Jobs

Prospectus is delighted to be supporting our client - the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - in seeking a Policy Programmes Lead to join the Public Policy Team, providing key support in the strategy and delivery of the organisation'spublic policy programmes.

The Policy Programmes Lead works closely with the Head of Public Policy and members of the Public Policy Team building strong working relationships with colleagues across the organisation, its fellowship, and its wider network of stakeholders and strategic partners. The Public Policy Team is a growing team, with strong ambitions to improve the UK policy ecosystem in a way that is championing its SHAPE disciplines, knowledge and expertise.

Joining a collaborative team and working on the basis of mutual trust and responsibility you will be a key component on driving evidence-based policy across environment and sustainability including the organisation's Sustainable Futures work programme.  The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker, able to plan and deliver complex projects across a range of challenging policy areas, being able to manage people and resources within them carefully and effectively.

You will bring a strong understanding of the landscape of UK public policy, ideally with a specific knowledge and interest in policy on environment, climate, and sustainability. You will be able to apply your knowledge to engage and influence a range of stakeholders within the policy ecosystem. You will thrive in a fast-paced and creative working culture, where professionalism and innovation work hand-in-hand.

Please apply in the first instance and we will contact suitable candidates for further conversations.  Interviews will take place in person on 7th and 8th July.  If you are not going to be available for an in person interview on these dates, please make this clear within your application.

Our client welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds, in line with a commitment to create a diverse and inclusive working environment, promote equal opportunity, and address under-representation. They make reasonable adjustments to support disabled job applicants and offer an interview to those meeting the selection criteria.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process, then please contact Catherine Bunting at Prospectus.

Our client is one of the world’s leading humanitarian organisations working to save lives and build safer futures for communities affected by conflict. Through work in mine action, disarmament and post-conflict recovery, they help people reclaim land, rebuild livelihoods and move forward with safety and dignity.

At a time of profound geopolitical change, shifting donor priorities and increasing humanitarian need, they are creating a new Executive Director, External Affairs role to strengthen the organisation’s global influence, visibility, partnerships and long-term sustainability.

Executive Director, External Affairs

UK/International/Hybrid with regular travel

C. £110,000, with flexibility depending on location

Reporting to the CEO and serving as a member of the Executive Team, this role will bring together policy, advocacy, strategic partnerships, media, communications, philanthropy and income diversification into one coherent external affairs directorate. It is a significant opportunity to shape how the organisation is understood, supported and positioned globally across governments, multilateral institutions, philanthropy, civil society, security and defence audiences, and emerging funding markets.

The Executive Director, External Affairs will lead the organisation’s global voice and external positioning, ensuring the organisation speaks with clarity, authority and impact. They will build high-level partnerships, open new doors, diversify income, strengthen thought leadership and help articulate the relevance of the organisation’s work to humanitarian, security, stabilisation and recovery agendas, while safeguarding the organisation’s humanitarian principles and values.

We are seeking an exceptional senior leader with a strong track record in external affairs, policy, advocacy, partnerships, strategic communications or income generation within a complex international environment. You will bring credibility with senior stakeholders, the judgement to navigate sensitive geopolitical and reputational issues, and the ability to lead experienced, multi-disciplinary teams.

This is a rare opportunity to take on a newly created executive role at the heart of a globally respected organisation, helping ensure the organisation remains influential, sustainable and future-ready in a rapidly changing world.

Closing date: 25.6.26

Preliminary Interviews: 6-9.7.26

Final Interviews and assessments: From 14.7.26

To learn more about the opportunity and recruitment process, please follow the link below for the full appointment brief.