Senior Policy Adviser – Education

UNICEF UK; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Generous annual leave

Pension benefits

Training and learning opportunities

Open culture and workplace

Job summary

UNICEF UK is seeking a Senior Policy Adviser – Education to lead on UK education policy. You will focus on early childhood development and influence government policies affecting children. The role requires expertise in advocacy-oriented research and UK education. The position offers excellent benefits, flexible working arrangements, and a chance to make a significant impact in children's lives worldwide.

Qualifications

• Expertise in UK education policy and advocacy-oriented research.
• History of influencing UK Government on education issues.
• Strong understanding of UK policy-making processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership on UK education policy.
• Shape and deliver rights-based policy influencing strategies.
• Work closely with campaigns and political affairs to drive change for children.

Skills

UK education policy expertise

Advocacy-oriented research

Influencing UK Government

Understanding UK policy-making processes

Job description

UNICEF ensures more of the world’s children are vaccinated, educated and protected than any other organisation. We have done more to influence laws and policies to help protect children than anyone else. We get things done. And we’re not going to stop until the world is a safe place for all our children.

This is a great opportunity to join the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) as a Senior Policy Adviser – Education. The role provides strategic leadership on UK education policy across the organisation, with a current focus on early childhood learning and development. The role shapes and delivers rights‑based policy influencing strategies, research, and analysis, working closely with colleagues in campaigns and political affairs to drive change for children in the UK.

The role requires expertise in UK education policy, clear experience leading advocacy‑oriented research, and a history of influencing UK Government. You will bring a strong understanding of UK policy‑making processes and a commitment to children’s rights.

In return, we offer:

• Excellent pay and benefits (including flexible working, generous annual leave and pension, big brand discounts and wellbeing tools)
• Outstanding training and learning opportunities and the support to excel in your role
• Impressive open plan office space and facilities on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
• An open culture and workplace with colleagues who share our values, enjoy their work and are motivated to do their utmost for children
• The opportunity to work in a leading children’s organisation making a difference to children around the world

We anticipate most colleagues will do two days a week in the office on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, East London and the rest of the time from home. We will happily discuss other flexible options to suit your circumstances.

UNICEF UK promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We make employment decisions by matching business needs with skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

The successful candidate will be required to apply for a criminal records check. A criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with us. This will depend on the nature of the role and the circumstances of your offences.

We welcome a conversation about your flexible working requirements, personal growth, and promoting a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

Registered Charity Nos. 1072612 (England and Wales) SC043677 (Scotland).