Prospect Research Officer

ActionAid UK is a member of the ActionAid Federation, an international charity that works with women and girls living in poverty. We work with our partners and dedicated staff in 43 countries to end violence and fight poverty so that all women, everywhere, can create the future they want.

Are you a keen advocate of women and girls’ rights in emergencies? Could you work with our Philanthropy & Partnerships to provide prospect research, supporter insights and ethical assessments? Are you ready to put your research skills to work for a cause that truly matters? Then we’d love to hear from you!

ActionAid UK is looking for a passionate and detail-driven Prospect Research Officer to help power our mission to achieve social justice, gender equality, and poverty eradication. You’ll be right at the heart of our Philanthropy & Partnerships team, uncovering opportunities that fuel transformative global change. This is more than just a research role - it’s an exciting chance to become a vital part of how we build meaningful relationships with high-value donors, trusts, foundations, and corporate partners.

Using your analytical skills and curiosity, you’ll dig into data, investigate potential supporters, and surface the insights our fundraisers need to connect with those ready to make a difference. Your work will directly shape the way we approach engagement, by identifying new avenues for support and helping to build ethically sound, carefully vetted donor pipelines. You’ll support the team in maintaining high standards of compliance and use of our Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, while also contributing fresh thinking to how we use insight and intelligence across our fundraising strategies.

We are seeking someone with experience of prospect research in a high-value fundraising context, experience, knowledge and understanding of prospect research methods, standards, criteria and tools as well as producing evidenced and persuasive research briefings. Joining our Philanthropy & Partnerships team, you'll help us find new funding opportunities and improve our understanding of current supporters. The role will work across our high value funding streams, including in major gifts, trusts and foundations and companies.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate a proven track record of completing high quality research quickly and accurately using a variety of research resources. They will have well developed communication and presentation skills and are comfortable using databases. If you’re someone who thrives on discovery, has a sharp eye for detail, and wants to use your talents to support bold, feminist-driven change, this is your opportunity. You’ll be joining a dynamic and collaborative team committed to pushing boundaries, fostering equity, and championing the rights of women and girls across the globe.

Make your work matter—apply now to become ActionAid UK’s Prospect Research Officer.

Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate will be asked to participate in criminal records checks at the point of offer.

Diversity, equality, inclusion and belonging: Diversity, inclusion and belonging are key to our organisational culture. We are on a journey to become not only an anti-racist organisation but one that proudly celebrates the diversity of all applicants and employees. We look forward to you bringing your full self to work, proudly sharing your unique perspective and helping us to shape our combined future. We especially welcome applications from those from under-represented/marginalised communities.

AAUK is a Disability Confident Committed organisation and as such any candidate that declares a disability will be shortlisted for interview if they meet the essential criteria for the role.

Referencing and safeguarding: All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include safeguarding, criminal records and terrorism finance checks. By submitting an application the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures. ActionAid UK is committed to preventing any form of sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse (including child abuse and adult at-risk abuse) and responding robustly when these harms take place. We expect all ActionAid UK staff and ActionAid UK representatives to share this commitment. We will not tolerate our staff or other representatives carrying out any form of sexual harassment, exploitation or abuse towards anyone we come into contact with through our work.

Working practices: ActionAid is committed to supporting flexible working. If you would like to discuss flexible working options, including the possibility of a job share for this role, there will be space to do so during the interview process. ActionAid UK has a hybrid working policy for many of our roles. The requirement will vary from team to team and the responsibilities of individual roles. As a minimum, all colleagues are expected to attend the office 12 days per year, plus additional time for induction, training, and company connection days. Some roles may require in-office attendance on all days and if so, these will clearly be marked as in-office roles. Please note that ActionAid UK does not offer fully remote working options. We encourage you to discuss hybrid working expectations at interview.

Recruitment processes: Please note that ActionAid UK may review, shortlist and interview candidates prior to the closing date so we encourage all candidates to apply as soon as possible. If we receive a very high response, we may close the vacancy early and will not accept further submissions.

Equality, diversity and inclusion at ActionAid: ActionAid UK is absolutely committed to providing equal and inclusive opportunities for everyone regardless of their background. We value diversity and lived experience, and acknowledge the underrepresentation of people from certain backgrounds, both within our organisation and across the sector. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic people; people with disabilities; people from the LGBTQIA+ community; and for senior positions, applications from women. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive working environment where all employees and volunteers feel respected and supported in fulfilling their potential.

If you have any questions or concerns about applying for a role at ActionAid, please contact us.