Research Specialist

At PPMI, part of the Verian Group, we help build a world where policies work.

We are a leading European research and policy analysis centre working with public sector organisations, international institutions and civil society to address complex policy challenges. Since 2001, we have provided evidence-based research, evaluation and advisory services that help decision-makers turn evidence into practical, actionable policy solutions.

Our work combines methodological rigour with real-world impact. We support clients across Europe and beyond by delivering high-quality research, facilitating stakeholder engagement and translating complex evidence into clear recommendations for policy and practice.

Research Specialist – Brussels Evidence team, based in Vilnius

About the role

The Brussels Evidence team is looking for a curious, analytical and proactive Research Executive to join us, based in Vilnius. This is an early-career role for someone interested in research, data, and social or political issues, and who wants to contribute to projects that inform public policy and decision-making.

You will support different stages of the research process, from project preparation and data collection to data preparation, analysis and reporting. You will work closely with colleagues in Brussels and across Verian, as well as with suppliers, partners and clients, gaining hands-on experience across quantitative and qualitative research projects.

We are particularly interested in candidates who are curious about data analysis and emerging AI tools, and who want to explore how technologies such as large language models, automation and simple AI-supported workflows can support applied research, data checking, analysis and reporting.

Key responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Support project coordination, including day-to-day liaison with colleagues, suppliers, partners and, where relevant, clients.
• Contribute to the development of data collection tools, such as questionnaires, discussion guides and mapping templates.
• Support data collection activities, including desk research, case-study work and evidence mapping.
• Assist with survey and research delivery tasks, including checking survey scripts, reviewing outputs, preparing country-level inputs and tracking project progress.
• Support data preparation and data wrangling, including cleaning, structuring and checking datasets.
• Carry out basic qualitative and quantitative analysis under supervision.
• Perform accuracy and consistency checks on data, tables, reports and presentations.
• Draft initial inputs for reports, short publications, presentations and other deliverables for review by senior colleagues.
• Support business development activities, including contributing to tender inputs, background research, case examples and draft text under supervision.
• Explore, where relevant, how AI tools, automation and data science methods can support research delivery and improve workflow efficiency.

Requirements

We are looking for someone who:

• Holds a university degree in a relevant field, such as economics, political science, international studies, social psychology, anthropology, sociology, statistics, data science or a related discipline.
• Has previous internship, traineeship, academic or professional experience in research, data analysis, survey research, public policy, consultancy or a related field. This would be an asset.
• Has a foundational understanding of survey and research methods.
• Has basic experience with R, Python, Excel or other tools used for data processing, checking and analysis.
• Is familiar with AI tools and large language models, for example using them to support research, analysis, coding, writing, workflow organisation or quality checks.
• Is curious about AI-supported automation, agents or similar tools, and interested in testing how they can be used responsibly in research workflows.
• Has an interest in public policy, public opinion research and applied social research.
• Is comfortable working independently on defined tasks and as part of a wider project team.
• Shows initiative, takes ownership of assigned tasks and asks for clarification when needed.
• Is detail-oriented and well organised, with good time management and the ability to manage several tasks in parallel.
• Approaches problems logically and proactively, breaking them down into manageable steps.
• Communicates clearly and confidently with colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Builds positive working relationships and contributes constructively to team discussions.
• Is proficient in English, both written and spoken. Another European language would be an asset.
• Has the unlimited right to work in the EU, not tied to student status or study duration.

What we offer

• Gross monthly salary from EUR 1,900 to EUR 2,400, depending on your experience and qualifications.
• The opportunity to work as part of the Brussels Evidence Team on meaningful research projects for public-sector and institutional clients, contributing to evidence-based policy and decision-making.
  
• Hands-on experience across the full research process, including project coordination, data collection, analysis, reporting and business development.
  
• Hybrid working model with the flexibility to work from home several days per week.
• Private health insurance.
• The opportunity to work remotely from abroad, in line with company policy.
• Additional days off as you grow with us, as well as extra personal leave days.
• Access to the Mindletic wellbeing platform.
• Regular team events and workplace initiatives.
• A modern office in the heart of Vilnius, with comfortable workspaces.
  * We will begin contacting candidates from 24 July onwards.