Open Innovation Team Policy Advisor

Department for Education; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A government department in the UK is seeking a Policy Advisor to conduct critical policy research and manage various projects. The successful candidate will have strong research and analytical skills, collaborate with partners, and contribute to a positive working environment. Responsibilities include evidence review, delivering training sessions, and leading research projects. The role requires effective communication and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining high standards.

Qualifications

• Strong research and analytical skills are essential.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and tight deadlines.
• Positive contribution to team goals and collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Research policy projects and produce clear analysis.
• Manage workload across multiple projects effectively.
• Deliver great service through training sessions and workshops.
• Build connections for new collaborations or projects.
• Support diversity and inclusion within the team.
• Lead on research projects and project-manage other staff.
• Develop and test new products applying expert insights.

Skills

Research skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Job description

About the Team

The multi‑award winning Open Innovation Team is a cross‑government unit housed in DfE that works with experts to generate analysis and ideas for policy. We operate like an in‑house consultancy, working at pace across all areas of government policy, including health, growth, policing, justice, foreign policy, digital transformation and government innovation.

About the Role

As a Policy Advisor you will be a key member of the team, helping to deliver critical, relevant policy research projects, develop leads for new work, collaborate with our partners inside and outside government, and potentially lead some research projects as you develop in the role. You will be expected to work independently and as part of a team to research a range of policy issues and topics. Research and analysis of complex evidence, working across diverse policy areas, and contributing to a supportive, flexible, creative working environment will be central to your day‑to‑day work.

Key Responsibilities

• Research policy projects, review evidence, and produce clear analysis and recommendations to meet deadlines.
• Manage workload across multiple projects, collaborate effectively with colleagues at all levels, and contribute to a positive team environment.
• Deliver a great service for clients, including training sessions, workshops, building robust relationships, and providing professional support.
• Build connections and spot opportunities for new collaborations or projects, representing the team’s work externally.
• Support diversity and inclusion by actively supporting people from different backgrounds within the team and organisation.
• Lead on research projects and, as you develop, project‑manage other staff members.
• Contribute proactively to developing and testing new products and services that apply expert insights to policy problems.

What We're Looking For

Successful applicants are likely to be good all‑rounders with particularly strong research, analytical and communication skills. They can manage multiple priorities while delivering high standards and meeting tight deadlines. A keen, positive contribution to a supportive working environment with shared goals is essential.

Equal Opportunities

The Civil Service promotes equal opportunities and diversity, welcoming all candidates regardless of gender, ethnicity or background, in line with the Civil Service Code.