The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences – is seeking a Senior International Policy Adviser to join the Global Strategy, Policy & Engagement team providing key support in the delivery of the Academy’s dynamic and varied international policy portfolio.

 ROLE PURPOSE / OVERVIEW

The Senior International Policy Adviser will take a leading role in delivering the Academy’s diverse and fast-moving international policy portfolio. This position lies at the interface of research, policy and practice with stakeholders globally, the incumbent acting as a source of expertise for the Academy’s international engagement and representing the Academy externally.

Key elements of the role include developing evidence-based advice to inform policy and practice, building relationships with key stakeholders to support the Academy’s International policy activities, and playing a key role in the development and delivery of the Academy’s International Policy Programmes.

We are looking for someone with a strong policy background, knowledge and understanding of international policy debates, processes and policymaking. They should be confident, enthusiastic, proactive and open-minded in their attitude to work and enjoy working collaboratively as part of a team.

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

• 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 GSPE Team.

 2. Build relationships with key stakeholders to support the Academy’s International activities

• Identify, cultivate and maintain relationships with policymakers and practitioners to enhance the impact of the Academy’s activities.

• Identify opportunities to demonstrate the breadth, value and impact of the Academy’s international programmes and activities.

• Provide support for relevant committees and panels, undertake analysis and background research (including at times drafting work for publications).

• Work collaboratively with colleagues in the GSPE team, and Academy colleagues more widely, on a range of international policy and engagement programmes, projects and activities.

  3. Project delivery

• Lead on the development and organisation of programmes and a activities, in particular in the context of the International Policy Programmes.

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

• Support the dissemination of projects outputs, including publications.

 4. Manage a budget related to appropriate international activities

• Help manage a budget related to appropriate international activities, including payments.

• Liaise with colleagues to ensure financial monitoring and reporting. 

 5. Represent the Academy at a range of external meetings

• Represent the Academy’s views and positions professionally and authoritatively.

• Provide support for relevant committees and panels and undertake analysis and background research.

• Undertake additional tasks and responsibilities across the international portfolio as programmes and activities develop.

 6. Manage an International Policy Adviser

• Work closely to deliver activities in a timely manner and to a high standard.

• Support their professional development.

 Key Stakeholders

Internal:

Global Strategy, Policy & Engagement, International Funding, Public Policy, Higher Education, Public Affairs & News teams, and Fellows of the Academy

 External:

Award holders and other researchers, UK Government, National and Celtic Academies, Civil society organisations, International partners, Multilateral organisations

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Works and communicates effectively

• 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

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Demonstrates and develops appropriate knowledge and skills

• Knowledge of UK and international higher education and research environment

• Knowledge and understanding of international policy debates, processes and policymaking

• Understanding of meeting/event organisation and management

• Understanding of working in a policy environment and knowledge of producing policy-focused outputs

•  Competent in budget planning and monitoring

• Knowledge of working with committees/expert panels/steering groups

• Able to effectively engage with policymakers in the UK and/or international

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

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 work on own initiative, plus lead and direct colleagues as appropriate in an office or remote working setting (desirable)

• Positive attitude to challenges and co-operation with colleagues

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

• Is happy to support other team members during busy periods, whilst not compromising your own workload

• Treats other staff members and stakeholders with respect and honesty.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Personal commitment to the values, vision, and objectives of the British Academy

• Evidenced commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusivity

• Takes a flexible approach to their work, happy to take on different responsibilities in the interests of the Academy

• Willing to travel on British Academy business, including overnight stays, within UK and overseas.

• Flexible about working location and hours on occasion

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

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

Please upload a 2-page CV with your application.

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 6th January 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 23 January 2026 but this may be subject to change.