Unite the Union

Vacancies : Two Investigative Researchers (Trainee)

Unite, Britain's biggest trade union with over 1.4 million members is seeking to appoint two Trainee Investigative Researchers, with the aim of helping them to develop experience and assist in the important Organising and Leverage campaigning activity, which is a key part of the Union's commitment to addressing the challenges facing ordinary working people. The role will be to conduct investigative online and desk-based research to an extremely high standard, and contribute to written strategic reports, articles and oral briefing to support the work of the Organising and Leverage Department.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

.	On-line and desk based information identification and collation in support of Lead Researchers.
.	Drafting and contributing to strategic reports, plans and articles.
.	Preparation of all relevant campaign materials including; letters, newsletters etc.
.	Preparation of regulatory complaints including; OECD, ILO etc.
.	Working with colleagues to produce research and campaign proposals.
.	To work effectively within a team environment.
.	Telephone research in support of strategic plans and reports.
.	Database entry and upkeep.
.	On-going requirement to undertake training in order to develop skills and expertise relating to the post.

Education, Skills & Knowledge:

.	Relevant Master's degree, preferably in one of the following -
i.	Industrial Relations
ii.	Investigative Journalism
iii.	Open Source Intelligence
iv.	Corporate Finance
or equivalent experience

.	Ability to demonstrate commitment to the aims and objectives of the trade union movement and social justice.
.	Ability to communicate and liaise both orally and in writing to an extremely high standard.
.	Good IT skills, including experience of Microsoft Office applications and use of databases.
.	Ability to conduct proficient on-line investigative research, including the use of relevant databases.
.	Capability to deliver written investigative research reports to an extremely high standard.
.	Capacity to work effectively with others in campaigns and to multi-task in a highly pressurised team environment.

Appointment:  is for a 12 month fixed-term contract training period, to be reviewed prior to completion.

Salary:  £27,760 pa plus £2,000 pa unsocial hours' payment.  A London Allowance of £3,584 pa also applies in relation to posts based in central London.
Application: for an application form, role outline and person specification for the posts, please visit the Unite website athttp://www.unitetheunion.org/vacancies    If you have any queries, please email the HR Department [log in to unmask]     

The closing date for completed application forms is Friday 30 May 2014.  Applicants will be shortlisted for interview by a selection panel.

UNITE
Investigative Researcher (Trainee)

JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Investigative Researcher (Trainee)
Reports to: Executive Officer
Grade: Development Grade: 'Investigative Researcher in Training (£27,760 pa plus £2,000 unsocial hours' payment.  A London Allowance of £3,584 pa also applies in relation to posts based in central London).
Development:  Appointment will be a 12 month fixed-term with a review prior to completion to determine whether candidates can proceed to be consolidated as an Organiser/Researcher.  A training programme will be agreed for the initial 12 month appointment.
Responsible for:
Conducting investigative online and desk based research to an extremely high standard and contribute to written strategic reports, articles and oral briefings to support the work of the Unite Organising and Leverage Department. Other responsibilities include supporting campaigning activity, in particular organising events and drafting relevant campaign materials.

Duties and Responsibilities:
1.	On-line and desk based information identification and collation in support of Lead Researchers.
2.	Drafting and contributing to strategic reports, plans and articles.
3.	Preparation of all relevant campaign materials including; letters, newsletters etc.
4.	Preparation of regulatory complaints including; OECD, ILO etc.
5.	Working with colleagues to produce research and campaign proposals.
6.	To work effectively within a team environment.
7.	Telephone research in support of strategic plans and reports.
8.	Database entry and upkeep.
9.	On-going requirement to undertake training in order to develop skills and expertise relating to the post.


PERSON SPECIFICATION
Job Title: Investigative Researcher (Trainee)
Grade: Development Grade: 'Investigative Researcher in Training' Please Note:  Applicants will be shortlisted for interview based solely on whether they can demonstrate clear evidence on their application form that they meet the criteria outlined.
EDUCATION:
1.	Relevant Master's degree or equivalent experience required
a.	Preference will be given to Masters degrees relating to the following disciplines:
i.	Industrial Relations
ii.	Investigative Journalism
iii.	Open Source Intelligence
iv.	Corporate Finance
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES & CAPABILITIES
ESSENTIAL
1.	Be able to demonstrate commitment to the aims and objectives of the trade union movement and social justice.
2.	Ability to communicate and liaise both orally and in writing to an extremely high standard.
3.	Good IT skills, including experience of Microsoft Office applications and use of databases.
4.	Ability to conduct proficient on-line investigative research, including the use of relevant databases.
5.	Capability to deliver written investigative research reports to an extremely high standard.
6.	Capacity to work effectively with others in campaigns and to multi-task in a highly pressurised team environment.
DESIRABLE
1.	Familiarity with corporate structures, finance and governance
2.	Knowledge of 'Open Source Intelligence' methods and evidence of use
3.	Experience of internet campaigning, in particular utilising Social Media
4.	Language skills in addition to English, particularly Spanish
5.	Knowledge of 'SPSS'

-- 
Professor Jane Holgate
Professor of Work and Employment Relations

Work and Employment Relations Division
Leeds University Business School
31 Lyddon Terrace (room 2.05)
University of Leeds LS2 9JT

email: [log in to unmask]
Mobile: 07960 798399