Researcher, Women's Homelessness & Systems Improvement

Are you passionate about using research to create lasting social change? Simon Community is seeking a dedicated Researcher to lead an exciting two-year project focused on improving how systems identify and respond to women at risk of chronic homelessness across Northern Ireland.

Working at the intersection of research, service delivery and system change, you will deliver a qualitative, trauma-informed research programme that generates practical insights to inform better outcomes for women experiencing homelessness. You will collaborate with frontline services, policymakers, researchers and women with lived experience to influence improvement across housing, health and support systems.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced qualitative researcher who wants to see their work make a tangible difference, translating evidence into action and supporting meaningful change for some of the most vulnerable women in society.
​​​​​
​​​​​​​Please note: Due to the nature of the service provided, applications are invited from women only. This is a genuine occupational requirement in accordance with Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010.

Salary: £35,976 - £39,463 (Scale Points 33-37)
Location: Hybrid working based in Belfast City Centre
Contract: Fixed Term, 24 Months | 35 Hours per Week​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​Interviews: Due to take place on Thursday 3rd September 2026

Main Responsibilities

• Design and deliver a qualitative research programme focused on women experiencing, or at risk of, chronic homelessness.
• Conduct in-depth interviews and longitudinal research to better understand women's experiences of homelessness and system interaction.
• Analyse complex qualitative data to identify patterns, risk factors and opportunities for earlier intervention. 
• Collaborate with housing, health and voluntary sector partners to develop and test practical service improvements.
• Translate research findings into clear recommendations, reports, briefings and policy-focused outputs. 
• Support learning, innovation and system change through stakeholder engagement, workshops and knowledge-sharing activities. 
• Ensure all research activity is ethical, trauma-informed and grounded in lived experience.