Policy manager jobs

£48,175 per year
Hybrid London (regular travel to London required 3-4 times per month with flexibility to attend events and meetings)
35 hours per week
Permanent

We're looking for a confident Policy Manager, with at least four years' experience, to lead RNIB's policy work across key areas affecting blind and partially sighted people.

In this role, you will manage your own policy area while overseeing the delivery of impactful, evidence-based policy that influences decision-makers and drives real change. You'll line manage a team of Policy Leads, providing clear strategic direction, supporting their development and ensuring consistent, high-quality output.

Working closely with colleagues across campaigns, public affairs and social action, you'll oversee the development of policy positions, influencing plans, briefings and reports rooted in robust evidence, lived experience and insight. You'll champion the meaningful involvement of blind and partially sighted people in our policy development and ensure RNIB speaks with one clear, authoritative voice.

You'll identify opportunities to influence at national and local levels, contribute to strategic planning, and act as an RNIB spokesperson, helping to build our profile and thought leadership across your policy areas.

To succeed in this role, you will be: 

• A strategic policy expert - Experienced in shaping public policy and leading impactful campaigns that bring about real change. 

• Passionate about inclusion - Deeply aware of the challenges faced by disabled people and committed to ensuring their voices are at the heart of policy development. 

• A confident communicator - Skilled at turning complex data and ideas into clear, compelling reports, briefings, and messages tailored to different audiences. 

• A strong collaborative leader - Able to lead, develop and inspire a team, build strong relationships across the organisation, and work in partnership to achieve shared goals. 

• Organised and delivery-focused - Comfortable managing multiple projects, setting priorities, and delivering high-quality work to tight deadlines. 

• An influential advocate - Ready to build connections with colleagues, stakeholders and decision-makers, and represent RNIB with clarity, credibility and passion.

What We Offer

RNIB prides itself on being a great place to work with a positive, progressive culture. We offer a wide range of benefits including 27 days of holiday per year (plus bank holidays) which rises with service, enhanced family friendly benefits, a contributory pension scheme with an employer contribution of up to 11% and a rewards platform with employee discounts across over 800 retailers.

For more information on our available benefits, please visit our .

How to Apply

If you'd like to apply for this opportunity, please apply online, uploading your CV and supporting statement, telling us how you meet the essential criteria in the person specification. Please note, applications without a supporting statement will not be considered.

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

Salary: Grade C - £35,860 to £39,429

Hours: 37 hours per week. We also welcome applications from candidates seeking part-time working and are open to discussing how the role can be structured to support this.

Location: The Union, Manchester Metropolitan University

Eligibility: Eligible to work in the UK

This is a brilliant opportunity for someone who thrives on momentum, clarity and making things happen. As Project Manager (Policy), you’ll be right at the centre of The Union’s student voice work: turning insight into actions and ideas into real change. You’ll manage the day‑to‑day running of the student voice programme, keeping plates spinning, projects moving and people aligned. Whether that’s planning meetings, tracking actions, managing risks or turning priorities into clearly scoped, outcome‑focused projects. If you love bringing order to complexity and enjoy seeing plans come to life, you’ll feel right at home.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Highly organised, with strong project management skills and attention to detail
• Confident managing multiple priorities and keeping complex workstreams moving
• Skilled at turning insight into clear, actionable plans
• An excellent communicator, able to produce concise and compelling briefings
• Collaborative and relationship-focused, with the ability to work across teams and with partners
• Curious, proactive and motivated to make a real difference for students

Why join us?

• Be part of a purpose-driven organisation at the centre of student life
• Work in a role where your impact is visible and meaningful
• Collaborate with passionate colleagues and student leaders
• Enjoy variety, autonomy and opportunities to shape how we work

Closing Date: 9:00am Thursday 18th June 2026

Interview Date: Tuesday 30th June or Wednesday 1st July

For over 60 years the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) has been building a better childhood for all.

Research and Policy Manager
Contract: Fixed-term, 24-months
Work Pattern: Full Time, 35 hours per week (1.0 FTE) (We are open to flexible hours and working patterns, including accommodating part-time and compressed hours (0.8 FTE) where possible).
Salary: £40,855 per annum
Location: Northern Ireland. (NCB promotes a hybrid, flexible way of working with 2 days working in the Belfast BT15 office).

The Vacancy

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Research and Policy Manager to make a significant contribution to the design, delivery and management of research and evidence projects at NCB, and to ensure that this evidence is used to influence national policy development and decision making.

The postholder will work across a range of projects, bring research and policy development and influencing together on topics including social care and the transition to adulthood; education; mental health & wellbeing; child poverty; youth violence and early years.

About NCB

For more than 60 years, the National Children’s Bureau has championed the rights and amplified the voice of children and young people in the UK. We interrogate policy and uncover evidence, blending in lived and learnt experience to shape future legislation and develop more effective ways of supporting children and families.

Bringing people and organisations together is fundamental to how we improve the systems that babies, children, young people and their families rely on to thrive. We push boundaries, even looking beyond childhood itself to consider transitions into adulthood and the impact of childhood issues on an entire lifespan. We are united for better childhoods and brighter futures.

The Benefits

• 30 Days Annual Leave
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible Working
• Winter Holiday Closure & Break
• Employee Assistance Programme

Closing date: 08:00am, Wednesday 10th June 2026.
Assessment and interviews to be conducted on 23rd and 24th June 2026.
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We are actively seeking to broaden the diversity of our staff group and warmly welcome applications from candidates underrepresented in the charity sector, including those from Black and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with lived experience of the issues NCB works on.

No agencies please.

We are Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking.

We want to create a nation where walking is the natural choice for everyday, local journeys; free from congested roads and pollution, reducing the risk of preventable illnesses and social isolation. We want to achieve a better walking environment and to inspire people of all generations to walk and wheel more.

As we approach our centenary in 2029, this is a pivotal moment for Living Streets. We’re expanding our influence and shaping the future of transport, health, and planning policy across the UK—and we’re looking for a Public Affairs and Policy Manager to help lead that work.

This is a new and high-impact role. You’ll design and deliver an ambitious advocacy strategy aligned to our organisational goals, strengthen our stakeholder relationships and play a central role in influencing government policy. From devolution to public health and urban planning, your work will help drive meaningful, lasting change.

In this role, you will:

·Develop and deliver a compelling public affairs and advocacy strategy.

·Build and manage relationships with key political and sector stakeholders.

·Lead influencing activity across Westminster, devolved governments, and local decision-makers.

·Oversee the development of policy on transport, health and planning.

·Align policy and campaigns to maximise impact.

We’re looking for someone with strong public affairs experience, sound political judgement, and a track record of influencing change. You’ll be proactive, strategic, and comfortable working in a fast-moving environment.

If you’re ready to use your skills to shape policy and create healthier, more walkable communities, we’d love to hear from you.

Living Streets is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk; and expects all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants may be subject to background and criminal record checks as relevant to the job role.

Location: UK Homebased and located in nations or regions outside London

Closing date: 31 May 2026 midnight

Interview date: w/c 8 June 2026

PLEASE NOTE: We can only consider applications from candidates who currently have the right to work in the UK. 

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a sufficient number of applications. We therefore encourage interested candidates to submit their application as early as possible.

Living Streets is committed to being an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.