Job Title: Research Officer – European Affairs Salary: £52,009 Contract Type: Initial Interim Contract, Up to 6 Months (with Possible Extension) Hours: 37 Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland Accountable to: Senior Research Officer Job Purpose To provide non-partisan, objective, and evidence-based research on European affairs to support elected representatives and committees. The role focuses on producing high-quality research outputs within the devolved powers framework, including published papers, briefings, and presentations, often in public or closed sessions. Job Description Main Duties and Responsibilities Deliver timely, accurate, and impartial research on European affairs to representatives, committees, and managers. Synthesise data from regional, national, and EU sources, including official databases. Author published research papers on legislative proposals for committee stages. Produce concise research outputs (e.g., briefings, financial assessments, data visualisations) with potential recommendations. Present briefings to committees and suggest witness questions in sessions. Advise committees on inquiry planning and key European issues. Support legislative scrutiny, stakeholder events, and committee visits, including travel. Represent the research unit at public events and lead knowledge exchange initiatives. Build networks with government officials and parliamentary research services. Deliver training on European affairs to staff and representatives. Maintain expertise through training and collaboration, guiding students and peers. Work collaboratively, comply with policies, manage records, and undertake additional duties as required. Essential Criteria Applicants must, by the closing date, demonstrate: Qualifications: At least a second-class honours degree (or equivalent/post-graduate qualification) with EU decision-making* as a key component. Experience: At least 2 years’ post-qualification work experience in: a) Conducting objective, evidence-based research requiring an understanding of EU decision-making. b) Producing and delivering evidence-based findings to inform policy development and decision-making. Applied Knowledge: The Windsor Framework. EU information sources, including official EU databases. *EU decision-making refers to the processes by which EU institutions adopt laws and policy instruments. For more information, please contact Ethan Boylan. Some feedback from recent VANRATH candidates- ”I would highly recommend VANRATH who I found to be thoroughly helpful, informative and efficient from first point of contact. Within a week of sending my CV I had interviewed and received an offer for a new role” ”Very pleased with the service provided and extremely appreciative to VANRATH, who I’d highly recommend.” ”VANRATH was very helpful in assisting me in obtaining my new employment post. They made care to stay in touch, inform me of any updates and gave me some excellent interview advice. Thank you for all your assistance; I wouldn’t think twice about using VANRATH again. Outstanding service.” Skills: Research Officer European Affairs Policy Legislation Benefits: Work From Home