Policy Fellow

Vacancy terms: Part time (0.4 fte / 15 hours per week) fixed term contract from 01 April 2025 to 31 December 2026

Hours per week: 15

Advert closes midnight on: 05 January 2025

About the role

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Policy Fellow to join the University of Leicester’s Institute for Policy (IfP). This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in translating our world-leading research into impactful policy initiatives that address urgent regional and national challenges. Collaborating closely with the Institute Director and Manager, you will strengthen the IfP’s capacity to guide academics in achieving meaningful policy engagement.

In this role, you will support University researchers by helping to develop policy briefing papers and facilitating 'Listening Events' that connect academics with key policy leaders. Your responsibilities will also include delivering policy masterclasses to enhance professional development across the research community and fostering connections between the University and external stakeholders. By organising knowledge exchange events, contributing to tailored guidance for policy impact case studies, and amplifying the reach of research outcomes, you will be central to the University’s mission of driving evidence-based change.

About you

To excel in this role, you will hold a first degree or an equivalent professional qualification and possess a strong understanding of the policy landscape, particularly where research plays a role in influencing evidence-based decision-making. You should demonstrate a proven ability to produce high-quality written outputs, such as policy reports or academic publications, and have excellent written and verbal communication skills to convey complex information effectively.

Your experience in working with stakeholders, organising events, and delivering training sessions will be complemented by your ability to work collaboratively in diverse and multidisciplinary environments. While not essential, a PhD or experience influencing policy through research will be advantageous.

Additional information

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Jack Willoughby, Policy Manager at the Institute for Policy, at jjw47@le.ac.uk

We anticipate that interviews will take place during week commencing 3 February 2025.

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying.  

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world. 

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive. 

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

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