Policy and Research Officer

Policy and Research Officer

This exciting role covers both legal and policy work with real scope to develop professional skills and make a tangible impact. It would suit someone who is legally and analytically minded, who is also interested in reducing destitution by influencing Home Office policy and practice.

ASAP’s policy work emerges from evidence gathered from our appeals work and our Advice Line, ASAN and training work. We focus on the quality of Home Office decisions on asylum support, including whether they are lawful, as well as access to justice through the appeals system. As such, our policy work always has a legal slant. We carry out our policy work through discussions with officials, and where necessary parliamentary work and strategic litigation.

The role includes:

1. Legal Advice - The post-holder will represent destitute people seeking asylum at the AST as well as offering advice to other advisers via ASAP’s second-tier Advice Line.
2. Policy and Research - Working closely with colleagues, the post-holder will:

• Look for emerging trends emanating from ASAP’s legal work to support the development of external policy positions;
• Alongside colleagues in the policy team, undertake in-depth research based on this analysis;
• Assist the Policy and Research Manager to engage with the Home Office, the AST and other stakeholders to influence improvements to policy and practice

       3. Monitoring: the post-holder is responsible for collating and analysing operational data from our appeals and Advice Line work. This is used to inform policy and operational decisions. They will also assist the Policy and Research Manager with the transition to a new database which we are in the process of acquiring.

You will:

• Have strong communication skills, with the ability to explain legal concepts clearly and confidently to a range of audiences.
• Be legally minded, with a strong interest in the law and how it can be used to challenge injustice and uphold rights.
• Have an aptitude for interpreting data and presenting information in an accessible way.
• Have a good understanding of the asylum support system — ideally gained through direct advice work or closely related experience.
• Be a collaborative team player who enjoys working closely with others in a small, supportive team.

You do not need to be legally qualified, but you do need enthusiasm for legal work and a commitment to using the law as a tool for positive change.

You’ll be joining a small, friendly and supportive organisation where colleagues work closely together and value learning, collaboration and mutual support.

Closing date for applications by: midnight on Sunday 5th July

Face to face interviews will be held in London on Thursday 16th July