Policy Advisor

Durham County Council; Fir Tree; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Durham County Council is recruiting a Policy Advisor (Skills and Employment) to shape the future of skills and employment policy for the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority. The role provides policy, analytical and coordination support to senior leads, turning evidence into practical recommendations across cross‑organisational teams.

You will work within the Skills Policy, Strategy and Insights Service, contributing to devolution priorities, liaising with public bodies, and supporting

Job description

Shape the future of skills and employment policy across the North East
We're looking for dynamic, innovative and forward-thinking individuals to join a specialist policy team, focussing on skills, employment and the future workforce.
The Policy Advisor will play a key supporting role within the Skills Policy, Strategy and Insights Service, providing high-quality policy, analytical, project and coordination support to the Principal Policy Lead and the wider team. The postholder will help translate strategic priorities into clear analysis, insight and deliverable actions, ensuring the Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) is equipped with robust evidence, well-crafted advice and effective cross-organisational coordination.
Working across the wider Skills and Employability division and drawing on cross-organisational expertise as appropriate - from economic growth, transport, housing, net zero, creative industries to internal enabling functions across operations, communications and finance - the role contributes to coherent, system-wide strategy and policy development, supporting the delivery of the Mayors agenda and wider MSA missions.
We are looking for a curious, proactive and politically aware professional who can turn evidence into action and help shape high-profile policy and strategy. You will have experience of working within, or alongside, political, governmental or wider public sector organisations, with a sound understanding of policy development, government operations and the impact of national decisions on local and regional priorities.
You will confidently gather, analyse and synthesise complex evidence, data and performance information to produce clear insights and practical recommendations. Knowledge of post-16 skills-including technical and vocational pathways, further and higher education, and lifelong learning-is essential.
An excellent communicator, you will create concise, compelling briefings and reports for senior audiences, making complex issues accessible. You will build trusted relationships across teams and organisations, coordinate information and align partners around shared objectives.
You will thrive in a fast-paced policy environment, managing competing priorities and small projects with accuracy, sound judgement and resilience. Adaptable and self-motivated, you will take initiative, maintain momentum and deliver consistently high-quality work.
Above all, you will be collaborative, impartial and committed to public service, continuous improvement and a positive team culture. You will approach challenges with energy and solutions-focused thinking, while remaining flexible enough to support occasional out-of-hours governance or reporting, travel within the region and attend external meetings when required.
So, if you... would like to play a pivotal role as we enter a new era of devolution, skills and inclusion, we would welcome your application.
We are proud to be an inclusive employer, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, communities and experiences. We support flexible working and encourage applications from candidates who are under-represented including women, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people and those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.
If you have any questions regarding this role, please reach out to Reshma Begum, Head of Skills, Policy and Insight, .
It is anticipated that interviews will take place Tuesday 15th December 2026.
Closing date for applications: Thursday 12th November 2026 at 23:59.
For further information about the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority please visit our website .
This recruitment is being administered by Durham County Council on behalf of the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority.Attachments
Policy Advisor (Skills and Employment) - JD PS.pdf
Candidate Pack - Policy Advisor (Skills and Employment).pdf