MESL Researcher (Specific – Purpose)

Reference No: VA341

Location: National Office, SVP House Dublin 1

Duration: Specific Purpose (Maternity Cover)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Published: Tuesday, 2nd July 2024

Closing Date: Midnight Tuesday, 16th July 2024

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced MESL Researcher to join our National Office. Located in the Vincentian MESL (Minimum Essential Standard of Living) Research centre within the Society’s Social Justice Department, and reporting to the MESL Research Manager, the MESL Researcher has responsibility for supporting the ongoing maintenance and updating of the MESL data, contributing to the regular core outputs from the MESL research team and the development of new uses. As part of the Society’s Social Justice Department, the activities of the Researcher include literature searches and reviews; collecting, collating and analysing data; writing up research results, and preparation and delivery of both internal and external presentations.

This is a great opportunity to join one of Ireland’s largest voluntary organisations and make a difference in your community.

Why work with SVP?

SVP Benefits

All SVP Benefits are subject to the prevailing policy and associated length of service requirements

• 23 days annual leave for all staff; Additional day’s leave at 5, 10, 15 & 20 years, with a cap of 27 annual leave days
• Pension: 5% employer and employee contribution with an option to increase to 7% on a matching basis
• 2 discretionary days (Good Friday & Christmas Eve)
• Group discount for Hospital Saturday Fund (HSF)
• Paid Sick Leave: Sick Pay following 13 weeks, with entitlement increasing with length of service (Subject to terms of policy)
• Education Support for job relevant courses (Subject to terms of policy)
• Paid Maternity & Paternity Leave (18 weeks full maternity leave pay for staff with more than 12 months service & 2 weeks full paternity leave pay for staff with more than 12 months service)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Life Assurance – four times annual salary
• Life Appreciation Recognition: Additional one-off 5 days annual leave allocated in year that 25-, 30-, 35- & 40-years’ service achieved, plus €250 voucher
• Christmas Voucher: €250 voucher for all staff (Subject to terms of policy)
• Retirement: Staff with 10+ years’ service will receive a €250 voucher on retirement
• Hybrid/Flexible Working Available: SVP support and embrace Flexible Working, including working from home, in line with the SVP Flexible Working Policy (Where appropriate and subject to role requirements and policy)
• SVP Experience Day: Up to one discretionary day per year to experience a different aspect of the work of SVP (Subject to conditions)

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Degree in Social Policy, Sociology, Economics, Equality Studies or a related discipline.
• Understanding of poverty, social exclusion and inequality in Ireland and of current and emerging issues in this area.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience conducting applied social research in an academic, statutory or NGO setting.
• Experience of collecting data, analysing results and report writing.
• Experience of facilitating focus groups, preferably as a social research tool.
• Ability to deliver high quality work to tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent IT skills.
• Excellent numerical skills.

About SVP:

SVP is a large, national, voluntary organisation with extensive experience of working with a diverse range of people who experience poverty and exclusion. Through its network of over 12,000 volunteers and 700 staff, it is strongly committed to working for social justice and advocates the creation of a more just and caring society. SVP employs people to support volunteers in a variety of settings including housing, community care, shops, administration and other specialist areas.

How to Apply:

If you meet these requirements and have the desire to join one of Ireland’s best known, trusted and respected not-for-profit organisations, please complete the online application www.svp.ie/jobs.

Appointment is subject to satisfactory references. Canvassing will not be accepted and may lead to disqualification. Due to the large volume of applications, we are not in the position to provide individual feedback to candidates who are not shortlisted.

SVP is an Equal Opportunities Employer