What does a research secretary in an interest organization do? – Tasks and work environment
A research secretary in an interest organization is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and presenting information that supports the organization's interests and influence. Tasks often include preparing reports, participating in consultation processes, drafting opinions, and monitoring societal developments in relevant areas. The work is usually carried out in close collaboration with colleagues from different departments, experts, and external partners. The environment is typically office-based, and the pace can be high, especially around political announcements or when handling important consultations. Research secretaries often work in larger cities where many national interest organizations are headquartered, and the work environment is characterized by analytical tasks, meetings, and deadlines.
Salary development over time
The salary for research secretaries in interest organizations has shown a steady upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,200 SEK per month, which increased to 44 700 SEK in 2023 and now reaches 46 500 SEK in 2024. This represents a salary increase of approximately 7.6% over a three-year period. Contributing factors include increased demand for qualified analysts in civil society, and interest organizations competing for talent with the public sector and private industry. Gender pay gaps have not decreased significantly, and women still earn 93% of men's salaries in the profession. The trend indicates that the profession continues to be highly valued, but there is room for further gender equality efforts.
Research secretary in an interest organization – salary and statistics
- Average salary: 46 500 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 30,200 SEK/month (woman, government sector, less than 9 years of education)
- Highest salary: 60,200 SEK/month (man, municipal sector, postgraduate education)
- Hourly wage: 280 SEK
- Women earn: 45 300 SEK/month (93% of men's salary)
- Men earn: 48 800 SEK/month
Many research secretaries in interest organizations have the opportunity to influence societal issues at the national level and develop a broad network within politics, business, and civil society. It is a profession where communication skills and social engagement often weigh as heavily as analytical competence.
Education and qualifications
To work as a research secretary in an interest organization, a university degree in fields such as political science, law, economics, or social sciences is usually required. Many employers seek experience in investigative work, project management, or policy analysis. Internships, trainee positions, and relevant courses can be advantageous, and there are often opportunities to supplement with specialized courses or online training.
- Academic degree: Political science, law, economics, or social sciences (3–5 years)
- Internship/trainee: Meritorious at larger interest organizations
- Relevant courses: Policy analysis, project management, communication
- Prerequisites: Often a bachelor's degree, sometimes master's or postgraduate
- Online courses: Common within analysis and investigative methods
Common benefits and compensations
Research secretaries in interest organizations are often offered collective agreements, occupational pensions, wellness allowances, and options for flexible working hours or remote work. Other benefits can include skill development, subsidized lunches, extra vacation days, and opportunities to participate in networking events or conferences.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as research secretaries in interest organizations is moderate, as the profession requires both specialized skills and experience in investigative work. Many applicants hold advanced degrees and broad work experience. Challenges often involve managing complex societal issues, a rapidly changing political landscape, and high demands for analytical skills. Additionally, there is a need to communicate complex information to different target groups and work under tight deadlines. The industry's development is also influenced by the overall economic climate and shifting political priorities.
Tips for aspiring research secretaries in interest organizations
To succeed as a research secretary in an interest organization, it is beneficial to combine analytical skills with a strong societal commitment. Developing good writing and communication skills during studies provides an advantage in report writing and dialogue with decision-makers. Precision and the ability to handle large amounts of information are crucial, so practicing source criticism and information retrieval is recommended. Building networks through internships or voluntary engagement offers insight into the industry’s work and can open doors to future employment. Flexibility and the ability to work under pressure are valued by employers, especially during periods with many consultations or political announcements. Finally, being solution-oriented and interested in societal issues is an advantage, as the role often involves identifying improvement opportunities and influencing decisions.
Key facts about research secretaries in interest organizations
- Education level: University or college degree (bachelor/master)
- Work environment: Office-based, often in larger cities
- Demand: Moderate, 758 available jobs in the profession
- Work form: Full-time, sometimes options for remote work
- Gender salary gap: Women earn 93% of men's salary
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a research secretary in an interest organization, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as investigative manager, policy manager, or project manager. Some choose to specialize in a specific issue area or move into leadership positions within the organization. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that the opportunities for employment in the profession of planner and investigator are considered moderate nationally, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. The overall recruitment situation is characterized by balance, meaning the labor market is neither oversaturated nor lacking in skills. Competence in analysis, communication, and project management increases the chances for advancement and greater responsibility.
Frequently asked questions about research secretaries in interest organizations
- What does a research secretary in an interest organization earn?
- The average salary is 46 500 SEK per month, with variation between 30,200 SEK and 60,200 SEK depending on experience, education, and sector.
- What are the gender differences in salary?
- Women earn an average of 45 300 SEK per month, which corresponds to 93% of men's salary of 48 800 SEK.
- What education is required to become a research secretary in an interest organization?
- Usually, a university degree in political science, law, economics, or social sciences is required.
- What are the job responsibilities of a research secretary?
- Responsibilities include investigative work, report writing, policy analysis, and participation in consultation processes.
- What is the job market like for this profession?
- The job market is considered balanced with moderate opportunities and approximately 758 available jobs within the profession.
- Are there regional salary differences?
- Salary levels may vary depending on the region, but most positions are located in larger cities where interest organizations are based.
- What career options are available after a few years in the profession?
- It is possible to advance to investigative manager, policy manager, project manager, or other leadership roles within the organization.
