Senior Policy Research Officer

Senior Policy Research Officer (Maternity Cover)

Location: UKO, London, Moorgate (Hybrid, home & office)

Salary: £38,203 to £39,565 per annum, pro rata (plus ILW, if residing & working in London)

Hours: 35 per week

Contract: Up to x12 months Fixed term contract (Maternity Cover)

Could you manage the lifecycle of research projects, whether conducted internally or commissioned externally, to bring about policy and practice change?

Could you help us develop the evidence we need to improve disasters and emergencies, health inequalities and displacement and migration in the UK?

Could you undertake and quality assure research activities such as literature reviews, interviews and workshops, and data analysis across the team?

What will a day in the life of a Senior Policy Research Officer involve?

• Advise on the best approach to meeting evidence needs and commission or undertake policy research as appropriate.
• Undertake qualitative research including primary research and reviews of literature and other external evidence, in line with best practice.
• Ensure that the experiences of the people we support are reflected throughout our policy, research and advocacy work, particularly through participatory research.
• With the Policy Research Manager, work closely with policy and advocacy leads at UK Office and in the devolved nations, as well as media to to support high impact advocacy strategies.
• Manage the 'end-to-end' cycle of policy research projects, whether delivered inhouse or commissioned externally, to effect policy and practice change.
• Provide technical, expert support and advice to colleagues on research methods, and establish credibility with non-research staff across directorates.

To be a successful Senior Policy Research Officer, what will you need?

• Extensive knowledge of a range of research methods and experience in applying them to influence public policy.*
• Good knowledge of one or more British Red Cross policy areas, such as UK disasters and emergencies, health inequalities and displacement and migration.
• Experience of conducting policy research and undertaking high-quality research in a multi-disciplinary setting to influence public policy.
• Experience in the commissioning process (either as the commissioning or the commissioned party), drafting or responding to research briefs, selecting partners, and managing research partnerships.

• Substantial experience of successfully managing multiple projects at any given time, completing them to a high quality.

• This is our lead criterion for this role. If we receive a very high volume of applications, we may use the lead criterion to prioritise interviews.

Interested? The closing date for applications is 23.59hrs on Wednesday 26th November 2025.

In return for your commitment and expertise, you'll get:

• Flexible working: Remote and hybrid working, flexitime, compressed hours, and job sharing.
• Holidays: 36 days annual leave (including bank holidays) + option to buy 5 extra days.
• Pension scheme: Up to 6% contributory pension.
• Learning & Development: A range of career & learning opportunities.
• Discounts: Blue Light Discount Card, Tickets For Good & employee benefits platform..
• Wellbeing Support: Peer Supporters, CiC (EAP) & Headspace App.
• Cycle2Work: Lease a bicycle through the scheme.

We are proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme for UK-based roles. During your application, you'll have the option to apply under the scheme.

At the British Red Cross, we value diversity and maintain an inclusive environment for all staff and volunteers. We champion our teams in bringing their true selves to work, free from discrimination. This is achieved through reporting and assistance from our internal networks: Race and Ethnic Equality (REEN), LGBT+, Disability and Wellness (DAWN), Gender, Carers, and Young Staff Network.

Together, we are the world's emergency responders