating priority policy needs in Northern Ireland.
• Lead on the technical aspects of Live Here Love Here’s approach to tackling litter.
• Monitor and help optimise data collection strategies across Live Here Love Here.
• Collaborate and support Live Here Love Here programme departments to continuously monitor and refine data requirements, including the development of data visualisation tools to track progress.
• Champion the role of Excel, GIS and data-driven methods to inform strategic and operational decisions.
• Ensure that all retained data meets GDPR and Live Here Love Here privacy policy requirements.
• Research and Development. Learn from examples of best practices in survey methodology and data management. Apply and test the outputs of this practice. 

POLICY 

• Review delivery of interventions and support the CEO in setting policy direction based on research findings
• Assist the Senior Management Team in responding to policy and strategy developments
• Support and contribute creatively to the agenda for the NIEQF Enforcement Officers sub-group and ensure follow-up actions are addressed
• Undertake policy analysis, briefings and consultations as appropriate
• Generate and deliver research that will contribute to pro-environmental behaviour change 

MANAGEMENT 

• Manage and grow the network of contacts involved in Live Here Love Here Litter Surveys and reporting. Building strong relationships based on Live Here Love Here values and a robust record of achievement
• Tightly manage budgets and resources related to all litter surveys and reports, including the time necessary to conduct quality surveys providing robust data

COMMUNICATIONS 

• Ensure all data is collected, analysed and quality assured, to enable the preparation and publishing of reports to deadlines. Work closely with the Communications Department to draft these reports
• Respond to all relevant technical/media enquiries
• Input and analyse data using spreadsheets and electronic systems as appropriate, always ensuring the accuracy of the information
• Support communications team in the development and maintenance of data-led website content, including graphics and maps.
• Lead Live Here Love Here expert and representative on surveys and data, including representing LHLH on relevant groups, committees and conferences

 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT 

• Develop relationships with stakeholders, including funders, to build the quality and reputation of our litter surveys and reporting programmes
• Ensure continued income generation through the currently offered surveys and reporting, whilst supporting the exploration of new business development opportunities

ADMINISTRATION 

• Meet all contractual obligations on time and within budget
• Lead developer of Health, Safety and Environment requirements for all staff participating in surveys.

Person Specification

Qualifications, Skills & Experience 

Essential 

• A relevant degree level qualification or three years’ equivalent demonstrable experience.
• Significant professional (non-academic) experience of data management, interrogation and analysis.
• Significant surveying/auditing experience.
• High quality of report writing and presenting complex information into a range of formats for various audiences.
• An eye for detail and appreciation of accuracy and precision. Passion for data, maps and using data to communicate the need for change.
• Good level of communication, able to convey data trends in an accessible way to non-experts, both verbally and in writing
• Proficient ICT skills, including Microsoft Office suite.
• High and demonstrable level of proficiency in Excel.
• High and demonstrable level of proficiency in GIS.
• Experience with data security, particularly privacy and compliance with GDPR.
• Full current driving licence and access to a suitable means of transport to enable you to carry out the duties and responsibilities.

Desirable  

• Experience of using CMS.
• Experience of business development.
• Qualification in Excel.
• Qualification in GIS.
• Able to publicly present findings, acting as a spokesperson on relevant issues

Knowledge & Understanding  
 Essential  

• Knowledge of environmental matters.

Desirable 

• An understanding of how local government is administered and its services delivered.
• An understanding of how to effect pro-environmental behavioural change.

Personal Qualities 
Essential  

• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a wider team. 
• Energy and drive to meet and exceed expectations.

General

The person appointed will work from our office in Belfast a minimum of 2 days per week and may work from home the rest of the week. You will also be expected to travel to survey sites, events and meetings as required.  

• IT support and hardware is provided for all staff to enable them to be efficient and effective in their work. 
• Live Here Love Here operates flexible office hours between 8am and 6pm, with core hours between 10am and 4pm. Your normal days of work will be Monday to Friday and the non-working day will be a nominated day. 
• This role requires flexibility and will involve some evening and weekend working. Flexibility will be reciprocal to accommodate occasional weekend or evening commitments.
• Vetting: The post-holder may at times be in contact with children and vulnerable adults. Finalisation of the contract of employment is dependent upon the successful outcome of Access NI checks. 

This position is funded through the DAERA Environment Fund. 
 
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP 
 Live Here Love Here is a community focussed organisation with a commitment to reducing its impact on the planet. A key approach in achieving this is through Carbon Literacy training for all employees.  This programme, delivered in partnership with the Carbon Literacy Project, raises awareness about the climate change challenge that we all face as well as the commitments we can make to behaviour change that will help reduce emissions. 
 New employees will be expected to attend Carbon Literacy training as part of their induction process and contribute to an ongoing dialogue within the organisation about how we can reduce our carbon impact and improve levels of sustainability. 
 
AUTHORITY 
All staff are expected to:

• Procurement: Commission work only in line with company procedures, maintaining strict cost-efficiency and obtaining best value at all times.
• Media & PR: Refer high-level media interest or brand-altering news stories to the Head of Communications/CEO.
• Governance Boundary: Refer matters of a highly sensitive political or structural nature to the CEO.
• Compliance: Operate within the organisation’s legal framework, HR policies, and health and safety procedures at all times.