Policy Engagement Officer

University of Oxford; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious higher education institution in Oxford is seeking a Policy Engagement Officer to lead evidence uptake for international initiatives focused on vulnerable children and adolescents. The role involves packaging evidence to inform policy across regions and representing the research team at various platforms. The ideal candidate will hold a Master's degree and have experience in low-income countries, particularly in Eastern and Southern Africa. This is a full-time, fixed-term position with hybrid working options.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in economics, social and political sciences, development studies or social work.
• Experience working in low- and middle-income countries, especially in Eastern and Southern Africa.
• Advanced understanding of quantitative research methods, advocacy and policy expertise.

Responsibilities

• Package emerging evidence to inform national policy and practice.
• Represent the research team in multi-agency policy platforms.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Quantitative research methods

Advocacy experience

Policy expertise

Education

Master’s degree or higher in relevant field

Job description

Overview

The Department of Social Policy and Intervention is seeking a Policy Engagement Officer to join the Accelerate Hub team. You will lead evidence uptake to inform global, regional, and national initiatives for vulnerable children and adolescents and support new research portfolios focused on child protection and climate emergencies in Eastern and Southern Africa. You will also help to shape new research on evidence-based solutions that can disrupt risk pathways that threaten adolescent health and wellbeing.

Responsibilities

• Package emerging evidence to inform national policy and practice across the region and present findings with multi-lateral partners including UNICEF and UNFPA.
• Represent the research team in multi-agency policy platforms and at external events with policy and academic partners and other key stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in economics, social and political sciences, development studies or social work.
• Experience in research or work focused on low- and middle-income countries, particularly across Eastern and Southern Africa.
• Advanced understanding of quantitative research methods, advocacy experience and policy expertise.
• Commitment to understanding pathways to strengthen adolescent resilience in complex crises across low- and middle-income countries.
• Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills and a commitment to the values of diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

• Full-time, fixed-term post to cover maternity leave; 12 months or earlier return of the substantive postholder.
• Hybrid arrangements considered; flexible hours to complement caring responsibilities.

Inclusion

The Department is committed to fostering an environment of equality, diversity and inclusion. The Department of Social Policy and Intervention holds a Bronze Athena Swan Award demonstrating commitment towards gender equality in higher education and research institutions: equal opportunities, representation and success for all.