Policy and Research Officer

Job Title: Policy and Research Officer

Location: Remote, UK

Employer: EAUC - Environmental Association of Universities and Colleges

Number of Positions: 1

Salary (per annum pro rata): Grade 5 £28,081- £30,505

Start Date: January 2025

Contract: Initial 12 month fixed term contract, with possible extension

Hours: Full-Time, 37 hours a week (0.8 FTE, 0.9 FTE and flexible working patterns can be considered)

Job Snapshot:

We are seeking a proactive and research-driven Policy and Research Officer to shape and advocate for sustainable education policies within post-16 education. The role will involve gathering sector intelligence, identifying policy opportunities, and developing evidence based policy positions. You will work collaboratively with EAUC staff, strategic partners, government bodies, sector leaders, and other decision-makers to inform and influence positive policy changes that embed sustainability within the education sector. 

It’s an exciting time for the EAUC – we’re celebrating our 20th anniversary, have recently launched a new strategy and initiated new high-profile projects. We’re also investing in our systems, for example, rationalising and modernising our digital estate. 

You will be flexible, self-led and able to work remotely and happy to work with colleagues to support wider organisation activities and targets. Our work is rarely linear so you’ll also be comfortable in rapidly evolving and dynamic environments. 

Please head to Policy Officer EAUC 2498 | Change Agents UK for the full Job Description and to APPLY.

Main duties and responsibilities 

Research and evidence gathering: 

• Gather and analyse intelligence from across the post-16 education sector, mapping key influences and stakeholders across the UK and Republic of Ireland. 
• Ensure all policy recommendations and advocacy efforts are evidence-informed, drawing on our work with members and wider stakeholders. 
• Gather and analyse data to aid EAUC articulate our impact to different stakeholders.  
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of our policy work.

Policy development: 

• Develop and maintain clearly defined policy positions and asks, using evidence gathered from sector research, case studies, and organisational projects. 
• Conduct research to gather intelligence on emerging issues and trends within the post-16 education sector. 
• Respond to relevant government and sector consultations, providing well researched, evidence-based responses that reflect our vision and priorities. 

Stakeholder engagement: 

• Convene discussions and debates on key policy areas with EAUC members and strategic partners.  
• Support the development of impactful partnerships so that EAUC is at the centre of collaborations with educational institutions, policymakers, and industry partners. 
• Work collaboratively internally and externally to inform policy and practice both in the UK and internationally. 

Advocacy and influence: 

• Work alongside relevant colleagues to raise the profile and status of the post-16 education sector’s role in sustainability action. 
• Develop and implement strategies to influence relevant policymakers, leaders and influencers. 
• Produce position statements, briefings, and reports to support advocacy efforts. 

Collaboration with colleagues: 

• Work closely with other EAUC colleagues to align our policy work with other organisational priorities and projects, using our collective organisational knowledge to inform our policy work. 
• Support the Management Team by providing insights and intelligence to inform relationship building, strategic decision-making and external engagement. 
   

Application Deadline: 11:59pm on 17th November 2024

Telephone Interview: w/c 18th November 2024

Online Interview Date: 2nd December 2024

Anticipated Start Date: January 2025

We operate an anonymised recruitment process. All identifying details including those relating to protected characteristics are removed by a different member of staff to those that are part of the shortlisting process until you’re invited to interview at which stage your name will also be shared. 

We want to provide an inclusive experience for all those who want to apply for a role with us and to remove any barriers in our recruitment processes. For example, if you have difficulty applying online, we can send a paper application pack or support in other ways such as telephone or video call. For video calls, we can make use of closed-captioned subtitling. Please contact us to discuss your needs.

For any queries related to your application, or the recruitment process, please contact Change Agents UK via phone on 01572 723 419 or by email at applications@changeagents.org.uk

Person Specification 

Essential: 

Knowledge

• At least two years of experience in a policy or research role.
• Understanding of the post-16 education sector. This could include knowledge of different policy areas, sector bodies, systems and frameworks.

Skills and Experience

• Proven track record of developing and delivering evidence-based policy positions.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and collaboration, with the ability to build strong relationships with government, sector bodies, and industry partners.
• Excellent research and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and evidence to inform policy positions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience producing policy briefings, position papers, and consultation responses.
• Ability to work independently, managing multiple projects and deadlines. 

Attributes

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A proactive and creative approach to problem solving.
• Willingness to be flexible and adapt to changing priorities
• A positive outlook and a professional manner
• Proactive and creative

Circumstances

• The right to work in the UK
• Willing and able to travel occasionally within the UK and Republic of Ireland

Desirable

Knowledge

• Knowledge of systems thinking and its application in education and sustainability.
  Skills and Experience
• Experience in sustainability or environmental policy.
• Experience working with government bodies or within the education sector across the four nations of the UK and/or the Republic of Ireland.

Attributes

• Keen interest in sustainability and/or education
• A commitment to the EAUC’s mission and values, particularly in the areas of sustainability and social justice.

• 12.5% employer pension contribution
• Employee assistance programme
• Homeworkers’ allowance
• 24 days’ annual holiday (with possible extension scheme), plus bank holidays and Christmas closure
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Where needed, home-office equipment