The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking a Senior International Policy & Data Analyst to join our Policy Directorate, playing a key specialist role in developing the quantitative evidence gathering and analysis underpinning the work of the Academy’s Global Strategy, Policy and Engagement Team.

ROLE PURPOSE / OVERVIEW

This is an exciting new role in the British Academy’s Global Strategy, Policy & Engagement Team.  You will have a leading role in taking forward the Academy’s international policy and data work. You will be the team expert on quantitative evidence gathering - including primary and secondary analysis - and use of this evidence through modelling and dissemination. You will identify evidence and data, including gaps and trends, that provide insight into and further the Academy’s goal of shaping and influencing international policy, particularly as this pertains to demonstrating the health and benefits of the SHAPE disciplines, knowledge systems strengthening and equitable partnerships.  

Working with colleagues, Academy Fellows and wider stakeholders in research, policy and practice you will lead on projects and strands of programmes within the Academy’s diverse and fast-moving international policy and engagement portfolio. You will be expected to take a proactive and collaborative approach in growing a quantitative evidence base. The post requires proficiency in numerical data gathering, analysis, and visualisation to support the Academy in promoting and making the case for its disciplines internationally.

The role will work particularly closely with colleagues in the Academy’s Higher Education & Research Policy team and those supporting the Academy’s SHAPE Observatory. The role will work in a matrix fashion with colleagues in the Global Strategy, Policy and Engagement Team across the Academy’s international strategy and engagement and international policy programmes. Currently these are focused on EU research and innovation and international mobility policy; global research and innovation policy; global (dis)order; and humanity, climate and nature. The role will work across all these areas albeit it is expected that the main focus will be within EU research and innovation and international mobility policy and global research and innovation policy.  

OFFICE LOCATION - 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, St James Park, London, SW1Y 5AH

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Develop evidence-based advice to inform policy and practice 

• Develop and progress effectively the Academy’s international policy programmes, scanning and monitoring the international landscape in which the Academy operates, sharing relevant intelligence within the Team. 

• Research, evaluate and interpret international policy issues using quantitative and qualitative research methods from a variety of data sources in the UK, EU and internationally. 

• Utilise research and analysis to support the development and delivery of policy projects, collaborating and engage effectively with external expertise in the development and shaping of evidence-based advice to ensure the Academy’s international policy programmes are impactful and influential and the advice is targeted effectively to key audiences. 

• Be the team expert on quantitative evidence gathering - including primary and secondary analysis - and use of this evidence through modelling and dissemination, particularly as it pertains to EU research and innovation and international mobility policy and global research and innovation policy.  

• Identify evidence and data, including gaps and trends, that provide insight into and further the Academy’s goal of shaping and influencing international policy, particularly as this pertains to demonstrating the health and benefits of the SHAPE disciplines, knowledge systems strengthening and equitable partnerships.  

• Take responsibility for outcomes, outputs, activities and communications within specific projects, working closely with Fellows, advisory groups and colleagues. 

• Balance a range of projects and activities across the breadth of the Academy’s international engagement and international policy programmes. 

• Provide support for relevant committees and working groups, undertaking analysis and background research. 

2. Build relationships with key stakeholders to support the Academy’s international strategy, engagement and policy programmes 

• Develop and sustain positive internal and external stakeholder relationships that deliver on the Academy’s international engagement and policy goals.  

• Work particularly closely with colleagues in the Academy’s Higher Education and Research Policy team and with those working on the SHAPE Observatory identifying synergies where appropriate.   

• Identify, cultivate and maintain impactful relationships and networks with researchers, policymakers and practitioners to enhance the influence of the Academy’s international engagement and international policy programmes and activities, sharing relevant intelligence within the Team. 

• Work with the relevant Deputy Heads and Head of Global Strategy, Policy & Engagement to identify and pursue opportunities for engagement with external organisations and stakeholders in pursuit of the Academy’s international strategic objectives, including scoping and organising roundtables, workshops and similar activities. 

• Represent the Academy’s views and positions professionally and authoritatively, providing effective challenge to stakeholders and counterparts as appropriate.  

3. Working collaboratively and collegially within the Global Strategy, Policy & Engagement Team 

• Support all colleagues in the team, developing relationships with everyone and working collegially and respectfully across the Team, Directorate and the wider Academy, towards shared goals, and managing and facilitating the development of staff across the team and those new to the Academy, and taking a leading role in fostering a positive team spirit and culture. 

• Motivate and collaborate with colleagues to deliver outputs and outcomes that have international policy impact and strengthen the Academy’s international engagement. 

• As a quantitative analyst specialist, identify new opportunities for the Global Strategy, Policy & Engagement team, which align with the team, Directorate and Academy strategic aims, and take forward - with endorsement from the relevant Deputy Heads, Head and Director - the planning and implementation of new projects or activities. 

• Undertake tasks and responsibilities across the Academy’s international strategy and engagement and international policy programme portfolio as they arise and in a matrix fashion. 

• Manage, monitor and forecast expenditure and budgets for projects and other strands of work, including making payments and liaising with colleagues to ensure effective financial reporting.   

• Uphold the British Academy’s values of collaboration, creativity, empathy, excellence, integrity, resilience and respect. 

 Key Stakeholders

Internal -

Global Strategy, Policy & Engagement team; International Funding team; Public Policy team; Higher Education & Research Policy team; Public Affairs & News team; Fellows of the Academy 

External -

International partners and stakeholders; UK National Academies and wider domestic stakeholders; Academy award holders; UK-based and international researchers and funders; UK Government; Civil society organisations; Multilateral organisations 

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

Undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification, ideally in a humanities or social sciences discipline

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Works and communicates effectively

• Able to develop and maintain effective working relationships with others internally, particularly in working with committees and working groups, and with academics, to increase engagement in policy work. 

• Can strategically build and maintain effective relationships with, and work in partnership with, other organisations in the higher education or SHAPE community.  

• Demonstrates a positive attitude towards helping others by providing appropriate support, using initiative and not waiting to be asked. 

• Confident, enthusiastic, pro-active open-minded attitude to work 

• Work within and contributing to a team 

• Professional and confident approach when dealing with a variety of people  

• Diplomatic and tactful, cognisant of different cultural contexts 

• Maintains, demonstrates, and expects high levels of honesty and integrity 

• Responsive, flexible, and willing to work across a range of tasks within changing priorities 

• Positive attitude to challenges and co-operation with colleagues  

• Personal commitment to the values, vision and objectives of the organisation 

• Support for the British Academy’s organisational values -collaboration, creativity, empathy, excellence, integrity, resilience and respect

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Demonstrates and develops appropriate knowledge and skills

• Demonstrates experience and expertise of analysing, modelling and interpreting complex data, and is able to conduct quantitative and qualitative research to write policy briefings, contribute to reports, and other outputs. 

• Proficient and has experience in the use of statistical analysis, including knowledge of third-party data sources and platforms to conduct research and analysis, such as Excel and Tableau. 

• Knowledge of UK and EU and international higher education and research environment 

• Knowledge of international policy debates, processes and policymaking 

• High level of literacy, numeracy and IT skills 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

• Work in a policy environment and producing policy-focused outputs – knowledge and skills 

• Prepare and manage budgets for specific activities and/or programmes – knowledge and skills 

• Effectively engage with policymakers in the UK and/or internationally -knowledge and skills 

PROACTIVITY AND PLANNING

Manages time and resources effectively in order to achieve own and organisational objectives

• Demonstrates a track record of planning and delivering projects, taking ownership of tasks, and being proactive in spotting issues. 

• Able to proactively identify new sources and alternative, insightful ways of visualising and presenting data, working as the team lead for data analysis.  

• Able to meet deadlines under pressure, accurately and with attention to detail, often balancing conflicting priorities. 

• Willing to build (or learn) and monitor project plans, policy methodology and budgets. 

• Highly organised with excellent time management skills 

• Ability to perform effectively under pressure, accurately and with attention to detail, often balancing competing priorities

PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING

Ensures good decisions are made through a rational and methodical approach

• Monitors progress effectively, including written reporting, and is able to escalate risks or concerns as needed. 

• A creative and strategic thinker, with the capacity to deal with complex issues and ambiguity. 

• Sets the right balance between referring decisions to the appropriate level and taking things forward without referral. 

• Able to use tact and diplomacy and to handle confidential information. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

LEADERSHIP

Gives a clear sense of direction while inspiring others with vision and actions 

• Assured, open-minded, and positive outlook with a constructive attitude to challenges and sharing knowledge and skills with others. 

• Takes a professional and assured approach when dealing with a variety of people and has the ability to work independently, and as part of a wider team. 

• Able to represent the HES team, or a policy area, internally and with close supporting organisations or committees. 

• Gives a clear sense of direction while inspiring others with vision and actions 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Commitment to high quality service and efficiency in all aspects of the organisation’s operations 

• Demonstrates commitment to the equality, diversity and inclusivity 

• Willing to on occasion travel on British Academy business, both within UK and overseas 

• Able to be flexible about working location and hours, on occasion 

WORKPLACE VALUES

The Academy’s workplace values and supporting text are set out below. We share these core values with each other. They guide how we work together and with others. We demonstrate them through our behaviours.

COLLABORATION- We consistently work together to a common purpose, supporting each other, communicating openly and sharing knowledge. We are flexible and adaptable, receiving feedback constructively

CREATIVITY - We bring imagination and curiosity to our work, valuing learning, diverse thinking, and innovation. We are open-minded, receptive, and responsive, taking account of alternative perspectives

EMPATHY-We are understanding, sensitive, compassionate, and considerate, mindful of our own wellbeing alongside that of others

EXCELLENCE - We always do our best, without striving to be perfect, applying our expertise and experience to develop and grow

INTEGRITY - We are open and honest with each other, accepting personal responsibility and demonstrating loyalty. We are reliable and dependable, having belief that we will be transparent and clear

RESILIENCE - We are confident, bold, and tenacious, knowing when to listen as well as when to speak up. We respond positively to challenges and overcome problems

RESPECT - We are inclusive in our regard for each other, showing courtesy and appreciation. We treat people fairly and equally, welcoming everyone’s contribution and difference

APPLICATION PROCESS

We have a two-step approach to hiring, beginning with submitting an application through the Applied platform. This will be followed by a panel interview and may involve a task component.

Please note that we use AI screening software to identify responses that have been copied from AI sources and are not your own work.

The deadline for applications is 12:00 noon on 24 July 2026, however, we may close this role sooner if we receive a high volume of applications.  In these circumstances we will give those who have shown interest 24 hours notice of the change of deadline.

Interviews for this role are currently scheduled for 5 August but this may be subject to change.