Migration Yorkshire Peer Researcher job description (sample)

Job Purpose:

You will contribute to Migration Yorkshire’s research programme within the Policy and Research team. The post gives you an opportunity to develop qualitative research skills and experience in applied migration research as part of a research training programme. You will receive basic training in how to do research with people. You will contribute to the design of research projects and undertake research tasks in a supportive environment, which may include fieldwork, transcription, primary and secondary analysis and writing. The core tasks of this post will involve supporting the research work of Migration Yorkshire and its partners in the Refugee Integration Yorkshire & Humber project, who are working on topics including social interaction between third country (non-EU) nationals and local communities, isolation experienced by third country nationals and an understanding of ‘wellbeing’ by different communities, and the housing pathways of refugees. You will also have the opportunity to influence councils and other organisations on issues affecting people with experiences of migrating to live in the UK.

You will have personal experience of migrating to live in the UK. Migration Yorkshire recognises the value of involving people with lived experience of what you are researching in the design and implementation of research, enabling us to incorporate those perspectives from the beginning of a project to ultimately better understand the migrant experiences and perspectives we are researching.

You will show enthusiasm for research and have good communication skills, an eye for accuracy and detail, and an ability to create and maintain good relationships. You are a team player, a good listener and interested in other people’s stories.

The post is funded through ‘Refugee Integration Yorkshire & Humber’ which provides comprehensive support to improve the integration of refugees, with a strategic approach and front-line services, underpinned by research, evidence and refugee participation. Refugee Integration Yorkshire & Humber will deliver a regional strategy with commitments from all partners, galvanise key services, employers and civil society, produce robust research, and provide local one-to-one support and opportunities for individual refugees.

The project is managed by Migration Yorkshire and delivered across the Yorkshire and Humber region through a partnership of statutory and third sector organisations. The project is part funded by the European Union Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund.

Migration Yorkshire works with national government, local government, and others to ensure that Yorkshire and Humber can deal with, and benefit from, migration. Migration Yorkshire is hosted by Leeds City Council.

Responsibilities for Grade:

Undertake research tasks working together with colleagues as directed
Be responsible for your own personal learning and development; actively participate in the research training programme and attend group visits to research partners
Attend and contribute to research meetings and Migration Yorkshire team meetings
Develop and maintain relationships with Migration Yorkshire’s stakeholders and partners from research institutions, working with them on their respective research projects
Support the work of the Migrant Info Hub which aims to help migrants, and those supporting them, to stay safe, connected and informed and to reduce the harmful impacts of Coronavirus on Yorkshire and Humber and on people’s lives
Work with other members of the team to ensure Leeds City Council and Migration Yorkshire procedures are followed in all areas of work, including finance, safeguarding, health and safety, data protection, accessibility etc.

General

Respect the confidential nature of the work and follow good practice in data protection.
Provide excellent customer service to all stakeholders.
Provide occasional cover for other team members as required, commensurate with the grade.
Be responsive to the needs of the team and support colleagues as required.
There will be occasional travel across Yorkshire and Humber, and sometimes beyond, for meetings and events [please note this depends on current Covid-19 restrictions]

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION: Method of Assessment will be through one or more of the following Application Form, Test, Interview, and Certificate

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements

Qualifications

GCSE level qualifications or equivalent

Experience and Knowledge Required

Personal experience of migrating to live in the UK
Familiarity with challenges faced by people with different migration statuses e.g. people seeking asylum, people with refugee status, people with EU ‘pre-settled’ status, people with visa conditions
Understanding of at least two of the following social issues: migration, social policy, social cohesion, integration, and social inequalities

Skills Required

Good command of written and spoken English
The ability to learn quickly and absorb new information on issues concerning qualitative research and analysis
Good communication skills, particularly including excellent listening skills and the ability to develop good relationships quickly
IT literacy, including competence in using Word and Excel
The ability to professionally represent Migration Yorkshire to partners and external stakeholders, and the capacity to develop constructive relationships with partner organisations
A keen interest in research and how it can be used in real-world situations

Behavioural & other Characteristics required

Enthusiastic about the integration of migrants and about ensuring that the Yorkshire and Humber region benefits from migration
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
Flexible and responsive to change and feedback and willing to learn
Committed to diversity, equal opportunities and community cohesion.