Research and Policy Officer

About the role

The Department of Social Policy and Intervention is seeking a Research and Policy Officer to join the UKRI GCRF Accelerate Hub Team led by Prof Lucie Cluver. The jobholder will lead new research focused on social (including gender) norms interventions for improving adolescent health and wellbeing in Eastern and Southern Africa. They will also help to shape new research on compound crises and mitigating impacts on children and adolescents in the region. Building on growing external interest from development partners in finding development accelerators and finding the most cost-effective interventions, the post-holder will also synthesise evidence to inform investment cases at a country and global level.

This role will also lead evidence informed decision making ensuring the teams’ research informs policy and practice. They will be responsible for presenting findings with external UN partners including UNICEF and UNFPA. They will work closely with the leadership team to support presentation of research findings with external development partners including UN, governments and civil society and support early career researchers to strengthen capacity sharing and a cohesive research agenda across the team. This will include leading a group of colleagues to develop research briefs, summaries and presentations to share with key stakeholders and funders. The postholder will also ensure progress is captured through our monitoring and evaluation systems and support reporting to donors about our policy impact.

About you

You will have a Master’s Degree or higher in a relevant field such as economics, social sciences, development studies, or social work. You would also be able to demonstrate advocacy experience, policy expertise, and academic proficiency including an in-depth familiarity of evidence-based social policies, qualitative research methods, and pathways for impact. A strong research background with a history of producing accessible knowledge products is required. An ideal candidate would also have work experience with/ within bilateral agencies, the UN, or civil society, along with experience in gender equality, social norms, social inclusion, or climate change.  You should also have experience conducting rapid systematic reviews and presenting findings effectively to various audiences. You must be committed to gender equality and social inclusion, especially for adolescent girls and young women in low- and middle-income countries. Experience in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Africa, is preferable.  

The Department is committed to fostering an environment of equality, diversity and inclusion. The hours may be worked flexibly to complement caring responsibilities and applications are welcomed from part-time workers seeking a job share position - please state preferred hours and working pattern in your application.

You will be based in Oxford as your normal place of work however there is opportunity for remote working (up to 40% FTE).

The Department of Social Policy and Intervention holds a Bronze Athena Swan Award which demonstrates our commitment towards advancement of gender equality in higher education and research institutions: equal opportunities, representation and success for all.

How to apply

As part of your application you will be required to upload a CV and supporting statement, along with the name and contact details of two referees. The supporting statement should explain how you meet the essential criteria for the post using clear examples. 

Only online applications received by 12.00 noon on 15th July 2024 will be considered. Interviews will be held on 31st July 2024.

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