300 Policy and research manager jobs

We’re looking for highly organised, proactive and resilient Executive Assistant & Office Manager to provide exceptional support to our CEO and Senior Management Team and help ensure the smooth running of our Reception and Administrative Office.

This is a varied and pivotal role at the heart of a small, retirement community on a beautiful 13-acre site in South-East London (Kent/Surrey border).  You will manage the CEO’s diary and inbox, prepare papers and correspondence, support the Senior Management Team, coordinate key organisational projects, and personally deliver day-to-day office administration, including covering reception.

This role would suit an individual who thrives in a varied environment, is confident managing multiple priorities, and is willing to take a practical, hands-on approach - no two days are the same. You will anticipate needs, help drive priorities forward, and play a key role in enabling the CEO, Senior Management Team and central officer to operate effectively.

The role

• Provide proactive executive support to the CEO, including diary and inbox management, briefing preparation, correspondence and research.
• Coordinate and service Senior Management Team meetings, ensuring agendas, papers, notes and actions are well managed.
• Project manage key organisational initiatives, including policy reviews, compliance-related projects and organisational documents.
• Oversee the efficient running of the office, including reception, office systems, supplies, meeting rooms and administrative procedures.
• Support resident services administration.
• Maintain accurate records, support reporting and act as a confident user of office and CRM systems.

About you

You will have a track record of supporting senior leaders, excellent organisational skills and the confidence to manage competing priorities with discretion and sound judgement. You will be a clear communicator with a high standard of written English and strong Microsoft 365 skills.

It is important that you enjoy working in a hands-on role in a varied customer facing environment.

Further details can be found in the job description and person specification

To identify new prospects (trusts, foundations, philanthropists, corporates) to support the development and strategic objectives of The Christie Charity.

To manage post-award impact and reporting requirements of The Christie Charity and work closely with the Grants Manager, who will focus primarily on the pre-award stage of the grant life cycle.

To source and share industry information across the Charity.

The role will be instrumental in both developing and expanding our prospect pipeline, identifying new opportunities and providing high-quality research materials to support our fundraising efforts.

WHY THE CHRISTIE CHARITY?

If you want to make a real difference to cancer patients and are ready to rise to the challenge of working for one of the most successful charities in the Northwest, this role could be for you.

The Christie Charity is a vibrant, fast moving, energetic organisation with a passionate team and a fantastic reputation. This is an exciting time to join The Christie Charity as we embark on a period of transformational growth with the launch of key capital appeals enabling us to see a real step change in our income. We are looking for dynamic individuals to join our successful fundraising team at this exciting time.

We are an independent charity and everything we do is geared to supporting the renowned Christie hospital to ensure that cancer patients receive the highest level of treatment and care and have access to world leading research and technology. We provide enhanced services over and above what the NHS funds.

The Christie Charity operates from the same campus as The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.

Join Brightside and help transform the futures of young people facing barriers by securing the funding and partnerships that make life-changing mentoring possible. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious fundraiser to play a key role in growing our impact across the UK.

Brightside is the UK's leading online mentoring provider, connecting young people with relatable role models so they can make confident and informed decisions about the future. Since 2003, we've supported more than 178,000 young people and facilitated over three million messages between mentoring pairs on our safe and secure online mentoring platform.

We're looking for a talented Fundraising and Partnerships Manager to help deliver our growth ambitions. Working closely with the CEO and Senior Partnerships Manager, you'll play a key role in securing the funding and partnerships that enable Brightside to expand its reach and impact.

What you'll be doing

• Identifying funding opportunities from trusts and foundations
• Writing compelling grant applications, proposals and reports
• Building and managing a strong pipeline of prospective funders
• Supporting stewardship and relationship management with funders and partners
• Contributing to wider partnership and philanthropy activity, including prospect research and proposal development

What we're looking for

• A proven track record of securing grants from trusts and foundations
• Excellent bid-writing and written communication skills
• Experience managing fundraising pipelines and multiple deadlines
• Strong relationship-building and organisational skills
• A passion for creating opportunities for young people and strong alignment with Brightside's mission and values

Why join us?

• Remote working, with opportunities to connect in person
• Flexible working arrangements
• A friendly, ambitious and supportive team culture
• The opportunity to help more young people access the support, networks and confidence they need to succeed

For full details of the role, responsibilities, person specification, benefits and application process, please see the attached job description.

AllChild is a charity pioneering a new way of working with children and young people at the tipping point of need. Through our two-year, in-school Impact Programme, dedicated Link Workers build trusted relationships and bring together personalised support from families, schools and communities before problems escalate, helping children and young people progress socially, emotionally and academically and flourish in school and beyond.

We are seeking a Monitoring & Evaluation Manager to shape how we monitor performance, evaluate our two-year Impact Programme and use evidence to improve support for children and young people.

The Monitoring & Evaluation Manager will play a key role in strengthening AllChild’s approach to monitoring and evaluation, ensuring we generate robust evidence about programme implementation and outcomes and use it to improve our work. Reporting to the Head of Monitoring & Evaluation, they will oversee core M&E activity and support programme performance management, organisational decision-making and external reporting. They will work closely with Programme Design, Delivery, Systems and colleagues across AllChild.

We are looking for someone with strong analytical skills, excellent project management and communication, and a clear understanding of what robust, high-quality monitoring and evaluation requires. They will be confident working with complex data and solving problems, translating M&E requirements into effective systems and reporting tools, and communicating findings clearly and accurately, including what the evidence can and cannot tell us. They will line manage the M&E Officer and help build a strong M&E function that enables AllChild to understand, improve and demonstrate its impact.

For further information and to apply, please download the job pack and visit our dedicated recruitment page via the link below.

Closing date: 6 October 2026.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received, so early application is encouraged.

We recognise that candidates may use AI tools to support research and check grammar. However, we ask that all supporting statements and application responses reflect your own thoughts and experiences. Over-reliance on AI may limit our ability to assess your individual skills, critical thinking, and personal approach, which are important parts of our selection process. 

Research Programme Manager – Mental Health Advert

Contract: Fixed-term contract for 2 years (with the possibility of extension of up to a further 12 months)

Hours: 28 hours per week (FTE is 35 hours per week)

Location: London (hybrid), with occasional travel within the UK)

Salary: £52,467 (FTE £65,584)

Closing date: 23rdSeptember 2026

Interview Dates: Week Commencing 28th September (London Office)

Freedom from Torture has an exciting opportunity for a Research Programme Manager to join our team and play a central role in delivering an innovative international mental health research programme funded by a major UK research funder. The programme will explore whether artificial intelligence can safely and effectively support survivors of torture with managing distressing memories. Survivor co-design is central to the programme, ensuring that people with lived experience across diverse cultures, languages and backgrounds meaningfully shape innovation in mental health.

About us

Freedom from Torture is an established charity that has been supporting survivors of torture for over 35 years and has a dedicated donor base. We are committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based interventions for people who have survived torture. We provide therapies to improve physical and mental health, medically document torture, and offer legal and welfare support. Our clinical model has been co-designed with survivors of torture and includes a range of interventions, including trauma-focused therapy, psychotherapy, family and couple systemic psychotherapy, group work, pain management and health assessment.

In addition to our treatment services, we expose torture globally, campaign for the rights of survivors and work to hold torturing states to account. We use evidence from our services and survivor voices to influence national and international change, placing survivors at the centre of everything we do.

Our current strategy seeks to increase access to rehabilitation services for survivors of torture, strengthen our clinical excellence through research, and explore innovative models of service delivery that enable us to reach more people in need. This includes developing research partnerships and innovation opportunities that advance knowledge, improve practice and create meaningful impact for survivors. We undertake our work under our four core values of Hope, Compassion, Empowerment and Resolve. This is an exciting time to join Freedom from Torture and make a meaningful contribution to our future development.

We offer a competitive package, with a generous 30-day annual leave entitlement (pro rata), 6% employer pension contribution, and flexible and hybrid working arrangements.

About the role

This is a senior research programme management role supporting the delivery of a major externally funded health research programme involving multiple organisations, international collaborators and diverse stakeholder groups. The programme includes research involving human participants and brings together expertise from universities, charities, clinicians, researchers, technologists and people with lived experience.

A defining feature of this programme is its commitment to survivor leadership and co-design. Survivors of torture will play an active role in shaping, informing and governing the research throughout its lifecycle. The successful candidate will therefore work closely with survivor advisors, co-design groups and governance structures to support meaningful participation and ensure that lived experience perspectives are incorporated into programme decision-making, research development and delivery. This commitment to participation is central to the ethos, methodology and success of the programme.

Reporting to the Principal Investigator, the Research Programme Manager will act as the central coordination point across the consortium and will be responsible for leading programme planning, coordinating international partners, supporting governance structures, managing funder reporting and compliance, coordinating financial oversight, supporting research governance and ethics, monitoring programme risks and preparing high-quality reports and briefings for funders, governance bodies and senior stakeholders.

The successful candidate will work closely with Freedom Fron Torture colleagues across clinical services, survivor leadership and empowerment, fundraising, finance, research partners and organisational leadership to ensure successful delivery of programme objectives. This role offers a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of health research, innovation, survivor involvement and international collaboration.

About you

You will be an experienced programme or project management professional with a track record of delivering complex health research programmes. You will have experience of managing externally funded research programmes, working with major research funders, coordinating activity across multiple organisations, supporting governance structures, managing risk and assurance processes, and contributing to financial monitoring and reporting.

You will understand the importance of meaningful involvement of people with lived experience in research and service development. You will have experience of supporting inclusive engagement, co-design, consultation or participation activities and be committed to ensuring that diverse voices influence decision-making, governance and programme delivery.

You will bring excellent communication and relationship-management skills, with the ability to work confidently with academics, clinicians, funders, people with lived experience, senior organisational leaders and colleagues across different professional backgrounds. You will be organised, proactive and able to exercise sound judgement in a complex and fast-moving programme environment.

This role would particularly suit candidates from university or health providers research management, major health research funders, and mental or physical health clinicians with substantial research management experience.

In Return

In return, we offer a competitive package, with a generous 30-day annual leave entitlement, and 6% employer pension contribution (minimum 1% employee contribution).

Freedom from Torture is committed to showing the salary for all advertised roles and not negotiating salaries for roles, in light of evidence that this contributes to structural inequality.

Our policy is that all appointments will be at the start of the salary range but successful candidates will have the opportunity to move up the scale over time. The progression up the salary range is reviewed on an annual basis and subject to affordability. For this role, the salary range is £52,467 per annum to £60,861 per annum (FTE £65,584 to 76,077).

To view the Job Description and Person Specification, please click here 

Freedom from Torture is dedicated to healing and protecting people who have survived torture. We provide therapies to improve physical and mental health, we medically document torture, and we provide legal and welfare help. We expose torture globally, we fight to hold torturing states to account and we campaign for fairer treatment of torture survivors in the UK.

We campaign for national and global change, using evidence from our services and survivor voices to protect and promote survivors' rights and hold torturing states to account. We are proud to play a significant role in the global anti-torture movement. Survivors, active and empowered, are at the centre of all of our work.

Freedom from Torture is committed to its responsibilities under safeguarding and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS/PVG disclosure, as well as a full employment history and up-to-date employment references.

Freedom from Torture is an equal opportunity employer. People with lived experience of torture or asylum, from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ individuals and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please note that a CV and a cover letter addressing the Job Description and Person Specification are mandatory to be considered for this position.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications.

No agencies please.

The role

At Cruse, our strategy, sets out our charity’s plans to grow our income and build on our expertise and unique position in the sector. We provide expert bereavement and grief information and support, and our charity has been supporting people for over 65 years. We support adults, children and young people across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, through our national services, over 80 local branches and online information about grief and bereavement.

You will take the lead role in proactively researching and building a strong pipeline of opportunities, securing and growing income from charitable trusts and foundations, taking on a leadership role in working with senior external and internal stakeholders including funders and teams across the organisation to develop and submit compelling projects and proposals. The role will include the line management of the Trust and Foundation Team and ensure the creation of high-quality applications, ambitious cultivation of donors across key portfolio areas and consistent and appropriate, stewardship of funders.

How to apply

Your application must consist of a CV and covering letter, which outlines your suitability for the role with reference to the Job Description and Person Specification and should be no longer than two pages. Please note that if you application does not include both a CV and covering letter, your application may not be considered. 

The closing date for applications is 25 September 2026 with interviews taking place week commencing 5 October 2026. We reserve the right to close the advert early, as interviews will be held as suitable candidates apply.

Please be advised that if you do not hear from us by 5 October 2026, unfortunately on this occasion you have not been shortlisted.

Cruse welcomes and encourages applications from all protected groups as defined by the Equality Act 2010. Appointment will be made on merit.

Criminal Record Checks

All staff are required to complete a Criminal Record check. Staff working directly with clients will be required to complete an enhanced check. We comply with the relevant codes of practice and they can be viewed online:

Applicants in England and Wales: DBS Code of Practice

Applicants in Northern Ireland: AccessNI Code of Practice

Previous convictions will not prevent full consideration of your application to work with Cruse. Our Recruitment of Ex-offenders’ Policy & Handling Criminal Record Check Data Policy are available on request by email.

We comply with all relevant data protection legislation and process your data fairly.

We are seeking to recruit a Parliamentary and Policy Assistant to support our legislative and policy programme. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to develop a career in environmental policy while gaining first-hand experience of how Parliament and the legislative process work, and insight into the nuts and bolts of the operations of a small not-for-profit environmental organisation.

Working as part of a collaborative team, you will monitor parliamentary activity; research environmental policy; help prepare briefings and updates; support engagement with parliamentarians and stakeholders; contribute to communications; and help deliver events. No two days will be the same and you will gain broad exposure to the work of a busy policy team.

Role profile

• Monitor parliamentary activity including questions, debates, select committees, and legislation.
• Support with preparation of written briefings and other outputs, such as weekly summaries and updates.
• Undertake research on climate change, nature and other related environmental policy areas to inform legislative work, briefings and regular policy updates.
• Provide support to the legislative and policy team including through research, reviewing Hansard and logging and tracking updates 
•  Assist with data capture and entry into organisational databases.
• Support senior colleagues in preparing for meetings with parliamentarians and external stakeholders. 
• Support the delivery of the organisation's communications activity as required, including assisting with drafting website content, blogs and social media posts.
• Support the team with the delivery of parliamentary and external events and visits including venue booking, coordinating invitations, assisting with preparation of event materials and providing administration and logistical support.
• Provide day-to-day administrative support to policy and legislative colleagues, including document filing, note taking in meetings and coordination of meetings.  
• Attend parliamentary and external events to support policy research, insights and stakeholder outreach.
• Undertake ad hoc projects and tasks as required. 

Skills/experience

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds who are interested in politics and parliamentary process. More important than any particular qualifications or experience is your ability to communicate effectively; express ideas clearly and precisely in writing; manage competing priorities with a can-do attitude; and work with accuracy and attention to detail. If you are intellectually curious, proactive, and eager to develop your skills and knowledge while contributing to meaningful policy change, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Key knowledge and skills for the role include:

• Knowledge of or an interest in legislation and parliamentary processes.
• Good judgement and eagerness to develop strong political instinct
• Persuasive and clear communicator (oral and written).
• Happy to work in a fast-paced environment with a willingness to work in a flexible and agile way. 
• Team-oriented and collaborative: able to build great relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Good IT and social media skills.
• A personal commitment to climate change and environmental issues. 

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is one of the UK’s fastest growing nature conservation organisations and seeks to appoint a Fundraising Research Officer.

This is a unique opportunity to join the Fundraising Team at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, and we can’t wait to have you on board. As a member of a dynamic and fast-paced team, you’ll provide critical support in researching and mapping our internal and external networks, in addition to delivering essential work to grow the Trusts philanthropic portfolio.

A curious and inquisitive mindset is key to this role, with a desire to fact find and build connections across Yorkshire and beyond. You will have a natural skill for data processing and communication, whilst also being able to creatively interpret your findings and write reports. You will lead, develop and implement research processes and cooperate collaboratively with colleagues of all levels. You will have your finger on the pulse of fundraising sector trends and be able to provide insight in risk research, due diligence and marketing. We are a very creative and ambitious team, and so a common-sense approach to problem solving and enthusiasm are essential for success in this role.

Research skills are essential to this role, and so an undergraduate degree is required, with desired experience at postgraduate level, too.

How to apply:

Please submit an up-to-date CV and supporting statement. When writing your supporting statement, please ensure you describe your relevant knowledge, skills and experience aligned to the Person Specification within the Job Description. Please be aware that if you only submit a CV, your application may not be considered.

Please DO NOT include any personal details (name, address etc) on your supporting statement.

Closing date: Sunday 4th October at midnight

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We therefore encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Interview date: Tuesday 20th October

Please note that applications received after the closing deadline may not be considered. The Trust regrets that it is unable to give feedback on unsuccessful applications.

We want our people to flourish, just like nature, and so we are committed to creating a movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities. We value diversity and creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.

We are also a member of the Disability Confident Scheme. This means we are committed to offering an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the post. Where a post is oversubscribed (i.e. there are more candidates meeting the minimum criteria than we can offer interviews to), we will carefully balance inviting a mix of the highest scoring disabled and non-disabled applicants.

This is an exciting new role which will be integral to the organisation. Working closely with grant applicants, being primarily NHS Trust teams, the role will oversee and take ownership of the Charity’s grant-making process. The role will have responsibility for ensuring a robust grant management framework is set up and enforced across the organisation. The role will primarily focus on the pre-award stage of the grant life cycle, and work closely with the Charity’s Research and Impact Manager who will focus on the post-award stage of the grant life cycle.

This role requires a proactive individual with excellent communication and organisational skills, who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can manage multiple priorities at once. The postholder will be expected to build effective relationships with clinical, research and corporate teams across the Trust and develop a strong understanding of the projects and services for which charitable funding is sought.

The individual will need strong relationship building skills and the ability to work effectively with teams under pressure. The role would suit an experienced grants professional who can help set up future-proofed systems and processes with potential scope for expansion in the future.

WHY THE CHRISTIE CHARITY?

If you want to make a real difference to cancer patients and are ready to rise to the challenge of working for one of the most successful charities in the Northwest, this role could be for you.

The Christie Charity is a vibrant, fast moving, energetic organisation with a passionate team and a fantastic reputation. This is an exciting time to join The Christie Charity as we embark on a period of transformational growth with the launch of key capital appeals enabling us to see a real step change in our income. We are looking for dynamic individuals to join our successful fundraising team at this exciting time.

We are an independent charity and everything we do is geared to supporting the renowned Christie hospital to ensure that cancer patients receive the highest level of treatment and care and have access to world leading research and technology. We provide enhanced services over and above what the NHS funds.

The Christie Charity operates from the same campus as The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.

Ataxia UK Research Manager

This is a part-time 12 month fixed term maternity cover post 

Salary: £44,000 pa pro-rata 

Conditions: 25 days annual leave pa pro-rata (not including Bank Holidays)

5% employer contribution to a personal pension plan. 

Hours: 21 hours pw with provision for flexible working in line with Ataxia UK’s policy.  Some out of hours work may be required for which time off in lieu will be granted. 

Location: Hybrid working between home and office: Ataxia UK Office, 12 Broadbent Close, London N6 5JW.

Reporting to: Director of Research 

About Ataxia UK 

Ataxia is the umbrella term for a group of neurological conditions and Ataxia UK is the UK’s leading ataxia support and research charity. Ataxia UK collaborates with the global ataxia community through our Research team,  and we are on the board of the international non-profit association, Euro-ataxia. Our Services team focuses on helping people affected by ataxia across the UK live well with their condition. Our Helpline and Advocacy services provide information, and one-to-one support on a range of issues, while our Community Engagement services deliver activities, events and volunteering opportunities that bring the ataxia community together and help reduce isolation. 

Job Description 

Research:  

The post-holder is expected to gain an understanding of the ataxias, keep updated with developments in the ataxia research area, and liaise effectively with researchers and other stakeholders. 

Research Grants Programme:

• To support the Director of Research in implementing Ataxia UK’s research strategy 

• To manage the Research Communications Officer in implementing the peer review process (e.g. by identifying/ liaising with peer reviewers and keeping a database of potential peer reviewers) 

• To support the Scientific Advisory Committee by attending meetings, and manage the Research Communications Officer providing papers and writing minutes 

• To liaise with researchers funded by Ataxia UK

Global collaborations: 

• To represent Ataxia UK or stand in for the Director of Research on research projects (eg: representing the patient perspective) 

• To manage the meetings of the Pharma Strategy Advisory Group 

• To support the Director of Research in working with pharmaceutical and biotech companies to advance ataxia research 

• To assist the Director of Research in other research related-initiatives where required 

Research communication: 

• To manage the Research Communications officer in communications to people affected by ataxia (via Ataxia UK’s magazine, e-newsletter and website) 

• To represent Ataxia UK at ataxia meetings/conferences, write reports and do oral presentations 

• To assist in the organisation of Ataxia UK’s Research conferences 

• To make presentations to communicate research advances to people with ataxia and their families at Ataxia UK’s conferences

Support for people with ataxia: 

• To support Ataxia UK’s Helpline team to respond to research enquiries from people with ataxia 

• To manage Ataxia UK’s Internal Ethics Committee 

Improving healthcare:

• To coordinate annual reviews of current Ataxia Centres, and accreditation reviews of new Ataxia Centres 

• To coordinate the Ataxia Grand Rounds programme 

• To manage the updating of Ataxia UK’s Medical Guidelines and similar publications 

• To support the Director of Research in the development of new projects and policy work aimed at improving the healthcare of people with ataxia as required

Other: 

• Participate in supervision, and staff meetings as required 

• Undertake professional development and training 

• To manage the Research Communications Officer

• Comply with the data protection regulations, ensuring that information on clients, supporters, employees and volunteers remains confidential

• Implement Ataxia UK’s health and safety policy and procedures, ensuring that all practices and procedures are undertaken in accordance with a healthy and safe working environment and that all staff and volunteers for whom you may be responsible are aware of their responsibilities in respect of their role, monitoring data and recommending action as required 

• Administer and organise own work to ensure that it is accurate and meets quality targets, agreed deadlines and reporting requirements 

• Take responsibility for personal learning, training and development, and support the learning and development of others and the whole organisation 

• Work to embed a culture of inclusion and collaboration, within and beyond Ataxia UK 

Note: This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time it was drawn up. Such duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post. Ataxia UK reserves the right to update the Job Description from time to time to reflect these changes in or to the post after consultation about any proposed changes. 

Person specification 

Qualifications and experience 

• Degree and higher degree in a relevant biological science or in medicine (PhD desirable) 

• Experience of working in a research environment, in a hospital or for a medical research charity

Essential Skills  

• Ability to write clear, concise, accurate English

• Ability to communicate effectively with both researchers and lay people 

• Ability to do oral presentations to large audiences

• Ability to work independently

• Excellent organisational skills

• Ability to use Microsoft Office packages

• Ability to maintain databases and generate reports

Perspectives  

• Support for the ethical use of animals in medical research and human embryonic stem cell research 

• Commitment to diversity and inclusion and knowledge and understanding of the barriers faced by people with a disability 

Personal qualities 

• Flexible approach to work 

• Adaptable to changing working hours to support work with international partners

• Willing to travel nationally and internationally with overnight stays 

Benefits of working for us 

• 25 days annual leave pro rata (rising to 30 with a length of service) 

• Extra holiday day for your birthday 

• Access to a free Employee Assistance Programme & Employee Hotline 

• Flexible hybrid working 

• Pension scheme 

• Enhanced maternity and co-parental leave 

• Cycle to work scheme 

• Training and development opportunities 

Accredited Living Wage Employer

Starting Salary: £44,766 - £48,225 (including London weighting) 

Contract: Permanent 

Location: UK, Hybrid working with a minimum of 40% of your time in theLondon Office 

Job Profile

This role will lead CAFOD’s policy and advocacy work aimed at tackling the global climate crisis. The post holder will have a solid understanding of debates around climate change, in particular how it impacts climate-vulnerable countries in the Global South. You will bring knowledge of the causes of the climate crisis, and its solutions, particularly global financing needs. Working closely with CAFOD’s overseas partners, and within UK and global networks, this role will hold policy expertise on behalf of the organisation. This will involve developing policy positions and representing the organisation externally. The role will work closely with CAFOD’s government relations and campaigns colleagues to lobby decision-makers and mobilise supporters as part of our climate justice work. Sitting within the Advocacy, Policy & Campaigns team, the role is managed by the head of department.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading the development and delivery of CAFOD’s global climate justice advocacy strategy 

• Working in partnership with UK and global organisations to develop evidence‑based policy positions 

• Influencing UK, regional and global policy debates on climate change 

• Representing CAFOD in coalitions, to decision makers, in church networks and at international forums 

• Writing policy briefings, reports and communication outputs 

• Building relationships with external stakeholders and decision makers and UK and global levels 

• Ensuring advocacy is grounded in strong analysis, partner experience and a commitment to social and environmental justice 

• Supporting advocacy work of partners and global networks on debt cancellation and financial system reform 

• Providing strategic and technical advice across the organisation 

• Any other relevant duties reasonably required

Person Specification 

1. Strong background working in climate policy and/or international development policy 

1. Excellent analytical and research skills and an understanding of how to form strategic policy positions

1. Experience of developing strategic advocacy plans 

1. Experience of lobbying decision makers 

1. Background working with partners and coalitions, both in the UK and overseas 

1. Excellent written and verbal communication skills

CAFOD is a welcoming, supportive workplace committed to a safe, inclusive culture where everyone is respected.CAFODwill make reasonable adjustments at every stage of the recruitment process to ensure candidates with disabilities or individual needs are fully supported. 

Safeguarding for Children and Vulnerable Adults 

CAFOD recognises the personal dignity and rights of children and vulnerable adults, towards whom it has a special responsibility and a duty of care and respect. CAFOD, and all its staff and volunteers, undertake to do all in our power to create a safe environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults and to prevent their physical, sexual or emotional abuse. CAFOD is committed to acting at all times in the best interests of children and vulnerable adults, seeing these interests as paramount. Any candidate offered a job with CAFOD will be expected to adhere to CAFOD’s Safeguarding policy and sign CAFOD’s Code of Behaviour as an appendix to their contract of employment and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these documents.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references, and appropriate screening checks can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. CAFOD also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures. 

We are seeking x3 Place Impact Researchers: supporting North Essex, South Essex or South West Essex, as well as thematic Essex wide programmes. 

Active Essex Foundation is a successful and growing charity dedicated to creating the conditions for young people and communities across Essex to thrive. Our work focuses on three core areas: improving young people’s mental health, reducing vulnerabilities to youth crime and exploitation, and strengthening communities through trusted relationships and positive engagement. We collaborate with a network of over 100 community organisations and local partners to design and deliver programmes that use physical activity, mentoring and community support as tools to build resilience, improve wellbeing and reduce inequalities. Everything we do is shaped by the real experiences of the people we serve, ensuring our interventions are meaningful, accessible and rooted in what communities tell us they need.

These roles will be embedded within Active Essex.  Active Essex is the strategic partnership for physical activity and sport across Greater Essex, working with local authorities, health partners, voluntary sector organisations and communities to create the conditions for active lives. Through a place-based approach, Active Essex brings together insight, evidence and local collaboration to tackle inequalities and improve health and wellbeing outcomes.

The Place Impact Researcher will gather, analyse and apply insight, research and evaluation evidence to support programmes, partnerships and place-based activity. The postholder will work closely with delivery teams, communities, partners and funders to demonstrate impact and turn learning into action. The ideal candidate will bring strong relationship-building skills and experience of working collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders. They should demonstrate a track record of delivering impactful projects or initiatives at local or county level, applying a systems approach to complex community issues, and using strengths-based methods to build resilience and capacity within local organisations.

Place Impact Researchers will be professionally aligned to the Insight & Evaluation Team for methodology, quality assurance and development, whilst receiving operational direction from their specialist area. This approach ensures strong local integration whilst maintaining consistent research standards.

Policy has the power to change lives – do you have the engine to drive meaningful change forward?

Bring your policy expertise, political insight and energy to help MCR Pathways transform opportunities for young people across the UK.

We’re looking for a highly driven Senior UK Policy & Public Affairs Officer to help advance our mission to bridge the education, skills and opportunity gap through the transformative power of mentoring. You’ll monitor the political landscape, turn evidence and impact into compelling policy arguments, build influential relationships and identify opportunities to put mentoring at the heart of national and regional agendas.

From Westminster and Holyrood to local and combined authorities, you’ll help build the case for change, champion the Trusted Adult Guarantee and support MCR Pathways’ continued expansion across the UK.

The Role Experience

This is a hands-on policy and public affairs role that goes well beyond monitoring what’s happening in government. You’ll be immersed in the UK political and policy landscape, identifying opportunities to influence, developing policy briefings and submissions, mapping stakeholders and cultivating relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, civil servants and strategic partners.

You’ll also be the operational engine behind senior leadership engagement. You’ll identify and progress opportunities, coordinate preparation, develop briefings, arrange meetings and drive follow-up – enabling our CEO, Development Director and other senior leaders to lead high-level engagement and representation with key policymakers and stakeholders.

Turn insight and lived experience into influence. Help make the power of mentoring a national priority.

What You’ll Bring:

• Policy & Public Affairs: Proven experience in policy, public affairs or parliamentary work, with a strong understanding of UK political systems and policy-making.

• Influencing & Relationships: The ability to map political landscapes, build strategic relationships and identify opportunities to influence policymakers and decision-makers.

• Evidence & Advocacy: Exceptional written and analytical skills, with the ability to turn complex evidence, impact data and operational experience into compelling policy arguments.

• Strategic & Operational Drive: A proactive approach, able to spot opportunities, coordinate activity and ensure high-quality preparation and follow-through for senior engagement.

• Collaboration & Purpose: A highly collaborative approach and genuine commitment to improving outcomes and opportunities for young people facing barriers to reaching their potential.

Safeguarding

MCR Pathways is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people, and we expect you to share this commitment. This post is subject to appropriate vetting, including a criminal record check and PVG / DBS Scheme membership.

About MCR Pathways

MCR Pathways is an award-winning mentoring programme delivered in schools, further education settings and communities. We connect young people with trusted adult volunteer mentors, providing consistent guidance to help build confidence, self-belief and ambition. Through this support, young people can overcome barriers and progress towards positive destinations such as further education, apprenticeships and employment.

You will have autonomy and will need to help guide the team, shape priorities, and will be working closely with Foundation colleagues delivery partners, funders and communities, the postholder will lead on the collection, analysis and communication of evidence to demonstrate impact, improve delivery and inform future investment decisions. This role will work closely with the Impact Manager and Sport for Development Officer. 

The role will support a range of programmes including: 

• Sport and Life Skills 

• Young People's Mental Health and Wellbeing 

• Youth Crime Prevention

• Community Development and Strengthening Communities 

• Other Foundation-funded programmes and initiatives 

The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring that learning and evidence are translated into action, helping Active Essex Foundation maximise its impact and continuously improve its programmes. You will be a self starter with strong motivation to drive the work.

Active Essex Foundation is a successful and growing charity dedicated to creating the conditions for young people and communities across Essex to thrive. Our work focuses on three core areas: improving young people’s mental health, reducing vulnerabilities to youth crime and exploitation, and strengthening communities through trusted relationships and positive engagement. We collaborate with a network of over 100 community organisations and local partners to design and deliver programmes that use physical activity, mentoring and community support as tools to build resilience, improve wellbeing and reduce inequalities. Everything we do is shaped by the real experiences of the people we serve, ensuring our interventions are meaningful, accessible and rooted in what communities tell us they need.

The AEF Impact Leadwill operate within a matrix management structure.Professional line management, technical supervision and quality assurance will be provided by the Impact Manager and Intelligence Manager within the Insight & Evaluation Team.

Operational direction and programme priorities will be provided by the AEF Operations & Development Manager and the 3 AEF Project Managers ensuring the role is fully embedded within Foundation activity. The post holder will require relationship building and negotiation skills to work with AEF team to scope the priorities and the work required whilst maintaining consistent research and evaluation standards across Active Essex.