Senior Analyst – Insight and Innovation

Purpose of the Role

As a Senior Analyst – Insight and Innovation, you will help identify emerging opportunities, unmet needs, and areas for innovation across our work.

You will conduct exploratory research and analysis (using qualitative and quantitative approaches), ecosystem mapping, stakeholder engagement, and insight generation to help teams better understand challenges and opportunities.

You will work independently while collaborating closely with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders across a matrix environment.

We are looking for someone who can interpret complex information and frame problems thoughtfully; apply analytical thinking and rigour to identify relevant focus areas for Elevate Great; generate meaningful insights that support decision-making and innovation; and an ability to communicate insights effectively to a technical and non-technical audience.

As a Senior Analyst, you will be expected to identify root causes, underlying drivers, opportunities from reported evidence, and most importantly, distinguish insight from information. You will be expected to use judgement and understand diverse stakeholder needs to create suitable outputs that clearly communicate the strength of insights and secure buy-in from leadership. Success means not just that we had the right and correct data, but also that we win the argument.

You will also have the following:

● Mathematical foundations and programming skills in R and Python for statistical analysis and predictive modelling

● Keen attention to detail

● Critical thinking and creative reasoning skills

● Passion for utilising data to drive decision-making

● Drive to achieve social impact

● High tolerance for working in uncertainty

Reporting line

The Senior Analyst – Insight and Innovation reports to the Head of Insight and Innovation, while working closely with other Heads, Strategic Advisors and colleagues across insight, data science, communications, finance, operations and governance, depending on the needs of each programme.

Key Responsibilities

Research & Insight Generation

● Conduct exploratory research across social impact, innovation, technology, policy, healthcare, education, and related sectors

● Identify emerging trends, opportunities, and unmet needs using qualitative and quantitative methods

● Synthesise qualitative and quantitative information into actionable insights

● Translate research findings into clear, engaging outputs (reports, briefs, and recommendations) as needed

● Support teams in framing complex challenges and identifying innovation opportunities

● Conduct ecosystem and stakeholder mapping

● Contribute to early-stage concept exploration and opportunity development

● Help connect ideas and insights across different projects and workstreams

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

● Engage with internal and external stakeholders to gather perspectives and insights

● Build trusted working relationships across teams and partners

● Facilitate conversations, workshops, and discovery activities where appropriate

● Work effectively within a collaborative matrix environment

Ways of Working

● Bring curiosity, empathy, integrity, and sound judgement to your work

● Work independently while remaining collaborative and open-minded

● Navigate ambiguity with a proactive and thoughtful approach

● Contribute positively to team culture and ways of working

What We’re Looking For

Experience & Skills

● 4–6 years of experience in insight generation, strategic analysis, social impact, innovation research or related fields

● Strong mathematical foundations and quantitative research experience in econometrics, optimisation, predictive modelling using large datasets, or impact evaluation

● Knowledge and experience of using appropriate qualitative research methods

● Ability to analyse research findings and synthesise insights into suitable outputs based on stakeholder needs

● Strong creative reasoning and critical thinking skills

● Ability to identify patterns, opportunities, and emerging themes from complex information

● Excellent written and verbal communication skills

● Comfortable working across multiple stakeholders and priorities

● Experience working in collaborative or matrix environments

We invest in our people and believe in developing talent. While we're looking for candidates with strong foundations, curiosity, and motivation, we're committed to helping the right person build their skills and grow with us.

Personal Qualities

● Curious and thoughtful

● Kind, empathetic, and emotionally intelligent

● High integrity and sound judgement

● Collaborative and low ego

● Comfortable with ambiguity and exploration

● Motivated by meaningful social impact

We’d Especially Love To See

● Experience working in mission-led organisations and fast-paced environments

● Proactive, fast learner with a self-starter mindset, able to work both independently and as part of a team

What good looks like

A strong Senior Analyst helps the team make better decisions through their analysis and recommendations.

Good performance means that recommendations are grounded in thorough analysis, aligned with organisational requirements, and provide strategic direction for project and programme decision-making. Colleagues receive actionable insights to inform programme design, and leadership gains a clear understanding of knowledge gaps.

Success is measured by insights improving problem definition, strategic decisions, and innovation choices and not by volume of research or documents produced.

Senior Analysts are expected to operate with autonomy while maintaining strong alignment with the relevant Department Heads and wider team. They should know when to move independently, when to collaborate, when to create space for specialist leadership, and when to escalate decisions relating to risk, resources, reputation, governance or strategic direction.

At Elevate Great, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work focused on reducing inequality and changing systemic conditions in the UK. You’ll work with thoughtful colleagues across disciplines and help shape ideas, opportunities, and initiatives in a collaborative and values-driven environment.

We welcome candidates from diverse and non-linear career paths who bring curiosity, empathy, and a genuine commitment to meaningful work.

Compensation and benefits

● Salary range: [£41,000 - £45,000 depending on experience] (1.0 FTE)

● 8% pension contribution

● Life insurance

● 28 days annual leave (full-time entitlement), calculated on a pro rata basis for 6 month contract

Flexibility of responsibilities

This job description sets out the main purpose, accountabilities and expectations of the role. It is not intended to be exhaustive.

Responsibilities may evolve over time in line with organisational priorities, programme needs and the development of Elevate Great’s operating model.

Location and working pattern

This role is based in Edinburgh, with hybrid working in line with Elevate Great’s organisational approach.