Job: Lead Analyst (Homelessness, Asylum & Migration)

Contract:

• Lead Analyst (Homelessness) - Fixed Term (24 months)
• Lead Analyst (Asylum and Migration) - Fixed Term (12 months)

Interviews: to be held (online) w/c 20^th April.

We are looking for two Lead Analysts to join the GMCA Research Team, who will support our research programme with a focus on (a) homelessness; and (b) asylum and migration respectively. This is an opportunity to work on high-profile programmes which will directly impact on some of the vulnerable people and families living in Greater Manchester.

• Key areas of responsibility for the asylum and migration-focused role will include the provision of data and insight around Greater Manchester’s asylum and migrant communities; support for leads developing a strategic response to asylum and migration; and analytical support for our in-house support programmes.
• Key areas of responsibility for the homelessness-focused role will include the development of data and insight around Greater Manchester's work on homelessness, including our accommodation programmes, our support for authorities around rough sleeping and multiple disadvantage, and our flagship 'A Bed Every Night' service.

You may also provide research support across other aspects of our public service reform programme. The work you do will ensure that research informs Greater Manchester’s strategic objectives, and that we make best possible use of evidence to support decision making.

Greater Manchester is at the forefront of public policy innovation and new thinking about how to transform the lives of local citizens. Our vision is to make Greater Manchester one of the best places in the world to grow up, get on, and grow old. We will do this by nurturing a world class, competitive, caring and economically sustainable place to live. This is an exciting time to be working in the city region for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).

As a member of the public service reform research team, you will also work closely with the homelessness and migration team and other members of our Public Service Reform Directorate. Alongside the asylum and migration-specific focus of this role, as a member of the wider GMCA Research Team, you will join a team of other Analysts, Lead Analysts and Research Principals with opportunities to collaborate on cross-sector projects.

If you are the person for the job, we expect you will have previous experience of research projects from either academic study or work experience. An understanding of how to analyse and interpret data relating to policy issues is vital. The research you produce will be used to brief and inform how our strategic leads including the elected Mayor of Greater Manchester choose to invest in and deliver services.

Skills and experience you will need include:

• A high level of technical competence in both quantitative and qualitative research methods;
• Highly skilled in developing and delivering research projects;
• Excellent writing and presentation abilities that can be demonstrated in previous work;
• The people skills and communication skills necessary to work with a range of different project teams and individuals across public, private and voluntary sectors;
• An eagerness to learn new techniques and approaches, and to make Greater Manchester one of the best places in the world to live.

Applicants need to be flexible to changing circumstances our work changes daily, and candidates should be willing and confident in turning their hands to a wide variety of research tasks. In particular, we are having to show additional flexibility in the current climate by operating remotely and virtually in the initial stages of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

In return, research analysts will get to work in one of the most exciting areas of the country, with people who have a real passion for Greater Manchester and the work we do.

Please apply by completing the application form. You will also be asked to supply a brief covering letter explaining how your knowledge and experience equip you for the role by 19^th April 2026 at 23:59.

About you:

We are looking for someone who can show us they:

• have experience of undertaking research and analysis, including delivering research projects,
• have strong analytical capabilities, with evidence of working with large, complex quantitative data sets
• may have knowledge of, or experience with qualitative data (including but not limited to focus groups, interviews, community engagement)
• excellent writing and presentation abilities (to present technical material to non-technical audiences)
• experience of undertaking research or impact evaluations of projects
• strong interpersonal skills to work with various stakeholders
• an awareness of the political landscape of GM both locally and nationally.
• an eagerness to learn new techniques and approaches you are self-motivated and able to use your own initiative to take work forward.

This experience may come from previous work experience, lived experience, or academic study. Candidates are likely to have prior experience working in a related field, such as (but not limited to) environment, energy, transport, or sustainable lifestyles.

Think you meet some, but not all the above criteria? Please do still consider applying the ideal skills are what we anticipate candidates will bring, but we would like people to tell us why they can do this role. Please provide as much detail as possible in the ‘knowledge and skills’ section of the application.

In return, you will get to work with people who have a real passion for Greater Manchester and the work we do. We offer a good salary, and a wide range of opportunities to work with people across multiple organisations and multiple policy areas. Crucially, your work will help make a difference to the lives of communities in Greater Manchester.

To find out more about working for us in the Research Team please click here: https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/what-we-do/research/

For more information about the recruitment process, or to discuss the role, please contact Alex Little (line manager for this role), via alex.little@greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk

Please note, we expect interviews to be held (online) w/c 20^th April.