The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking an International Policy Adviser to join the Global Strategy, Policy and Engagement Team, providing key support in the delivery of the Academy’s international engagements and policy advice.  

ROLE PURPOSE / OVERVIEW

You will help take forward the Academy’s international engagements and policy advice. Working with colleagues, Academy Fellows and the researchers we support, you will work on strands of the Academy’s diverse and fast-moving international policy portfolio with a focus on climate and nature.

You will be a source of expertise for the Academy’s international engagement with responsibility to represent the Academy externally and demonstrate great writing and analytical skills.

This is an opportunity to gain unique exposure to international policy engagement working at the interface of research, policy and practice with stakeholders globally.

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Policy Development

• Take a lead role in preparing summary notes of expert discussions, statements, consultations responses and policy briefings, including undertaking appropriate follow-up.

• Develop briefings, speeches, papers and reports for relevant Academy officers, committees, expert panels and personnel.

• Monitor, research and analyse external developments, identifying appropriate opportunities for the Global Strategy, Policy & Engagement Team.

2. Engagement with stakeholders

• Lead on engagement with internal and external stakeholders, including Fellows of academy and award holders.

• Identify, cultivate and maintain relationship with partners and experts in the UK and internationally, and ensure the effective use of expertise and engagement necessary for the delivery of activities.

• Represent the Academy in external meetings, where appropriate, presenting the Academy’s views and positions professionally and authoritatively.

3. Project delivery

• Lead on the development and organisation of programmes and activities, in particular in the context of the Academy’s policy programmes on climate, nature, and humanity.

• Assist committees, steering and working groups to help deliver strategic projects.

• Support the dissemination of projects outputs, including publications.

4. Budget management

• Monitor specific project budgets, including financial tracking of spend against budget, making payments and ensuring records are kept accurately.

• Support the team’s budget planning, monitoring and forecasting.

• Undertake additional tasks and responsibilities as requested.

 Key Stakeholders

Internal:

Colleagues across the Academy; Fellows of the Academy

External:

Award holders and other researchers; UK Government; Civil society organisations; International partners; Multilateral organisations

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Works and communicates effectively

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

• 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

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Demonstrates and develops appropriate knowledge and skills

• Knowledge of UK and international higher education and research environment

• Knowledge of international policy debates, processes and policymaking

• Knowledge of climate and sustainability policy

• Ability to organise and manage events/ meetings

• Ability to work in a policy environment and produce policy-focused outputs

• Ability to plan and monitor budgets

• Ability to work with committees/expert panels/steering groups

• Demonstrates effective engagement with policymakers in the UK and/or internationally

PROACTIVITY AND PLANNING

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

• Highly organised with excellent time management skills

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

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

PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING

Ensures good decisions are made through a rational and methodical approach

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Able to take on a varied set of responsibilities and flexible to work on all parts of the project/programme delivery

• Able to judge and balance when to make a decision, when to consult further and when to refer to colleagues

LEADERSHIP

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

• Able to take responsibility for funding programmes and manage relationships with award holders

• Initiative to take the lead on projects and events as needed

Other Requirements

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

• Demonstrates commitment to 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 4 March 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 Thursday, 19 March 2026 but this may be subject to change.