Senior Policy and Research Manager

About Malaria No More UK

We exist to end malaria, together. Malaria is preventable and treatable — yet a child still dies every minute from this disease. At Malaria No More UK (MNMUK), we refuse to accept this. Through targeted influencing communications, bold partnerships and political advocacy, we mobilise the leadership, funding and innovation needed to end malaria. We work to protect G7 ODA budgets for malaria and unlock new financing opportunities that accelerate progress toward a malaria-free world.

At a time of uncertainty for international development and malaria financing, this work has never been more vital. The future of the malaria fight is being shaped now — and with the right leadership, creativity and advocacy, we can secure the investment needed to end malaria in our lifetime, saving lives and unlocking billions in shared growth and prosperity

Job summary

The Senior Policy and Research Manager will play a central role in building MNMUK’s advocacy arguments both globally and within the UK. The postholder will lead MNMUK’s flagship research projects, developing and commissioning new research, managing consultants, writing compelling reports and supporting the team with widespread dissemination across donor markets and media.

We are looking for someone who has demonstrable experience of developing, commissioning and interpreting qualitative and quantitative data/research, and who has had experience of working in a team to translate evidence and policy into advocacy arguments and media outputs. We are looking for a confident communicator (especially in written form) with strong project management skills and attention to detail.

Key responsibilities

Research and evidence management

·       Lead the development, commissioning and project management of quality research, data and insight projects to build advocacy arguments and drive news media coverage

·       Lead on generating evidence, insights and research, including analysis of existing data (evidence reviews/secondary analysis) and primary quantitative/qualitative research

·       Drive sustainable, well accepted processes to ensure the organisation uses up to date and accurate statistics and messaging

·       Monitor updates in malaria science and research, keeping MNMUK aware of key developments

·       Develop subject expertise on malaria, global health research and development and new financing (World Bank IDA, philanthropy, blended finance)

Campaign and media support

·       Write compelling reports, briefings and inquiry submissions for politicians and policymakers, and work with colleagues to provide support on similar documents.

·       Work closely with the media team to develop the content needed to deliver supportive news coverage (both in the UK and globally)

·       Support the development of policy and campaign propositions across our MNMUK’ work (including innovation/science of malaria tools and financing opportunities for global health)

·       Present policy arguments and findings for internal and external audiences in a clear and compelling way

Partner relationship management

·       Develop and manage relationships with key partners in the fields of scientific research e.g. LSHTM and global health bodies e.g. Gavi, the vaccine alliance

·       Occasional travel may be required to Africa and/ or Europe, sometimes at short notice.

Qualifications, skills and experience

Essential

Experience

·       Significant experience of using policy and research to drive advocacy, policy or communication strategies and campaigns (globally or within the UK)

·       Significant experience of developing /commissioning research and managing consultants

·       Significant experience of supporting the development of impactful news media products (including media stories and press trips)

·       Experience writing reports, briefings and consultation responses for political audiences

·       Evidence of successful relationship building and partnership working

·       Strong project management and organisational skills

Knowledge

·       Understanding of key international development issues and debates

·       Knowledge of relevant research methods and how to apply them

Skills

·       Strong quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills

·       Strong copywriting skills – able to translate complex content into language the public and media can be motivated by

·       Stakeholder management and relationship building skills

·       Attention to detail

Desirable

·       Experience working on malaria or global health

·       Academic background in international development / global health / malaria or a related field

·       Experience working in matrixed or cross-functional organisational structures

·       Knowledge of World Bank financing structures

·       Knowledge of AI tools for research processes

·       Experience of working with a range of senior stakeholders

What we offer

·       A collaborative, creative and mission-driven team culture

·       Hybrid working

·       10% employer pension contribution

·       28 days holiday plus bank holidays and organisation-wide closure over the Christmas period to ensure everyone enjoys a meaningful break

·       Opportunities for learning and development