Policy Officer

This post will deliver policy outputs across the Young Lives programme, with a strong focus on laying the foundations for a new Young Lives ResearchHub on Climate Change and Environmental Shocks. The delivery of high-quality impactful policy outputs is central to the success of Young Lives as an innovative international longitudinal study, including supporting new fundraising opportunities.

The post holder will report directly to the Young Lives Deputy Director, and will work closely with the Young Lives Director, Senior Researchers and Head of Communications based in Oxford. S/he will also collaborate closely with researchers and policy leads in each of the four Young Lives study countries.

At ODID we embrace and cherish our differences, and endeavour to be considerate and welcoming of all. You are most welcome at ODID, without the need to hide any part of who you are. We acknowledge societal inequalities and how these affect us, and those around us, personally and professionally. We hold an Athena Swan bronze award in recognition of our efforts to introduce organisational and cultural changes which promote equality, cherish diversity and create a better working environment for all. We are also taking active steps to promote race equality and reduce the risk of bias and discrimination. We work together to enrich, fortify and grow our community and dedicate our combined efforts to teaching and research to increase our impact and influence in development debates at the national and global level. We encourage all eligible candidates to apply for our vacancies and join us in pursuing our goals.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to laying the foundations for a new Young Lives (YL) Research Hub on Climate Change and Environmental Shocks.
• Support the Deputy Director to deliver the YL Policy Influencing Strategy and key research-to-policy outputs across the YL programme, including key messages, policy briefs, impact case studies, blogs and other policy focused materials relating to YL research themes. Key themes include education and skills, employment, health & wellbeing and family lives, with a specific focus on the crosscutting impacts of climate change and environmental shocks, poverty and inequalities.
• Track and analyse international and national policy debates, with a specific focus on the impact of poverty, inequalities and climate change on young people in low- and middle-income (LMICs) countries, including the disproportionate effects on girls and women.
• Proactively engage and build relationships with key international policy stakeholders working on the impacts of poverty, inequalities and climate change in LMICs, including policy influencers and practitioners (e.g. governments, donors and civil society), research-to-policy networks and researchers.
• Work closely with the Deputy Director and YL Country Directors to identify opportunities to influence policy debates both internationally and in the four study countries and provide technical support in developing research-to-policy engagement plans.
• Work closely with the YL Head of Communications to ensure research findings and related policy implications are effectively disseminated for maximum impact, including through website and social media, webinars, conferences, policy events and meetings to encourage the maximum uptake and impact of Young Lives evidence. Represent Young Lives at external events and meetings where necessary.
• Provide support to the Young Lives Director and Deputy Director in the development of fundraising proposals and submission of grant applications to generate future Young Lives research income. 

Selection Criteria 

Essential selection criteria 

• Education to Degree level in a relevant subject (e.g. social or public policy, development studies, sociology, anthropology, or economics).
• Substantial experience in a policy analysis/advocacy role within the international development arena, including experience of developing and implementing policy influencing and engagement strategies.
• Proven track record of contributing to high-quality policy-related publications, including policy briefs and blogs. Significant experience of using research evidence to engage with policy and practice.
• Broad knowledge of relevant international policy and practice debates including the cross-cutting impacts of climate change, poverty and inequalities on young people in LMICs.
• Excellent analytical skills, able to synthesise and distil key messages from a wide range of technical academic research and policy reports.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to write quickly for publication, tailor communications to different audiences for maximum user access and impact, and experience of presenting at external events and high-profile meetings.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills. Ability to work collaboratively within a large team as well as independently, to prioritise tasks, to manage multiple demands and to work to deadlines. 

Desirable selection criteria

• Experience of writing fundraising proposals.
• Experience of working in a multidisciplinary, multi-national research team and contributing ideas for new research projects.
• Willingness to undertake overseas travel.