Climate and Public Health Policy Impact Fellow School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sci[...]

The University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university in Birmingham is seeking a Climate and Health Policy Impact Fellow to enhance public health and equity through effective policy impact. The fellow will collaborate with local authorities, analyze climate-related health data, and prepare reports to communicate findings. Ideal candidates should possess a relevant degree and experience in translating scientific research for non-academic audiences. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential. This role supports the university's sustainability agenda and fosters inclusion.

Benefits

Inclusive work environment

Opportunity for research impact and development

Qualifications

• Experience in public health climate mitigation or adaptation.
• Ability to communicate complex information to diverse audiences.
• Understanding of management and administration processes.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with local authority partners.
• Develop and deliver impact activities related to net zero.
• Prepare reports and policy briefs as required.
• Record and evidence policy impacts.
• Support university sustainability agenda.

Skills

Knowledge exchange

Policy impact

Excellent communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Education

First degree in relevant area

Higher degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Background

The focus of this role is generating climate and health policy impact especially in public health systems by applying knowledge and tools from the WM NetZero study to optimise health and equity benefits of net zero actions in the West Midlands.

Role Summary

Working within the scope of the objectives and decisions determined by the WM‑NetZero Project Board the Climate and Health Policy Impact Fellow will be responsible for enabling regional health and equity policy impacts from WM‑NetZero research. The post holder is expected to spend a substantial proportion of their time as an embedded fellow in relevant partner organisations.

Main Duties

• Work collaboratively with the WM‑NetZero academic team and local authority partners in identifying policy and impact opportunities within local and regional authorities to optimise health co‑benefits of climate mitigation policies.
• Analyse, interpret and communicate study outputs for potential to achieve health‑co‑benefits of climate mitigation policy actions.
• Act as a conduit between the WM‑NetZero academic team and local and regional authority public health teams.
• Apply knowledge to develop new intellectual understanding.
• Prepare reports, policy briefs, publications and other dissemination materials as required.
• Disseminate research findings, including by presentation at external workshops, seminars and stakeholder meetings, to non‑academic audiences.
• Develop and deliver Net Zero, air quality and health‑related impact activities, projects and case studies.
• Present impact outcomes to regional, national and international audiences.
• Record and evidence policy impacts.
• Undertake management and administration arising from research and impact activities.
• Contribute to departmental and school research‑related activities and research‑related administration.
• Contribute to enterprise business development and/or public engagement activities of the University.
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
• Support the University of Birmingham Sustainability agenda through promoting efficient resource use and working practices.
• Promote equality and values diversity, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
• Provide guidance to support staff and students assisting with the research.
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding.

Person Specification

First degree in an area of specialism and normally a higher degree (or equivalent professional experience) relevant to climate and health public policy. Experience in knowledge exchange and policy impact ideally in the area of public health climate mitigation or adaptation. Ability to translate complex scientific research for non‑academic audiences in written format e.g. via policy briefs and reports. Excellent interpersonal skills including very strong communication and explanation skills, the ability to communicate complex information to diverse stakeholder audiences. Ability to work independently as well as within a multidisciplinary team. Ability to manage own time and prioritise to meet deadlines and coordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort. Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively (including people time, money and equipment). Understanding of management and administration processes and ability to plan and organise research programmes or specific research projects. Knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 and the ability to treat protected characteristics fairly in day‑to‑day activity.

Desirable

• Experience in relevant models, techniques or methods (e.g. health and economic impact assessment).
• Experience of working with public health and sustainability / climate teams in local or national Government.
• Experience in publishing high quality papers in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Practical experience of working in large multidisciplinary teams.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is at the heart of who we are and how we work. The University of Birmingham is an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion life as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.