Policy research jobs

About the role

Are you someone who enjoys working with others and making a difference by supporting a dynamic team? If you're looking for a role where no two days are the same, with exposure to a range of different work and people, this opportunity at the Nuffield Trust could be perfect for you.

You may have prior experience in an administrative assistant role, perhaps in a policy communications, operations or stakeholder engagement team. More importantly, you will have logistical management skills; exceptional attention to detail; problem-solving abilities; and strong interpersonal skills. You'll need to smoothly manage competing priorities with flexibility, diligence, and a friendly demeanour.

This role presents an exciting chance for someone with these relevant skills to immerse themselves in the realm of public policy and research. If you're eager to develop your skills and grow in a supportive and dynamic environment, we encourage you to apply.

You’ll spend your time:

• Supporting the Communications & External Affairs Team by organising meetings, assisting with event planning, updating stakeholder databases and coordinating social media content with the Media & Public Affairs Manager
• Providing administrative assistance to the Director of Communications & External Affairs, including diary management and travel arrangements.
• Supporting the Operations Team with a range of administrative tasks including processing invoices, supporting recruitment and onboarding, maintaining IT archives and contributing to larger team projects as needed.
• Coordinating the Trust’s internal operating committees including risk steering, IT and data strategy groups.

We’d really like to meet you if you:

• Enjoy variety in your work and are adept at multitasking
• Work calmly under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Demonstrate first-rate organisational skills and the ability to plan ahead and prioritise multiple tasks effectively in order to meet deadlines.
• Have strong IT skills, particularly Microsoft Office.

About us

The Nuffield Trust is an independent health think tank. We aim to improve the quality of health care and health policy in the UK by providing evidence-based research and policy analysis and informing and generating debate.

Benefits

The Trust offers a competitive benefits package including a defined contribution pension scheme (with 14% employer contribution), death in service insurance, and an Employee Assistance Programme. Eligible employees also have access to a number of other benefits including interest-free travel loans, a cycle to work scheme, and enhanced carers, maternity, paternity and parental leave and pay. We operate a hybrid working policy and flexible start/finish times around core hours of 10am to 3pm. Due to the nature of this role, we expect 50–60% attendance in the office (typically Tuesday-Thursday) to assist with relevant on-site activities.

Annual leave is 28 days per year. This rises to 30 days per year on completion of 5 years’ service with the Trust. All Annual leave is calculated pro rata for part time positions.

The Trust also encourages personal development and training programmes for all employees.

How to apply

To learn more about the role, please download a copy of the Candidate Brief.

To apply, please go to The Nuffield Trust Recruitment site and complete the online application process before midnight on Friday 12 September.

Please include a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role, highlighting in particular your experience of managing a large and varied workload from a range of colleagues and stakeholders.

When preparing your application, please bear the following in mind with respect to the use of AI. The Nuffield Trust values authenticity and wants to understand your unique experiences, perspective, and personality. We acknowledge that AI can be used to refine responses, but this should not replace your own thinking. It is your unique style and experiences that will make your application stand out.

Equal opportunities

The Nuffield Trust is committed to being an equal opportunities employer. We wish to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and appointed solely on their suitability for the post irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

The diversity monitoring questions in the application form are optional and will not be shared with the selection panel. The selection panel will only have access to your CV and your responses to the application questions.

Offers of employment will be conditional upon the receipt of two satisfactory references. Applicants must also have the right to work in the UK. For further information please visit the UKVI website.

Reasonable travel expenses to attend an interview can be claimed.

Strictly no agencies.

We're looking for a self-starter who thinks strategically about their relationships and communication approaches, constantly identifying innovative ways to engage and influence stakeholders. You will be confident and experienced with working with a wide range of audiences from policy makers, other charities, and companies.

The policy and public affairs manager will lead on policy development and influencing at Autistica, the UK’s leading autism research and campaigning charity. This role sits within the external affairs team and will support the organisation to communicate the latest evidence and build the relationships that will ensure that the charity achieves their 2030 Goals to enable autistic people to live happy, healthy and long lives.

The perfect candidate will have experience of:

• Working in a policy role and influencing national policy
• Working within a charity or non-profit organisation
• Building and managing strategic relationships and developing partnerships
• Working with research data to develop recommendations

Do you believe that it is possible to change the rules of the economy so that it works better for people and planet? Are you driven by a commitment to make the UK more equitable, sustainable and democratic? Are you an expert in social policy? If so, we have the job for you.

For 40 years NEF has turned bold ideas, robust research and community power into real-world change to build a new economy that works for people and planet. At this critical moment in global and domestic politics, we are looking for someone to head up our social policy team, leading visionary flagship programmes on public service reform, housing and social security. NEF has always been a pioneer of cutting-edge research, big ideas and effective campaigning. We work at the interface between economic, social and environmental policy and we are looking for a Head of Social Policy that can help us push this frontier. 

Working with a talented team of researchers and economists, directors and other heads, you will develop a strategy to steer NEF’s social policy work, lead the development of and fundraising for programmes of research, policy and influencing and help ensure new and existing work delivers clear, high quality and rigorous outputs and outcomes.

You will need a strong track record of leading research, policy development, a keen sense of how change happens and strong relationships with partners across politics, civil society, trade unions and business. And you will need a passion for economic, social and environmental justice and a belief that we can make change happen.

Role: Head of Social Policy

Hours of work: Full Time

NEF operates a Shorter Working Week, with a full-time equivalent of 32 hours per week. As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant, which can be discussed at interview stage.

Salary range: £56,477 to £68,268, depending on qualifications and experience

Location: London (in-office min two days per week)

Contract type: permanent

Responsible to: Deputy Chief Executive

The Head of Social Policy leads the development of our thinking across public service reform, social security and housing.  This role develops - and is responsible for the effective delivery of a NEF-wide social policy strategy and of projects that are delivering on this strategy.  The Head of Social Policy acts as a key spokesperson for NEF and promotes our work at a local, regional and national level.

As NEF has a particular strategic focus on transforming the way policy is made so that it better reflects the lived experience of the people, communities and movements that most need change, we look to heads across our different themes to help develop and test new approaches to policy and advocacy.

The Head of Social Policy generates project ideas, oversees the development of quantitative and qualitative research, leads funding bids and manages day-to-day funder relationships.  This role leads a team which both develops our thinking on social policy and provides expertise to other teams at NEF.

 Deadline for applications: midnight on 14th September 2025

Interviews: 23rd and 25th September 2025

Start date: ASAP

To apply, please send your CV and Covering letter (no longer than 2 pages) outlining how you meet the person specification in Word format.

Please also complete the Equality and Diversity monitoring from.

You must be eligible to work in the UK, we are unable to sponsor visas.

NEF is committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone regardless of their background. We acknowledge that people from certain backgrounds are under-represented in research and policy making and we’re committed to doing what we can to correct this. We are particularly keen to receive applications from black, asian and minority ethnic people; people with disabilities; people who identify as being LGTBQIA; people who have a mental health condition; and people who identify as working class or have done so in the past. We are also aware that many highly capable prospective candidates nonetheless rule themselves out of work in research and policy because they underestimate their own ability to do the role. With this in mind, we strongly encourage applications from anyone who is prepared to learn and grow on the job and would like to stress that past experience of working in think tanks is not required.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.  We make use of positive action to select between candidates of equal merit as a way to address under-representation in our workforce.

NEF believes in diversity

Registered charity number 1055254

The Research Team is pivotal to ensuring that research funded by Children with Cancer UK is at the
forefront of the children and young person’s cancer research area. You will have the opportunity to be at
the cutting edge of cancer research in children and young people and work closely with members of the
scientific community, surrounded by people working towards the same mission.
The post-holder will be responsible for line managing 2-3 members of the Research Team, providing them
with support and identifying areas and opportunities for them to expand and develop their experience
and skillset.

Company Description

Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end-of-life charity. We are the largest non-NHS provider of end-of-life care in the UK, the only provider across all 4 nations, delivering community nursing and hospice care across the country, while providing information and support on all aspects of dying, death, and bereavement. Our leading research pushes the boundaries of what we know about good end of life, and our campaigns fight for a world where everyone gets to have the best possible quality of life while living with an illness, they’re likely to die from.

Job Description

You’ll join Marie Curie’s Policy and Public Affairs team in our Research & Policy Directorate, working alongside passionate colleagues across the UK to champion better palliative and end of life care. We collaborate with governments, the NHS, social care, the voluntary sector, researchers, and people with lived experience to deliver lasting change.

In this strategic role, you will shape Marie Curie’s policy platform for palliative and end of life care, using evidence from research and practice to drive systemic change. Your work will influence government, health, and social care policy at national and local levels - helping to ensure that everyone who needs palliative care can access it, regardless of who they are or where they live.

You will be responsible for: 

• Leading the development of evidence-based policy positions to improve access, quality, and sustainability of palliative and end-of-life care.
• Analysing complex policy developments, identifying opportunities to influence at national and local levels.
• Building and managing strategic relationships with policymakers, sector leaders, and other key stakeholders.
• Acting as a spokesperson for Marie Curie, representing the charity in the media, at conferences, and in political forums.
• Working with research teams to shape policy-relevant research and ensure findings are used to inform decision-making.
• Designing and manage strategic programmes of work, ensuring delivery on time, within scope, and with measurable impact.

Key Criteria:

• Proven experience of leading impactful policy change in palliative and end-of-life care, health, or social care.
• Demonstrable ability to use research and practice evidence for policy development and influencing.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex issues clearly and persuasively.
• Political astuteness and proven policy influencing skills.
• Experience designing and managing strategic programmes of work.
• Understanding of health and social care systems and policy-making processes.
• Commitment to advocate for equity and equality.

Please see the full job description .

Additional Information

Application & Interview Process

• As part of your online application, you will be asked for a CV and supplementary information about your motivation and relevant experience. Please review both the advert and job description and outline your skills, experience and knowledge for the role.
• Closing date for applications: 7 September 2025

Salary: £45,000-50,000 per annum (+ £3,500 London Allowance if applicable)

Contract: Permanent, full-time (35 hours per week)

Based: Hybrid. You can work from anywhere within the UK, with regular travel to the London office as required.

Benefits you’ll LOVE:

• Flexible working. We’re happy to discuss flexible working at the interview stage.
• 25 days annual leave (exclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Marie Curie Group Personal Pension Scheme (we will match your contribution up to 7.5%)
• Loan schemes for bikes; computers and season tickets
• Continuous professional development opportunities.
• Industry-leading training programmes
• Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programmes
• Enhanced bereavement, family friendly and sickness benefits
• Access to Blue Light Card membership
• Subsidised Eye Care

Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work. We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.

We are committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

We're happy to accommodate any requests for reasonable adjustments. Please email any requests to [email protected]

The Youth Endowment Fund  

Research Lead

Reports to: Assistant Director of Research

Salary: £55,000 

Contract: 2 years fixed term  

Location: Central London, Hybrid*  

Closing date: September 10th 12 pm

Interviews: 22nd September 2025 

We’re here to prevent children and young people becoming involved in violence. We do this by finding out what works and building a movement to put this knowledge into practice.  

• The Research Lead will lead our interpretation and communication of YEF’s evaluation reports. This is at the very core of YEF’s mission and strategy. You’ll ensure all our evaluation reports are clearly and accurately communicated and have the maximum possible impact on policy and practice. 

• Scope, commission, and appoint research teams to deliver YEF research projects including reviews of practice in YEF’s priority sector areas. This is a fantastic opportunity to use YEF’s endowment to fund high quality and impactful research.

• Act as the Research Team’s Methodological Lead and lead training for the YEF Research Team on a range of topics including research methods.

• To Apply 

• To apply, please send a CV, a cover letter (including the examples requested in the job description below) and complete the monitoring form. You can submit your application by clicking on the "Apply for this" button on uur website by 12:00pm Wednesday 10th September 2025.  

Part-time, 21 hours per week

Fixed-term contract for 12 months

Are you passionate about research and learning, and ensuring marginalised communities are able to access effective global health services and development programmes? Do you want to be instrumental in ending one of the world’s most ancient diseases? Are you able to walk alongside our partners, across Africa and Asia, offering compassion and technical support, as they strive to transform the lives of some of the world’s most marginalised people?

Today, one person every two minutes is diagnosed with leprosy. It’s a disease of poverty, striking the most vulnerable. Left untreated, it causes permanent disability. Stigma means that people affected by this disease are often rejected by those closest to them and excluded from basic services. 

The Leprosy Mission Great Britain (TLMGB) is a leading international Christian development organisation with over 150 years’ experience and is part of The Leprosy Mission worldwide family. TLMGB serves the poorest of the poor in 9 countries, raising funds and developing partner capacity to provide life-changing healthcare, training and job opportunities for people who have been excluded and rejected.

Within our dynamic programmes team, you’ll be working alongside supportive colleagues who are passionate about ending leprosy and transforming lives. We have a culture of learning and growing together ensuring excellence in all we do.

You will have at least two years’ work experience in either the not for profit or research sectors and have experience of coordinating cross-team initiatives, project cycle management and donor reporting. You will have monitoring, evaluation and research skills, with the capacity to work on your own initiative and will be an excellent cross-cultural communicator.

We are particularly interested to hear from people with expertise in disability services, basic science, public health, research, quality assurance, or social enterprise development. You will serve as the liaison between TLMGB and research partners and coordinate the reporting processes, ensuring KPI data is up to date, analysed and reported on.

In addition, you will facilitate TLMGB’s knowledge production, learning and dissemination processes.

TLMGB has a zero-tolerance approach to any harm to, or exploitation of, our beneficiaries, staff and communities we come into contact with. Recruitment to roles within TLMGB includes, in particular, criminal record checks and the collection of relevant references. A criminal record will not necessarily bar you from joining us as an employee; this will depend on the circumstances of any offences. In addition, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a work health assessment questionnaire.

We are committed to diversity and welcome applications from appropriately qualified candidates from all sections of the community who have a right to work in the UK.

To apply and for more information on this role and the work of TLMGB, please visit our website.

Closing date: 9am on Wednesday 17 September 2025.

Pre-liminary interviews (via Zoom): Date to be agreed.

In-person interviews (Peterborough office): Thursday 9 October 2025.

We may close the vacancy early depending on the numbers of applicants. To avoid disappointment, please apply early.

Registered Charity number: 1050327.

Do you believe the economy can be changed to serve people and planet? Are you passionate about bold ideas, environmental justice and sustainability? Do you want to take the next step in your research career, leading projects and shaping policy? If so, we’d love to hear from you.

For 40 years, NEF has turned big ideas, rigorous research and community power into real-world change. At this critical moment in politics, we’re looking for a Researcher (Environment & Net Zero) to join our economy and environment team.

Working with a talented group of economists and researchers, you will design, manage and deliver high-quality research projects across energy, climate, transport and wider decarbonisation. You’ll create datasets, carry out quantitative and qualitative analysis, and develop policy proposals that are creative, evidence-based and workable. You’ll also contribute to consultancy commissions, support fundraising bids, and represent NEF externally in meetings, media and public platforms such as blogs, podcasts and videos.

We’re looking for someone with a degree (or equivalent experience) in environmental economics, climate change, sustainability, public policy or a related field; strong research and quantitative skills (Excel and ideally Stata, R or Python); excellent writing and communication ability, and 3–5 years of relevant experience. Just as important is curiosity, creativity, good organisation, and a commitment to building a fairer, greener economy.

Role: Researcher (Environment & Net Zero)
Hours of work: Full Time (32 hours per week under NEF’s Shorter Working Week)
Salary range: £42,868 - £45,850
Location: London/South East (in-office minimum two days per week)
Contract type: Permanent

How to apply

Deadline for applications: midnight, 28th September2025
Interviews: w/c 6th October 2025
Start date: ASAP

To apply, please send your CV and responses (in Word format) to the following three questions:

1. Tell us about one piece of environmental or economic research that has influenced your thinking. What did you take away from it, and how would you apply it to NEF’s work? (200 words max)
2. Share an example of when you disagreed with a policy position or research conclusion. How did you approach it, and what did you learn? (200 words max)
3. Describe a dataset you have worked with (academic, work-based, or self-initiated). What question did you investigate, and how did you approach the analysis? (250 words max)

Please also complete the Equality and Diversity monitoring form.

You must be eligible to work in the UK, as we are unable to sponsor visas.

NEF is committed to equal opportunities, and we particularly welcome applications from people under-represented in research and policy — including Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates; disabled people; LGBTQIA candidates; people with mental health conditions; and those from working class backgrounds. We also strongly encourage applications from anyone who is prepared to learn and grow on the job, and stress that past think tank experience is not required.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.

£49,000 per annum

Fixed Term – 1 year (until September 2026, with possible extension)

Part home/Part office (Edinburgh) based (with some travel to the London office)

UNICEF ensures more of the world’s children are vaccinated, educated and protected than any other organisation. We have done more to influence laws and policies to help protect children than anyone else. We get things done. And we’re not going to stop until the world is a safe place for all our children.

This is a great opportunity to join the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) as a Senior Policy Adviser for the Devolved Nations.

Based in our office in Edinburgh, the Senior Policy Adviser for the Devolved Nations will lead UNICEF UK’s policy work for children across Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with a primary initial focus on Scotland. The role will identify opportunities to uphold and advance child rights under devolution, including the development of key policy asks and influencing strategies, that are aligned with the context for each country.

You will undertake policy research and analysis while collaborating with colleagues in the UNICEF UK Advocacy Department, the Scotland team and partners in the devolved nations to deliver compelling and impactful advocacy targeted towards the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland Governments. You will have experience of working on child rights issues in the UK, developing policies and translating these into meaningful change through advocacy that is tailored for the devolved nations.

Act now and visit the website via the apply button to apply online.

Closing date: 9am, Thursday 11 September 2025.

First Round Interview date: Wednesday 24 / Thursday 25 September 2025.

In return, we offer:

· excellent pay and benefits (including flexible working, generous annual leave and pension, big brand discounts and wellbeing tools)

· outstanding training and learning opportunities and the support to flourish in your role

· an open culture and workplace with colleagues who share our values, enjoy their work and are motivated to do their utmost for children.

· the opportunity to work in a leading children’s organisation making a difference to children around the world

Our application process: We use a system called "Applied" that anonymises your responses and focuses on your actual skills that are relevant to this role. This benefits you by giving you a greater chance of expressing your skills in this objective selection process.

We anticipate most colleagues will work one or two days a week in the office at UNICEF UK, 121 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4YN and the rest of the time from home.  We will happily discuss other flexible options to suit your circumstances.

We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates, disabled candidates, and from men, because we would like to increase the representation of these groups at this level at UNICEF UK. We want to do this because we know greater diversity will lead to even greater results for children.

UNICEF UK promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We make employment decisions by matching business needs with skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

We welcome a conversation about your flexible working requirements, personal growth, and promoting a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

The successful candidate will be required to apply for a criminal records check. A criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with us. This will depend on the nature of the role and the circumstances of your offences.

We only accept online applications as this saves us money, making more funds available for us to help ensure children’s rights.

If you require support in completing the online form or an application form in an alternative format, please contact the Supporter Care line during office hours.

If you do not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. Please note that we only provide feedback to shortlisted candidates.

Registered Charity Nos. 1072612 (England and Wales) SC043677 (Scotland)

Work at the very heart of the Big Issue and Lord Bird’s fight to end poverty.
 
Lord John Bird - cross bench peer, founder and Editor-in-chief of the Big Issue and committed campaigner in the fight to end poverty - is looking for a highly motivated individual to support his work in and around parliament, enabling the smooth running of his parliamentary office, support his work on the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, facilitate parliamentary interventions, manage parliamentary events, and accompany him to meetings.
 
This is a role with real impact. Based in Lord Bird’s Westminster office you will also work closely with the team at the Big Issue Group (based in Finsbury Park) to develop and build policy and media opportunities.
 
You will be a self-starter with previous Parliamentary experience - with an understanding of political advocacy, parliamentary processes and the ability to work across party boundaries, be a clear and confident communicator, have strong demonstrable research skills and possess an understanding and passion for the work of the Big Issue Group and Lord Bird.
 
For a full list of key responsibilities and tasks, cores skills and experiences required as well as a background to the Big Issue Group and a full list of Staff Benefits - please see the Job Pack below.
 
Salary and Benefits offered

• Salary - £30,000 - £35,000 per annum - for full time.
• Incremental holiday entitlement starting at 25 days per year plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part time staff) plus paid leave to care for a sick child or grandchild and a sick or elderly relation
• Company Sick Pay
• Enhanced contribution to our workplace pension
• Enhanced maternity pay
• Training and development opportunities including an open learning library and management training schemes
• Health benefits include life cover, a health cash plan scheme which provides access to counselling and a range of therapies
• Access to Blue Light Card benefits scheme.
• Please note that we reserve the right to review and amend our staff benefits and they do not form part of any contract of employment

Workplace details
 
This role is based at Lord Birds Westminster office 3 to 4 days per week and the Big Issue Groups Head Office at Finsbury park. Regular travel will also be required when accompanying Lord Bird to meetings.
 
Closing date - 05th September 2025 (23:59pm) - Interviews and shortlisting may take place before the advertised closing date so please apply asap.
 
Big Issue Group is striving towards Equal Opportunities. We particularly welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in our sector, such as women in senior roles, and people with disabilities and from Black and Minority Ethnic communities.
 
Since 1991, the Big Issue has fought poverty by creating opportunities and supporting people to take control of their lives. Over time our organisation has grown and now the Big Issue Group consists of the Big Issue Media Ltd, Big Issue Invest Ltd, our social investment arm, and Big Issue Impact Ltd.
 
REF-223522

To be part of the team responsible for the administration of the multi-million-pound response mode funding programme for discovery cancer research.

Reporting to the Research Funding Manager, to assist with the processing of funding applications, their review by external experts and the charity’s Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC), the administration and financial management of the resulting awards.

About the role and what we’re looking for

What will you be doing?

· Supporting applicants from all over the world to bring us their new ideas in cancer research by providing guidance in a timely manner. You’ll receive and process discovery cancer research funding applications, ensuring validity and completeness.  

· Leading on the expert peer review process. You’ll identify appropriate expert reviewers to ensure that the charity receives high quality, independent review advice to inform funding decisions.

· Managing funded grants. You’ll build relationships with grantholders and process change requests to best serve the science of our funded awards.

· Working with partner organisations.  You’ll collaborate with our research partners to manage co-funded projects as well as providing funding information for internal and external purposes. 

· Demonstrating our values. As a Curestarter, you’ll demonstrate our values every day - curious, united, real, entrepreneurial and spirited – as you help bring about our vision that no life is cut short by cancer.

What are we looking for?

· With a higher degree in a biomedical related field, you have excellent scientific understanding of molecular and cell biology as well as a broad knowledge of cancer research.

· You have a good understanding of research funding processes, particularly peer review and conflicts of interest.

· You’re a collaborative person who works respectfully in a diverse team of experts to deliver work that makes an impact.

· As a detailed planner and organiser, you thrive on deadlines and feel confident prioritising your time across multiple, concurrent projects.

Do you believe the economy can be changed to serve people and planet? Are you passionate about bold ideas, economic justice and sustainability? Do you want to kickstart your career in economic research and policy? If so, we’d love to hear from you.

For 40 years, NEF has turned big ideas, rigorous research and community power into real-world change. At this critical moment in politics, we’re looking for an Assistant Researcher (Economist track) to join our economy and environment team.

Working with a talented group of economists and researchers, you will contribute to high-quality research and policy development across areas such as macroeconomics, finance, labour markets, energy, transport and local economies. You’ll help create datasets, draft reports and blogs, support fundraising bids, and translate complex ideas into clear, accessible insights that shape public debate. You’ll also play a role in project delivery, administration and building networks across politics, academia, civil society and business.

We’re looking for someone with a degree (or equivalent experience) in economics or a related field, strong research and data skills, and the ability to write clearly for different audiences. Some coding or statistical software experience (Stata, R, Python) would be an advantage. Just as important is curiosity, creativity, good organisation, and a commitment to building a fairer, greener economy.

Hours of work: Full Time (32 hours per week under NEF’s Shorter Working Week)
Salary range: £37,149 - £41,377
Location: London/South East (in-office min two days per week)
Contract type: Permanent

How to apply

Deadline for applications: midday, 17th September 2025
Interviews: w/c 29th September
Start date: ASAP

To apply, please send your CV and responses (in Word format) to the following three questions:

1. Tell us about one economic policy area in the UK that you’re most interested in, and why it matters right now (200 words max).
2. Share one dataset you’ve worked with (academic, work, or self-initiated). What question did you investigate and explain your methodology? (250 words max).
3. Pick a recent economics headline and explain it in plain language, as if writing for a blog post (200 words max).

Please also complete the Equality and Diversity monitoring form.

You must be eligible to work in the UK, as we are unable to sponsor visas.

NEF is committed to equal opportunities, and we particularly welcome applications from people under-represented in research and policy — including Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates; disabled people; LGBTQIA candidates; people with mental health conditions; and those from working class backgrounds. We also strongly encourage applications from anyone who is prepared to learn and grow on the job, and stress that past think tank experience is not required.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.

Project Manager, Policy Fellow

Terms: Part-time 4 days a week; fixed-term contract to 31 March 2026, with possibility of extension

Salary: £36,050-46,350

Location: Remote working, with the opportunity to work from co-working space if agreed and regular in-person team meetings.

Start Date: September 2025

Line Manager: Programme Manager, Non-Proliferation and Disarmament

Line Management Responsibilities: External Consultant (Non-Resident Fellow)

Please note that you must have the right to work in the UK, Germany, or Italy. 

Closing Date: 5th September 2025.

Please note that, due to the large number of applications we receive, we are not able to acknowledge receipt of all applications and only shortlisted candidates will be notified. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, you have not been successful.

About BASIC

BASIC is an independent, non-profit think tank working to safeguard humanity and Earth’s ecosystem from nuclear risks and interconnected security threats, for generations to come.

For nearly 40 years, we have developed a global reputation for groundbreaking dialogue and incisive thought leadership to help states overcome complex strategic and political differences. 

We comprise an intellectually and culturally diverse team of expert-practitioners with wide-ranging areas of expertise, globally headquartered in London with presences in Berlin and Rome. We are recognised internationally for our inclusive and positive team culture.

We are proud to be an independent voice in policy debate, and we are transparent about our funders and funding ethics. We receive no core funding from any state.

About Nuclear for Good

Nuclear for Good is an interdisciplinary movement dedicated to promoting the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals and combat the global ecological crises. 

The movement celebrates the myriad positive impacts that nuclear technologies can have when applied responsibly across human and environmental development, and is building a groundswell of international support and knowledge to advance their uptake and impacts.

The movement will represent a multi-stakeholder coalition of policy experts, academics, private sector technologists, nuclear regulators, and international development professionals globally unified by this shared belief in the positive roles of nuclear technologies.

Role Description

BASIC is seeking a motivated and dynamic leader to serve as the Head of the Nuclear for Good movement. This individual will be expected to lead the Nuclear for Good Steering Group to grow the movement’s membership, co-develop movement strategy, develop its funding, and supercharge its impact.

This high-impact role offers the opportunity to manage a positive and dynamic initiative seeking to advance multiple interlinked goals, including: sustainable development; food and water security, sustainable energy futures, and nuclear non-proliferation. The successful candidate will bring a strong record of policy engagement, project delivery, and leadership in international development, international security, or nuclear governance.

The successful candidate will oversee the project’s delivery across multiple outputs, working closely with internal and external partners, including international consultancies, technical experts, and UK government stakeholders.

The Head of Nuclear for Good is expected to be an enthusiastic professional with outstanding communication skills in the field of nuclear policy. Responsible for overseeing a set of specific tasks, they must demonstrate a clear understanding of and alignment with the movement's overall objectives, strategies and goals. The position will report to the Programme Manager of  the Non-proliferation and Disarmament Programme.

Taking charge of the Nuclear for Good movement, the appointed individual will navigate the entire project cycle, from generating fundraising ideas to developing them further and building knowledge of funding relationships. 

The Head of Nuclear for Good must be a strong communicator, with the ability to translate relevant scientific and technical ideas to a general audience. This skillset must be coupled with a proven ability to build community, conduct high-level networking and outreach activities. The ideal candidate is an established public figure with a specialisation in nuclear science and technology issues as well as, ideally, some knowledge of the peaceful uses pillar of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). 

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

1. Project Delivery

The Head of the Nuclear for Good movement will need to deliver a set of key deliverables during the contract, to advance the project’s international reach and influence.

To advise the existing Steering Group, the successful candidate will need to start by appointing an Advisory Group to the project, comprising experts with diverse nuclear-related specialities to support the movement. The Advisory Group will meet quarterly.

The main thrust of the role is geared around an ambitious outreach and community-building strategy. The successful candidate will recruit new member organisations, individuals, and influencers to the movement – exchanging ideas and further developing Nuclear for Good’s strategy and goals as the movement evolves. As a multi-stakeholder movement, the pool of potential members could include policy experts, academics, private sector technologists, nuclear regulators, and international development professionals.

The successful candidate will attend a range of key conferences related to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, non-proliferation, and sustainable development. These include the UN General Assembly First Committee, the IAEA General Conference, and the UN Climate Conference. Participation in these events will help raise awareness of the project among relevant stakeholders. This will include organising a side event at the IAEA General Conference. This activity will not only promote the movement to new audiences, but also demonstrate our support for the IAEA and its flagship initiatives, while inviting attendees to apply to join the Nuclear for Good network.

2. Stakeholder Engagement

Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• Lead monthly Steering Group meetings. 

• Maintain active communication with UK government stakeholders.

• Oversee delivery by subcontracted partners.

• Ensure contractual obligations are met and outputs are delivered to agreed standards.

3. Fundraising

Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• Develop a project, by independently and confidently scoping funding opportunities.

• Liaise with the Programme Manager on funding priorities and opportunities.

• Manage projects with minimal day-to-day manager input.

• Develop new and existing relationships with funders.

• Write and edit funding applications.

4. Communications

Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• Collaborate with various stakeholders including international partners to build strong funding relationships.

• Facilitate dialogue and cooperation among diverse stakeholders.

• Promote our / their work confidently and internationally. 

• Skillfully use online social media platforms, and press contacts.

5. Office support

Applicants will need to be able to support the running of the organisation and colleagues with a range of administrative tasks wherever required.

Role Requirements

Essential:  Educated to Master’s level – or demonstrate the equivalent in work experience

Essential:  7+ years of work experience in a think tank, research institute, NGO, foundation or government working on international security issues

Essential:  Passion and commitment to our organisational mission of promoting dialogue to advance global security

Essential:  Familiarity with issues relating to civil nuclear energy, strategic stability, or dual-use technologies is essential.

Essential:  Demonstrated ability and track record in leading the creative development and delivery of policy projects in the UK or internationally, including budgeting and reporting

Essential:  Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders from a variety of professional and cultural backgrounds and with broad variations in seniority and function

Essential:  Excellent analytical and methodological skills, and an organised approach to research

Essential:  Well-developed interpersonal skills, including evidence of working successfully as part of a team

Essential:  Strong track record of previous fundraising experience and success

Essential:  Experience organising policy roundtables and workshops

Essential:  Willingness to travel internationally when required

Essential:  Strong organisational skills and an eye for detail

Essential:  Good personal network in their research area

Essential:  Previous line management experience

Desirable:  Science/technology or ideally science communication background

Desirable:  Formal project management qualification

Join WIG as a Event Content Manager!

Introduction

Do you believe collaboration between public, private and not-for profit sector can drive growth and prosperity for the UK? Are you interested in being part of the conversation with senior leaders across HMG, business, universities and civil society? Are you passionate about supporting leaders of today and tomorrow to understand how to meaningfully work together on society’s biggest issues?

About the opportunity

As an Event Content Manager, you will conduct exciting public policy research, work with the most senior speakers from across government, business, universities and civil society speaker management, and create engaging content.

You would take ownership of a portfolio of 40+ briefings, roundtables, workshops and senior level dinners per year across themes impacting economic growth and prosperity including: infrastructure, skills, net zero, AI and new technology, trade, and regulation.

Your mandate is to deliver high-quality, high-impact events, where you will be required to research key policy and economic trends affecting government, business and society, owning the full production life cycle from policy research and agenda setting to speaker acquisition and management etc. You will also collaborate with the marketing and membership functions to ensure that our policy focus for your events programme aligns with membership needs and shifting priorities.

This role is critical to our membership offer – all our events are highly respected and supported by the organisations membership base and will require a strategic thinker who can ensure that the right policy research is carried out to inform event idea validation. The role will be supported by the Event Operations team who will drive on-the-day logistics.

Responsibilities

Event content development

• Lead the content development and planning of your events programme across our themes, this includes:
  • Build compelling agendas
  • Craft key event outcomes
  • Curate engaging and thoughtful speaker briefings
  • Identify and acquire credible, expert speakers
  • Identify and draw in relevant audiences
• Conduct research on key policy and economic trends affecting sectors across our membership base including market and policy trend analysis, collecting feedback from our members including stakeholder interviews and surveying to inform your event programme.
• Lead the collaboration across internal teams to recommend and develop effective marketing and communication materials to promote the events programme such as landing pages, eNewsletter segments, and promotional campaigns, taking ownership of all event programme deliverables under your remit.

High-impact delivery

• Take an outcome-based approach to your events programme; looking with a strategic lens to determine what the optimal events format, venue, and host would be to drive high-level dialogue among cross-sector leaders.
• Design, develop and deliver event content that you will be able to use to generate insightful event write-ups and summaries so we can continue to add tangible value to our members and their sector challenges.
• Immerse yourself in the sectors by networking with key industry figureheads and build an in-depth understanding of how our themes can drive collaboration across our members.
• Oversee and liaise with the Event Operations assistant allocated to your event and/or programme to ensure smooth event delivery.

Innovation, continuous improvement and collaboration

• Evaluate and report on content impact and delivery against event outcomes to inform future production cycles and increase audience engagement and satisfaction.
• Contribute proactively to programme strategy, using evidence-based research to expand your events programme and/or enhance your event content strategy.
• Collaborate with Business Development team members to optimise member outreach and engagement, leveraging our CRM database to increase our speaker and host portfolio.
• Demonstrate creativity and innovation when developing and delivering our annual paid events under your remit, exploring and recommending different commercial opportunities such as barter agreements, sponsorships or partnerships with our members
• Work with the Head of Content and Events to build out a framework for content reports and publications as part of WIGs 5-year strategy.

Qualifications

Desirable not mandatory: Educated to degree level or equivalent experience

Competencies

• Mission-driven: Proven aptitude to see the big picture with a member-centric approach to all activities. Passionate about the need/importance of collaborating across sectors.
• Project management: Balanced focus on operational detail without losing sight of the bigger picture. High attention to detail and excellent organisational skills, showcasing a strong ability to multi-task and prioritise.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent relationship-building skills, with confidence engaging senior leaders across diverse audiences and excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Collaboration: A strong team player who works effectively across functions, with an understanding of team dynamics.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to generate new ideas, innovate, and deliver pragmatic solutions to problems. Managing challenge with a positive and can-do approach and supporting organisational change.
• Leadership: High emotional intelligence, capable of coaching others and influencing internal and external stakeholders. Comfortable stepping into management roles as needed.

Experience

• 4+ years’ experience of conference or content development preferably around policy or key business issues.
• Proven ability of managing the full conference production cycle, including research, agenda setting, speaker acquisition and event management across a variety of themes, including launch and repeat events (ideally from a major conference organiser).
• Experience working directly with senior executives - understanding their motivators, contextualising their expertise and building meaningful relationships on behalf of a brand/organisation.
• Demonstrable strategic portfolio development and/or new event/content idea validation across one or more: International relations, politics, political economy, finance, economics or technology.
• Clear passion for content development, implementing new content strategies to drive audience engagement and interaction and enhance brand awareness and value
• Advanced project management skills including project launch, progress monitoring, feedback and key learnings in one or more environments: charities, membership/training organisations, public sector or third sector.
• Deep interest and/or exposure in policymaking, U.K. economic development and government relations.