Role: Senior Officer, Policy & Advocacy (Climate Change & Environment)
Reporting To: Policy & Advocacy Adviser (Climate Change & Environment)
Salary: £47,333
Location: Remote working (preference for GMT +/- 8h).
For non-UK candidates: Please note that you would be hired via Deel either as a contractor or as an employee with local national benefits.
Contract duration: 3 year fixed-term contract, renewable
Probation period: 6 months
Contract type: Full-time or part-time (minimum 4 days a week), compressed hours and flexible working arrangements available
Closing date: 13 June 2025 at 23:30 UK time
What does United for Global Mental Health do?
At United for Global Mental Health, we work with trusted partners to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and increase support for mental health worldwide.
The United for Global Mental Health team is made up of diverse, passionate and knowledgeable individuals based in the UK and in countries around the world. By combining our extensive in-house expertise in advocacy, financing and campaigning with the unique insights of our many partners, we’re making progress on ensuring that everyone, everywhere has someone to turn to in support of their mental health. You can read about our three-year strategy and our 2024 impact report here.
What will I be doing?
This role will support the delivery of several activities within our portfolio of activities on climate change, the environment, and mental health. The four main areas of work that the Senior Officer will be responsible for include:
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Leading work with national partners (50% of post)
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Integration of people with lived experience (hereafter referred to as PWLE) across the portfolio (25% of post)
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Developing our advocacy on the intersection of air pollution and mental health (15% of post)
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Developing our advocacy on the intersection of biodiversity loss and mental health (10% of post)
National level work (50% of post)
A key component of the current project will be to support national partners in a subset of countries globally (approximately 6 countries) to advocate for action on climate change and mental health. The final set of countries is yet to be defined but will likely include one country per WHO region and one country from the Small Islands Developing States. The specific responsibilities of this component will include:
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Lead in the selection of national partners in each country. This will include supporting the running of a competitive process to select one civil-society organisation based in each country to conduct the work
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Strengthen the capacity of national partners to work on climate change and mental health (e.g., via training to national partners to be delivered by the Senior Officer), if required
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Support national partners in advocating for the integration of mental health into climate policies, including but not limited to Nationally Determined Contributions, National Adaptation Plans, Heat Health Action Plans etc.
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Lead in cohort-building activities for this subset of countries (e.g., organising regular meetings, ensuring shared learnings etc.)
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With the support of our Operations team, support in the logistics of sub-contracting national partners and monitoring deliverables
Involvement of people with lived experience (25% of post)
The meaningful engagement of PWLE of mental health challenges is central to all work at United for Global Mental Health. The specific responsibilities of this component will include:
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Leading on setting up and coordinating a Lived Experience Advisory Group (LEAG), which will meet every two months to provide guidance to UnitedGMH and national partners on their work on climate and health. The Senior Officer will be responsible for recruiting approximately 12 PWLE (2 x WHO region), organising regular meetings, and ensuring that the feedback of PWLE is integrated across different projects
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Support the attendance of PWLE to key global advocacy moments in a meaningful, safe, and impactful way
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Support national partners on the integration of lived experience considerations in their work on climate change and mental health
Work on air pollution and mental health (15% of post)
The evidence on air pollution and mental health is a nascent, but rapidly growing, area of interest. The specific responsibilities of this component will include:
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Scope what concrete opportunities exist for integrating mental health considerations into air pollution policies at the global, regional, and national levels
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Build connections with organisations working on air pollution and clean air policies
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Refine our messaging on air pollution and mental health
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Lead on the production of one advocacy brief on air pollution and mental health
Work on biodiversity loss and mental health (10% of post)
There is emerging evidence on the association between biodiversity loss and mental health, but very little work has yet been done in the policy space. The specific responsibilities of this component will include:
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Scoping what concrete opportunities exist for integrating mental health considerations into biodiversity policies at the global, regional, and national levels
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Build connections with organisations working on biodiversity, conservation, and nature
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Refine our messaging on biodiversity and mental health
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Lead the production of one advocacy brief on pesticide use and suicide
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Lead on our engagement with the Convention on Biological Diversity Conference of the Parties (biodiversity COP)
Is this job for me?
Requirements
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A minimum of 3 years of experience working on global mental health policy, advocacy, research, or practice
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Expertise in managing and engaging with multiple different types of stakeholders (e.g., civil society, UN agencies, governments etc.)
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Experience working on co-creation, patient and public involvement (PPI), or working with people with lived experience of mental health problems
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Excellent project management skills and strong planning skills including attention to detail, critical thinking, multi-tasking and problem-solving
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Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
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Ability to work collaboratively in a team
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Expertise in the development of funding proposals and ability to track and report on grant deliverables
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Expertise in organising meetings, events, and small gatherings of partners and other stakeholders
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Ability to travel 2-3 times a year internationally
Desirable
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Expertise in climate change and mental health is desirable but not required
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Experience of working in low- and middle-income countries on mental health is desirable but not required
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Experience of working on influencing policy within a government is desirable but not required
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Fluency in English is essential, the ability to work in a second UN language would be an advantage (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian)
Diversity and inclusion
Equity, diversity and inclusion are central to UnitedGMH’s core mission and values, and the organisation is dedicated to promoting this across our work and also within the workplace. We will ensure that this commitment is embedded in all operational aspects of the organisation and also implemented within our day-to-day working practices.
Reasonable adjustments statement
We aim to ensure that all applicants are provided with the same opportunities during the recruitment process. Should you have a disability and require a particular adjustment to be made to allow you to fully participate in the recruitment process, please ensure that this is made known to the person arranging your interview.
How can I apply?
To apply please submit your CV and a cover letter (800 words maximum) via Charity Job.
Selection process
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A subset of candidates will be invited to:
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Submit a short written assignment
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Participate in at least 2 online interviews between the 1st of July and the 18th of July
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Benefits
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28 days of holiday a year plus national holidays in your country of residency
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Possibility of being hired by Deel as a local employee (with local pension and social security benefits) or as a contractor (decision up to the employee based on personal preference)
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Up to 1000£ a year of allowance for office space
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Up to 500£ a year in personal development training allowance
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A minimum of 1 in-person team retreat a year
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Possibility to work from anywhere in the world (where you have the legal right to work from)
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Possibility to work compressed hours
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Access to Employee Assistance Programme via HealthAssured
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[For UK-based staff] You contribute 5% of your salary and we pay for 3% (8% total)
Purpose of the post
HDR UK are committed to meaningful involvement and engagement where patients and the public are actively involved in shaping our work and decision-making. Reporting to the Senior Public Involvement and Engagement Manager and matrix managed within the Big Data for Complex Disease team, this is a pivotal role that will maintain and build upon an established strategy and programme of activities embedding the patient and public voice at all stages of work with the Driver Programme.
Your work will also support best practice delivered as part of the Public Engagement in Data Research Initiative (PEDRI), a vital UK-wide multi-stakeholder initiative that aims to facilitate a sector wide shift focused on establishing and advancing good practices for public involvement and engagement (PIE) with data-driven research and statistics.
You will work closely with public members, research and NHS communities, internal colleagues, charity partners, and funders to develop and implement plans for patient and public involvement and engagement.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who has a passion for meaningful involvement and engagement of patients and the public in research, to shape and influence our work on the safe, ethical and scientifically robust use of data for research into the causes, prevention and treatment of disease.
The successful candidate will have a track record in working with individuals, groups and communities and can communicate complex information in clear, engaging ways. The post holder will have excellent influencing and negotiation skills, experience of working on complex projects with multiple partners and be comfortable with working at pace. Patient and public involvement and engagement in data-driven research is a growing field. The successful candidate will show a willingness and experience of developing and delivering innovative approaches to involvement where previously opportunities may not have been obvious.
We are particularly interested in candidates who have experience of working with diverse communities and using trauma-informed practices to engage with those having lived experience of a variety of health conditions.
Main responsibilities
Big Data for Complex Disease PPIE strategy and delivery:
- Lead on the delivery of the PPIE strategy for the Big Data for Complex Disease driver programme, with oversight from the Senior PPIE Manager and Senior Programme Manager.
- Develop and deliver training and support best practice for researchers working with patients and the public on involvement and engagment in health data research.
- Support member development and growth of the network of patients and public contributors involved in the Big Data for Complex Disease driver programme, including by providing training and guidance on data science and its use in the programme.
Embedding PPIE in our work:
- Lead and facilitate meetings with public contributors to integrate meaningful PPIE throughout all aspects of our work.
- Undertake and manage specific involvement and engagement activities, including but not limited to focus groups, engagement events, developing and undertaking surveys, supporting the writing of plain English summaries of projects and their outputs. In collaboration with senior colleagues, support involvement of patients and the public in the governance of our work.
- Review and provide advice on PPIE elements of research projects ensuring adequate PPIE is incorporated and provide advice and support where needed to researchers.
- Develop methods to expand reach and ensure diversity of perspectives and work with the HDR UK Involvement and Engagement team to grow involvement of currently underrepresented and underserved groups in health data science.
- Build and manage relationships with colleagues within the Big Data for Complex Disease driver programme and relevant partners like the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Data Science Centre, working collaboratively to support and manage involvement and engagement across all areas of work.
- Work closely with the internal communications colleagues to create and disseminate engaging content (e.g. news stories on outputs and impact, videos, infographics, case studies) on our work and involvement and engagement activities using a variety of communication tools.
- Horizon scan and liaise with colleagues across HDR UK for opportunities to increase visibility of the institute’s engagement and involvement impact, i.e. through conferences, festivals, journals and other publications.
- Lead on the recruitment of new public contributors as required. Adapt, develop and provide training for public where necessary identifying training requirements as needed.
Developing PPIE best practice and collaborative working:
- Work with the Senior PPIE Programme Delivery Manager and the rest of the PPIE Central team to share best practice and examples of successful PPIE practices that could influence our work, including through the Public Engagement in Data Research Initiative (PEDRI).
- Collaborate with the Senior PPIE Programme Delivery Manager, the PPIE Central team, and the HDR UK’s Institute-Wide PPIE Leads Group to lead public outreach initiatives and other events, ensuring that stakeholders are afforded opportunities to contribute their input and provide feedback. Establish effective working relationships and ‘ways of working’ with strategic partners to maximise opportunities for collaboration in patient and public involvement and engagement.
- Act as an internal and external ambassador for public, patient and practitioner engagement and involvement.
- Monitor and report on performance of PPIE across the Programme, make effective use of digital approaches to maximise the ability to collaborate, communicate and continuously learn.
Knowledge, skills and experience
Experience
- Educated to degree level or equivalent
- Experience of working with patients, carers and members of the public with diverse interests.
- Experience of working with community organisations and diverse voices
- Experience of running patient/public involvement activities
- Experience of developing, implementing and evaluating patient and public engagement and involvement strategies and methodologies, preferably in a research environment
- Experience of promoting the need and value of engagement and involvement to a wide range of stakeholders and acting as an advocate
- Experience of writing / developing content for public and research audiences and delivering presentations
- Experience of demonstrating an understanding of health research and the needs of patients and the public
- Planning and organisational expertise with a proven track record of delivering challenging projects with multiple partners to deadlines
- Experience of organising and facilitating a range of events and meetings including: event preparation, chairing of meetings, delivering presentations, use of tools to gather views and feedback, follow-up communications and evaluation
- An understanding of the public sensitivities of using health data for research
Skills
- Excellent planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage complex and multiple areas of work with competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Evidence of ability to meet tight and challenging deadlines using a flexible and adaptable approach
- Good influencing and coaching skills.
- Excellent people and interpersonal skills to build collaborative partnerships across diverse groups and the ability to handle sensitive issues positively.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively and confidently with different groups of stakeholders and people at all levels.
- Able to grasp the complexity of work across HDR UK and process complex scientific information to communicate it in a way that is clear, engaging and inspires the public to get involved.
- Strong analytic skills with the ability to frame problems and solutions in a logical manner.
- Ability to work autonomously and make decisions without supervision.
- Ability to work collaboratively and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The National Youth Agency is looking for a new Associate Tutor/Assessor to join our Academy Team.
Hours: As and when required
Salary: £120 per day
Remote: This role is homebased/remote working
What we do
As the national body for youth work, the NYA has a dual function. We are the professional statutory and regulatory body (PSRB) responsible for qualifications, quality standards, and safeguarding for youth work and services in England. In line with our charity mission and aims, we also champion youth work through research, advocacy, campaigns, and programmes.
We work in partnership and believe in collaborative leadership, listening to youth workers and the youth work sector so that we can understand their needs and respond to the challenges they face. We are ambitious for youth work and for young people and integrate youth voice and influence across our work
About the Role
As the National Body for Youth Work in England, we are ambitious for youth work and for young people and are determined that all young people should have the opportunity to benefit from the life-changing impact of qualified youth workers and trained volunteers.
To support our mission we are seeking enthusiastic, skilled and JNC qualified professionals to join us as Academy Tutor/Assessor Associates.
Our Academy Tutor/Assessor Associates will deliver inspiring training, develop and review resources and ensure all activities are in line with both NYA and external expectations of quality and expertise.
The post will require a commitment to continuing engagement across the sector and beyond to ensure the NYA Academy’s work is rooted in the needs of young people and youth work.
The Academy Team are reflective expert trainers and facilitators. They support the development of knowledge and skills; deliver innovative and engaging training that benefits youth work and young people; and work with colleagues from the NYA and the wider field to ensure that youth work is promoted and protected, for the benefit of all young people.
The Academy Tutor will ensure the NYA is at the forefront of developing its products and services.
You will work alongside a committed, lively team working together to transform the lives of young people through the power of youth work.
Key responsibilities for this role will include:
- Developing and delivering training along with the development of programmes (including accredited training).
- Supporting learners and monitoring their progress through regular reviews and assessments.
- Contributing to the ongoing development and improvement of resources and processes.
- Building positive relationships with learners to promote their engagement and to achieve successful outcomes.
- Ensure all learners have a supportive and positive learning experience
- The post holder should promote the NYA’s extensive offer and maintaining its reputation in the fields of expertise.
- Ensuring the voice of young people is heard loudly across the NYA and in all aspects of our work.
- Ensure the NYA follows best safeguarding best practice.
- Ensure all operational activity and youth work content is to the highest quality, representing the position of NYA as the National Body for Youth Work in England.
- Participating in team meetings, session planning and evaluation meetings.
- Compliance with all NYA policies and procedures.
- Compliance with all safeguarding policies and health and safety requirements.
- Undertaking any identified training in line with the role including safeguarding and undergoing a DBS check.
Please refer to our Candidate Pack for more information on the role and the requirements.
How to Apply:
Please download our applicant pack to find out more about the role and requirements.
To apply, please submit the following via our online application platform.
A detailed CV setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements in line with the person specification in the About You section.
A covering letter (maximum two sides) highlighting your suitability for the role and how you meet the requirements in the About You section.
We will request data for our EEDI monitoring purposes, providing this is optional.
Please note: the covering letter is an essential part of the application process and will be assessed as part of your full application. We use AI detector software, so cover letters or CV’s with over 30% AI generated content with be disregarded. We understand that AI tools can offer support to candidates who have learning differences, which is why we will accept applications with some AI assistance. CV’s will not be accepted without a cover letter.
The National Youth Agency is an equal opportunities employer.
At NYA our inclusive culture means that we embrace individual differences and understand that we need a diverse team to achieve our organisations mission.
We wish to recruit candidates from all backgrounds to ensure our team reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We encourage applications from anyone regardless of disability, ethnicity, heritage, gender, sexuality, religion, socio-economic background and political beliefs but we particularly welcome applications from global majority candidates and those from other minoritised ethnic groups in the UK as they are currently underrepresented in our team.
Youth Work changes lives
Which is why we’re committed to ensuring that as many young people as possible get to benefit from it.As the national body for youth work in England, the National Youth Agency (NYA) exists to champion its transformative power. We believe all young people should have the opportunity to benefit from the life-changing impact of extraordinary youth workers and trained volunteers.
We help to grow youth work provision in ways that keep it effective, relevant, safe and engaging, to help millions of young people reach their potential and thrive. We do this by providing guidance, support, advice, training and staff development opportunities for youth workers and youth work organisations. At the heart of everything we do are young people themselves. We work hard to ensure their voices are integrated into all our work, to develop provision that truly meets their needs.
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