Political Economy Specialist - Practical Politics Platform

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Oxford seeks a Political Economy Specialist for the new Practical Politics Platform. This full-time, fixed-term role focuses on developing strategies and products to address political constraints in growth and development. Candidates should hold a relevant Master’s degree, have substantial experience in research and policy, and possess excellent analytical and communication skills.

Benefits

Excellent contributory pension scheme

38 days’ annual leave

Family leave schemes

Comprehensive childcare services

Cycle loan scheme

Discounted bus travel

Membership to social and sports clubs

Qualifications

• Strong track record in delivering policy-relevant Political Economy research.
• Experience engaging with policymakers and research institutions.
• Ability to manage research projects and communicate findings effectively.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the PPP strategy.
• Lead PPP country engagement and product delivery.
• Support the Executive and Academic Directors in various processes.

Skills

Analytical skills

Writing skills

Communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in Public Policy, Social Sciences, Economics, or related field

Job description

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Political Economy Specialist - Practical Politics Platform, Oxford

Client:

University of Oxford

Location:

Oxford, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

-

EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Reference:

204a14355e9b

Job Views:

5

Posted:

04.06.2025

Expiry Date:

19.07.2025

Job Description:

Blavatnik School of Government, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG

About the Blavatnik School of Government

Our vision is of a world better led, a world better served and a world better governed. We are a global school committed to improving the quality of government and public policymaking worldwide, through three routes:

• teaching
• generating
• engaging

with governments and practitioners. What we offer

The School is a collaborative, friendly, and dynamic department based in an award-winning building in Oxford. We host regular events and talks with well-known guest speakers – all of which are open to staff. On the social side, we have regular coffee/cake mornings for staff, a family-friendly Halloween event, and Christmas and summer parties.

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days’ annual leave
• Family leave schemes and a comprehensive range of childcare services
• Cycle loan scheme and discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

More information about working at the School can be found on our website.

About the Role

The ‘Practical Politics Platform’ [PPP] is a new initiative at the Centre for the Study of African Economies [CSAE] hosted at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, and working with the Economic Policy Network (EPN). Led by the Academic Director, Professor Stephen Dercon, the PPP will deliver plain language, open access, action-oriented political economy products that can be used by anyone to understand and tackle political constraints in growth and development.

You will be a core member of the team developing and implementing the PPP strategy; taking lead responsibility for some PPP country engagement and products; and more generally support the Executive Director, Academic Director, and PPP’s network of experts in delivering wider PPP processes, products and impact. This post is full-time and fixed term for 2 years, with possible extension subject to further funding.

About You

You hold a Master’s degree in Public Policy, Social Sciences, Economics, International Development, or a related field, with substantial professional experience in research, policy, or practice. With a strong track record in delivering policy-relevant Political Economy research and communicating findings clearly to diverse audiences, you will be skilled in managing your own research and contributing to publications and presentations. You will also bring ideas for new projects and income generation. Possessing excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills, you are confident working independently or leading multidisciplinary teams and will be experienced in engaging with policymakers, donors, and research institutions.