Junior Research Analyst (Insights Team)

: Junior Analyst (Insights Team), M&C Saatchi World Services

M&C Saatchi World Services was founded in 2011 as a new global division of M&C Saatchi. Using the experience and creative capabilities of M&C Saatchi, World Services is dedicated to tackling complex behavioral and social issues.Since launch, the new division has enjoyed continuous strong growth and is now ranked as one of M&C Saatchi's most successful companies. Clients include a range of governments, INGO's, foundations and multilaterals, such as the UN, the Gates Foundation, USAID, DFID and the Nike Foundation. World Services has a strong focus on countering malign influences (including countering violent extremism (CVE); countering disinformation; countering exploitative practices), using multimedia messaging campaigns. This role will see the Analyst working as part of a core team – known as Insights – that supports M&C Saatchi World Services’ communications campaigns, and contributing to three functions: Research; Media Monitoring; and Geopolitical Analysis.

For the Research functions, the Analyst will provide Target Audience Analysis (TAA) insight to support program management teams. Target Audience Analysis involves assessing groups or individuals in order to identify sociological, anthropological and psychological characteristics that can be used to plan and design strategic communications campaigns.The role will also require the Analyst to support the measurement and assessment of ongoing communications campaigns, and as such statistical skills (as well as qualitative research methods) will form a strong component of the overall training and development that this role will receive.

For the Media Monitoring functions, the Analyst will gather and interpret all forms of open-source research, including using monitoring tools.Analysts will be able to pull out findings from these sources to write reports that contribute to informing the team of relevant developments and audience insight.

For the Geopolitical Analysis functions, the emphasis is on high-level analysis on countries and regions, with the output being used to inform the direction of communications campaigns.A lot of the analysis is used to bring context and understanding to ongoing activities – and it might be consumed by internal customers, or it might be consumed externally by our clients (or both).The main focus of the analysis will be on regional dynamics and the calculus of a host of actors, including state actors as well as non-state actors.

There will be a high volume of written output, and an expectation of expertise across a number of geographies and topics.The outputs are generally briefing papers, notes and slide decks. The position could additionally entail other research tasks, including but not limited to: general open-source research; desk reviews; lessons learned/best practice write ups; etc.

It is expected that a Analyst would spend two years at this level before being eligible for promotion.The Analyst would also be expected to choose a functional specialism at this stage – becoming a Research Manager if going into the research stream; or an Analysis Manager if going into the Monitoring or Geopolitical streams. Promotion into the streams is also dependent on there being a requirement for a position in that stream at that level (as well as on good performance).

Although hybrid working is encouraged in the workplace, the location for this role is New York – although there is room for negotiation.If there are important client meetings or project meetings where others are attending in person, it is expected that the

Analyst will also attend in person. Fully remote working will not be possible.There is the potential for some limited travel in this role, most likely involving travel to client locations.

Key responsibilities

Reporting to the Research Director on technical tasks and line managed by the Account Director/Senior Accounts director, responsibilities include:

·Assisting with the development, administration and interpretation of survey instruments and qualitative instruments, such as focus group discussion guides.

·Expert use of monitoring tools to gather open-source research, pulling out findings from these sources, provide analysis and prepare draft briefings and written reports, to be sub-edited and reviewed by more senior staff.

·Responding to requests for insight and information from other departments.

·Fusing primary field research (quantitative and qualitative), social media and open-source research to produce actionable insight pieces.

·Provide regional expertiseor thematic expertise.

·Providing single point of contact for audience insight to project team.

·Providing insight to support development of communications strategies; development of creative briefs; campaign assessment reports; other ad hoc research tasks, as directed.

·Conducting own desk-based research.

·Producing focused assessments at the Strategic, Operational and Tactical level.

·Providing support to other project/regional/thematic-assigned analysts, as required, especially in respect of covering sickness or holiday.

·Participating in the culture of the wider team and agency (for example contributing to team meetings)

·At a task level, engaging with external suppliers to trial new products, troubleshoot existing services, update the supplier with new parameters or tasks, etc.

Assignments will range from answering quick turnaround Requests for Information to delivering in-depth studies and regular situational reports to a consistently high standard.

MCS offers a competitive benefits package including: 25 vacation days, 401k match, annual pay reviews, flexible working, and WFH opportunities. Salary is dependent on experience but ranges from: $60,000 – $90,000. All candidates must have the ability to work in the US; we are unable to sponsor any work visas for this role.

Requirements

Successful candidates will have:

·2-3 years relevant work experience

·Degree in International Relations or related subject with a military/geo-political focus.

·Preferably Masters in related field.

·Preferably experience using of monitoring tools, such as Talk Walker, News Whip etc.

·Interest in a specific geographical area: Geographical area will be specified for individual roles.

·Excellent analytical skills.

·Excellent writing and good presentational skills.

·Preferable fluency in additional languages: Languages will be specified for individual roles.