Job Description

Description

Role:

Senior Researcher (Arabic Speaker)

Location:

London (Hybrid Working)

Salary:

32,000-44,500

Department:

Policy Research Centre

Contract:

12-Month Fixed Term Contract



We are seeking a dynamic Senior Researcher to join our growing team, contributing to impactful international research in social and health sectors. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in qualitative, quantitative, and/or mixed-methods research, and is passionate about evidence-based policy and practice, particularly in Arabic-speaking and Gulf contexts.

Key Responsibilities

Design and implement robust research projects from inception to dissemination. Deliver qualitative, quantitative, and/or mixed-methods studies in diverse international settings. Lead project management, including timelines, budgets, and client relationships. Write and contribute to technical and financial proposals for international funders. Conduct and supervise fieldwork, ensuring high quality and ethical standards. Produce clear, policy-relevant outputs such as reports, briefs, and presentations. Collaborate with local partners and mentor junior colleagues.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential Requirements

Fluency in Arabic (working professional or native level). Strong experience in international research related to social issues, health, and/or development. Demonstrated ability in: + Proposal writing for international donors.
Project and client management with attention to quality and timelines. Client report writing and research paper publication Solid skills in at least one research approach - qualitative, quantitative, or ideally both. Willingness to travel to and work in the Gulf region, including KSA.

Desirable

Experience with funders such as FCDO, UNICEF, WHO, or similar. Understanding of ethical and safeguarding standards in research. Familiarity with participatory and inclusive research methods. Experience working in low- and middle-income or crisis-affected contexts.
We welcome candidates with varied sector backgrounds who bring rigour, adaptability, and a collaborative approach to international research. If you're a strategic thinker with strong research skills and a commitment to meaningful impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Benefits

As well as a competitive salary, an excellent working environment (including a home/office hybrid working environment), you will be working for the largest independent social research organisation in the UK. We are proud of the benefits we offer our employees which include:25 days holiday (plus 8 bank holidays) and flexible working Generous company pension scheme Life insurance and health cash plan Cycle to Work scheme and season ticket loan Career development, professional subscriptions support and mentoring support from industry-leading experts.

About the National Centre for Social Research

At The National Centre for Social Research we believe that social research has the power to make life better. By really understanding the complexity of people's lives and what they think about the issues that affect them, we give the public a powerful and influential role in shaping services that can make a difference to everyone. And as an independent, not-for-profit organisation we're able to focus our time and energy on meeting our clients' needs and delivering social research that works for society.