Head of policy jobs

About us

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is a neutral, independent organisation ensuring humanitarian protection and assistance for people affected by armed conflict and other violence. The Regional Delegation for the UK and Ireland engages with the British and Irish Governments on matters of humanitarian concern, builds support for the ICRC’s global operations and furthers understanding of international humanitarian law (IHL). The Delegation also maintains a close relationship with the British and Irish Red Cross Societies.

Our Diversity Commitment

ICRC celebrates diversity and we strive to make inclusion part of what we do every day.  We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills, free from discrimination and we are committed to creating a diverse, multicultural environment.

Applicants with protected characteristics are strongly encouraged to apply.

About the role

The Head of Policy and Humanitarian Affairs manages a small dynamic team based in London, who take the lead, as requested, on the delivery of relevant strategies in the UK and Ireland, the main objectives of which are twofold: (i) to contribute towards enabling ICRC action to protect and assist people affected by armed conflict (AC) and other situations of violence; (ii) to influence the debate and secure improved decision-making on issues relevant to conflict, humanitarian action and international humanitarian law.

Reporting to and working as adviser to the ICRC Head of Delegation (advising as well his  deputy), the Head of Policy and Humanitarian Affairs develops and oversees the implementation of the delegation’s policy and humanitarian affairs strategy in the UK and Ireland, ensuring it is in line with the ICRC’s overall strategy. He/she is a member of ICRC’s global network of policy and humanitarian advisors, interacting regularly with the Policy and Humanitarian Diplomacy Divisions/Units at headquarters as well as with delegations around the world, thus contributing to policy formulation and ICRC’s humanitarian diplomacy. 

He/she works closely with the British Red Cross and Irish Red Cross ensuring optimal impact of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement’s policy and humanitarian diplomacy objectives.

This is an outward facing job as he/she represents the ICRC with the authorities and the wider humanitarian sector in the.

Person specification (qualifications, skills & experience required)

Essential

• Master’s degree in a relevant subject or equivalent experience;
• Extensive experience in humanitarian policy advocacy, diplomacy, conflict analysis and/or a relevant policy position (indicative is 10+ years);
• Proven ability to conduct and clearly communicate political and geopolitical analysis to inform UK policy influencing and guide strategy;
• Proven experience engaging with or supporting parliamentary activity, including select committees, the legislative process and broader cross-party stakeholder engagement;
• Knowledge and experience of working with government departments, as well as humanitarian/development organizations and think tanks;
• Proven experience of developing strong and extensive stakeholder networks and delivering high-impact influencing strategies;
• Excellent written and spoken English. French or other second language a plus;
• People management and leadership experience;
• Confirmed analytical, negotiation and presentation skills;

Desirable:

• Prior field experience with the ICRC or another humanitarian/development organization;
• Experience relating to emerging and new technologies used in modern warfare. For example: AI, autonomous systems, cyber capabilities, drones data systems and digital surveillance technologies and their impact on civilians;
• Experience of working with or within the UK security, defence, intelligence or national security sector;
• Understanding of IHL and centrality of protection to humanitarian action.

Further Details

This post is part of a job share and will be offered as part-time (21 hours/ 3 days per week) resident appointment based in our London office. The appointment will be offered on an open-ended contract from the beginning of September 2026 (or as soon as a start date is feasible).

The Head of Policy post receives a salary at C2 ICRC London grade and it will be pro-rata for this 3 day part time role (60% FTE); the salary below is indicative for the full time equivalent (100%)

(the final salary upon offer will be dependent on previous experience and relevant qualifications of the successful candidate):

ANNUAL BASE SALARY £ (GBP)

Humanitarian Affairs Coordinator C2

Tier 1               Tier 2                Tier 3

Min      Max      Min      Max       Min         Max

84,213 96,010 96,010 112,541 112,541 131,431

We currently operate on a hybrid office/homework basis, and there is an option to work from home for part of the week.

​

Application Process

This is a call for expression of interest and the closing date for applications will be midnight on Sunday the 14th of June 2026.

Interviews will take place on Monday the 29th and Tuesday the 30th of June 2026. Successful applicants will be invited to attend a panel interview.

To apply please follow this link to complete the application form.

Please note that we will not be able to assess speculative CVs, unless accompanied by a completed application form as per the guidance in the link above.

Please address any questions to the delegation’s HR Manager, Aris Magkoutis (see details in the application form).

ICRC has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to work in the UK.

National Officer Head of Policy

Location: Cardiff

Salary: Grade 9 £71,816 per annum rising incrementally to £74,672 per annum

The TUC is looking for someone who has experience in motivational leadership and management, and has:

• A good understanding of good practical industrial relations
• Competent advocacy and interpersonal skills with an ability to communicate effectively with a range of organisations and individuals including Government Ministers, civil servants, employer organisations and other key stakeholders
• An understanding of trade union structures, political and campaigning experience
• Strong analytical skills and political judgement, with the confidence and ability to respond quickly to fast moving events and changing contexts
• Knowledge and understanding of current key issues in Wales and the UK more broadly around employment, the economy, society, trade unionism and politics

In this role you’ll be working with unions and other organisations to deliver TUC Cymru priorities and will take the lead on building and maintaining effective relationships with elected representatives, advisors and civil servants across political parties.  As well as having excellent interpersonal skills, the successful candidate will also need to demonstrate they can operate confidently in a political environment, influence decision‑makers and represent TUC Cymru with authority. You’ll also work closely with the General Secretary and senior leadership team.

We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate:

A strong personal commitment to equality and diversity and the aims and values of TUC Cymru

Excellent organisational, planning and time management skills

The ability to act as a confident spokesperson, with outstanding written, digital and verbal communication skills

An understanding of trade union values, campaigns and structures

The ability to work collaboratively with senior leaders, unions and partner organisations

If this is you, then look at our job description and person specification.

We are particularly keen to receive applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BME) applicants who are underrepresented in this part of the TUC but also welcome applications from any candidate.

If you’re BME and considering applying for the post, we will invite you to join an online briefing at 12:00 on Tuesday 2 June 2026 to hear about the role and the TUC as an employer.  To register for the briefing, please email jobs @ tuc .org .uk by no later than 12:00 on Thursday 28 May 2026.  You don’t need to attend the briefing session to apply for this position.

Staff enjoy a good benefits package including final salary pension scheme and other benefits.

The TUC operates an anonymised recruitment process names are not included during shortlisting.  We don’t ask for the names of educational institutions you’ve attended.  

The closing date for applications for this post is 12 noon on 8 June 2027.

First round interviews will be conducted in person at the TUC Cymru Office, 1 Cathedral Road, Cardiff CF11 9SD on 19 June 2026, and second round interviews will be held in Congress House, Great in London date TBC.

Closing date: 8th June 2026 (12PM)

Shortlist date: 9th June 2026

Interview date: 19th June 2026

Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We have embarked on our 10-year strategy for ending homelessness. We know it is not inevitable. We know together we can end it.

About us

Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We know that homelessness is not inevitable. We know that together we can end it.

This is an extremely exciting time to join the team, as we anticipate the implementation of new homelessness legislation that holds the potential to be world leading and seek to develop relationships with the newly elected Senedd and Welsh Government.

You will lead our agenda in Wales to achieve positive and lasting change to end homelessness. This is an extremely exciting time to join the team, as the Wales Government introduces homelessness prevention legislation that will be world leading.

Location: Crisis Skylight South Wales, 163 St Helens Road, Swansea, SA14DQ. Option of hybrid working from home (minimum 1 day a week in the Skylight) with the ability to travel across Wales and within the UK for training and meetings.

Contract: Fixed term up to 11 months (available as a secondment)

Salary: £57,452 per annum

About the role

As Head of Policy and Communications in Wales you will lead a team working across policy, public affairs and communications to deliver the changes needed to address homelessness in Wales. After the formation of a new government in Wales, this role will be working closely with politicians, government officials, sector leads, and people with lived experience of homelessness to ensure Crisis’ goal of ending all forms of homelessness in Wales is a priority and bring about the changes needed to meet this goal.

About you

To be successful in this role you will have excellent knowledge and experience of developing and securing policy change at a national government level and raising the profile of an organisation through advocacy and strategic communications.

Ideally you will have experience across policy, public affairs and media work, and excel at building stakeholder relations. You will be an experienced spokesperson and understand how to communicate policy matters in a simple and concise way. You will have understanding and knowledge of developing policy and influencing objectives informed by frontline staff and working with people with lived experience of an issue and staff.

Please see the full Job Pack linked below, for a full list of requirements for this role. We realise that long lists of criteria can be daunting, and you may not want to apply for a role unless you feel 100% qualified. However, if you feel you have relevant examples to answer the screening questions, we encourage you to apply.

We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities and backgrounds.

Working at Crisis

Our values, Bold, Impactful, Collaborative and Equitable, are at the heart of everything we do as we continue in our mission to end homelessness.

Our staff, members and volunteers are vital to getting the right government policies in place, providing breakthrough services, and building a supportive community. We’ll lead by example to nurture a positive and ambitious workplace guided by ending homelessness.

As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including:

• A competitive salary. Please note our salaries are fixed to counter inequity and we do not negotiate at offer stage
• Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy
• Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5%
• 28 days’ annual leave (pro rata) which increases with service to 31 days and the option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave
• Flexible working around the core hours 10am-4pm
• And more! (Full list of benefits available on website)

Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience and career.

When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.

When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.

How do I apply?

Please click on the 'Apply for Job' button below. Our shortlisting process is anonymised as part of our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We do not ask for CVs, instead we ask you complete the work history section and answer the screening questions for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively. At least two members of staff score all applications.

Closing date: Sunday 14th June at 23:59

Interview date and location: Friday 26th June, in-person at Crisis Skylight South Wales, 163 St Helens Road, Swansea, SA1 4DQ

AI in Job Applications

We understand some candidates use AI tools when applying. Whilst we welcome the use of technology to support clear communication and structure, we want to learn more about you, so please ensure that your application reflects your own skills, knowledge and experiences.

Accessibility

We want our recruitment process to be as accessible as possible. If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please contact our Talent Acquisition team to discuss how we can help.

For more information about our work please visit

@Crisis_Cymru on Instagram

@CrisisWales on X

Crisis Skylight South Wales on Facebook

Registered Charity Numbers: E&W1082947, SC040094