Senior International Policy Adviser

The British Academy – the UK's national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking a Senior International Policy Adviser to join the Global Strategy, Policy & Engagement team providing key support in the delivery of the Academy's diverse and fast-moving international policy portfolio.

ROLE PURPOSE

The Senior International Policy Adviser will take a leading role in delivering the Academy's diverse and fast-moving international policy portfolio. This lies at the interface of research, policy and practice with stakeholders globally, acting as a source of expertise for the Academy's international engagement and representing the Academy externally.

Key elements of the role include developing evidence-based advice to inform policy and practice, building relationships with key stakeholders to support the Academy's International policy activities, and playing a key role in the development and delivery of the Academy's International Policy Programmes.

We are looking for someone with a strong policy background and a knowledge and understanding of international policy debates, processes and policymaking. They should be confident, enthusiastic, proactive and open-minded in their attitude to work and enjoy working collaboratively as part of a team.

OFFICE LOCATION Carlton House Terrace, St James Park, London, SW1Y 5AH

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Develop evidence-based advice to inform policy and practice

• To take a lead role in preparing summary notes of expert discussions, statements, consultations responses and policy briefings, including undertaking appropriate follow-up.
• To develop briefings, speeches, papers and reports for relevant Academy officers, committees, expert panels and personnel.
• To monitor, research and analyse external developments, identifying appropriate opportunities for the GSPE Team.

2. Build relationships with key stakeholders to support the Academy's International activities

• To identify, cultivate and maintain relationships with policymakers and practitioners to enhance the impact of the Academy's activities.
• To identify opportunities to demonstrate the breadth, value and impact of the Academy's international programmes and activities.
• To provide support for relevant committees and panels, undertake analysis and background research (including at times drafting work for publications).
• To work collaboratively with colleagues in the GSPE team, and Academy colleagues more widely, on a range of international policy and engagement programmes, projects and activities.

3. Project delivery

• Lead on the development and organisation of programmes and activities, in particular in the context of the International Policy Programmes.
• Assist committees, steering and working groups to help deliver strategic projects.
• Support the dissemination of projects outputs, including publications.

4. Manage a budget related to appropriate international activities

• To help manage a budget related to appropriate international activities, including payments.
• To liaise with colleagues to ensure financial monitoring and reporting.

5. Represent the Academy at a range of external meetings

• To represent the Academy's views and positions professionally and authoritatively.
• To provide support for relevant committees and panels and undertake analysis and background research.
• To undertake additional tasks and responsibilities across the international portfolio as programmes and activities develop.

6. Manage an International Policy Adviser

• Work closely to deliver activities in a timely manner and to a high standard.
• To support their professional development.

Key Stakeholders

Internal:

Colleagues in Global Strategy, Policy & Engagement, International Funding, Public Policy, Higher Education Policy, Public Affairs & News teams; Academy Fellows

External:

Award holders and other researchers; UK Government; National and Celtic Academies; Civil society organisations; International partners; Multilateral organisations

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree or equivalent qualification/work experience, ideally in a humanities or social sciences discipline or setting.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Works and communicates effectively

• Confident, enthusiastic, pro-active open-minded attitude to work
• Work within and contributing to a team
• Professional and confident approach when dealing with a variety of people
• Diplomatic and tactful, cognisant of different cultural contexts
• Maintains, demonstrates, and expects high levels of honesty and integrity
• Responsive, flexible, and willing to work across a range of tasks within changing priorities
• Positive attitude to challenges and co-operation with colleagues

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Demonstrates and develops appropriate knowledge and skills

• Knowledge of UK and international higher education and research environment
• Knowledge and understanding of international policy debates, processes and policymaking
• Understanding of meeting/event organisation and management
• Understanding of working in a policy environment and knowledge of producing policy-focused outputs
• Competent in budget planning and monitoring
• Knowledge of working with committees/expert panels/steering groups
• Able to effectively engage with policymakers in the UK and/or internationally

PROACTIVITY AND PLANNING

Manages time and resources effectively in order to achieve own and organisational objectives

• Highly organised with excellent time management skills
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure, accurately and with attention to detail, often balancing competing priorities

PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING

Ensures good decisions are made through a rational and methodical approach

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Able to take on a varied set of responsibilities and flexible to work on all parts of the project/programme delivery
• Able to judge and balance when to make a decision, when to consult further and when to refer to colleagues

LEADERSHIP

Gives a clear sense of direction while inspiring others with vision and actions

• Gives a clear sense of direction while inspiring others with vision and actions
• Manage staff in an office or remote working setting (desirable)

OTHER

• Commitment to high quality service and efficiency in all aspects of the organisation's operations
• Demonstrates commitment to equality, diversity and inclusivity
• Willing to travel on occasion on British Academy business, both within UK and overseas
• Able to be flexible about working location and hours, on occasion

MUST BE COMMITTED TO THE BRITISH ACADEMY'S WORKPLACE VALUES OF:

COLLABORATION, CREATIVITY, EMPATHY, EXCELLENCE, INTEGRITY, RESILIENCE AND RESPECT

(please only apply if you have right to work in the UK)