Research Fellow – Tax Reform

Start Date: Late summer 2014

Duration: 12 months

Hours: Mon – Fri, 10am – 6pm

• 
  Conducting a series of evidence reviews on different dimensions of tax reform.
  
• 
  Editing and commissioning a collection of essays on tax reform
  
• 
  Writing a free-standing report on a dimension of tax reform
  

This fellowship is funded directly by the Barry Amiel and Norman Melburn Trust but the post-holder will be a full member of the Fabian Society team.

The Fabian Society is Britain’s oldest political think tank. Founded in 1884, the Society is at the forefront of developing political ideas and public policy on the left.

Through a wide range of publications and events the society influences political and public thinking, but also provides a space for broad and open-minded debate, drawing on an unrivalled external network and its own expert research and analysis. Its programme offers a unique breadth, encompassing national conferences and policy seminars; periodicals, books, reports and digital publication; and commissioned and in-house research and comment.

1. 
   To conduct desk research under the guidance of senior colleagues. This will include carrying out a series of short evidence reviews to assess the policy literature of different dimensions of tax reform; and researching an original report on a key aspect of tax reform, using techniques such as primary qualitative or quantitative research; literature reviews; policy analysis; data analysis and modelling.
   

2. 
   To plan, structure and write blogs, articles, essays articles and research reports of publishable quality.
   

3. 
   To commission and edit a collection of essays on radical options for tax reform
   

4. 
   To build and maintain key stakeholder relationships with policy, political, academic, civil society and media figures, and with the Society’s research funders. This may include conducting 1:1 meetings and interviews and organising informal research seminars.
   

5. 
   To contribute to planning and executing dissemination strategies for publications associated with research projects, including relevant media and marketing work.
   

6. 
   To contribute to the Fabian Society’s future research planning and agenda, including developing future research projects and securing future funding.
   

Other Duties

7. 
   To contribute to the intellectual and organisational development of the Society.
   

8. 
   To represent the Society where appropriate, for example in the media, speaking at and attending events, and liaising with key networks.
   

9. 
   To supervise volunteers or contractors as appropriate.
   

10. 
    To undertake other relevant duties where required by the General Secretary or Deputy General Secretary.
    

1. 
   Have a post-graduate degree in a relevant subject area (eg economics, politics, accountancy) or equivalent professional experience. Exceptional candidates with a first degree only may be considered.
   

2. 
   Be able to demonstrate research and analytical skills and knowledge of research methods, gained in either an academic or policy environment, and relevant experience of conducting research.
   

3. 
   Be able to build and maintain professional networks across relevant sectors
   

4. 
   Have excellent numeracy skills and the ability to undertake data analysis using standard software packages.
   

5. 
   Have excellent written English and oral communications skills, with experience of presenting complex information to a range of audiences; and planning, structuring and writing long documents.
   

6. 
   Have experience of taking responsibility for projects and an ability to plan work effectively, to keep to deadlines, to organise own workload, and different demands on one’s time.
   

7. 
   Experience of writing up findings and ability to write articles for different audiences.
   

8. 
   Be able to work effectively in a small team and on their own
   

9. 
   Have a willingness to provide administrative support to projects
   

10. 
    Be in sympathy with the aims and values of the Barry Amiel and Norman Melburn Trust and the Fabian Society
    

The post is funded by The Barry Amiel and Norman Melburn Trust. A stipend of £15,863 (equivalent to the ESRC London maintenance award) will paid directly by the trust in twelve monthly instalments.

Applicants should email to the address below a copy of their CV and covering letter of, setting out how their skills and experience meet the person specification for the post, as well as their reasons for applying.

Your application should arrive no later than 5pm on MONDAY 14th July 2014.

We plan to hold interviews between 21st and 25th of July. Please indicate any times we are not available for interview between these dates when you apply.

Please apply by email with the subject line ‘Recruitment: Tax Reform Research Fellow
To: phil.mutero@fabians.org.uk
For more information, contact Phil Mutero

Tel: 020 7227 4903