Policy & Advocacy Recruitment

Policy and research roles are mostly advertised in think tanks and government bodies and exist to support an organisation with evidence-based thought leadership for the purposes of inspiring change, debate or financial investment on an issue or range of issues, such as sustainable resource use, housing policy or children’s health.

Policy roles specifically look at policy agendas and get to grips with relevant data, insights and issues: research roles may do this too, though they are often more focussed on academic research and review. Research-based roles may also support program design by establishing a good evidence base or understanding the wider context of an organisation’s activities, and some policy roles such as Policy Coordinator may be focussed on directing the policies and governance of the organisation itself.

Gathering and interpreting qualitative and/or quantitative data on a particular issue or project (including visualising and presenting data where appropriate)

Conducting background research into a topic or issue, including literature reviews

Engaging with stakeholders by collecting primary data (e.g. through surveys and interviews)

Monitoring and investigating issues of relevance to the organisation

Working individually or in a team to produce reports and briefings to communicate findings to a leadership team and external stakeholders, support research studies, and guide the organisation’s activities

Contributing to the development and management of knowledge and information building/sharing

Analysing relevant national and regional policies to contribute to effective policy engagement and/or positively influence public policy

Performing qualitative and quantitative analysis on a range of data to conduct cost-benefit analyses for policy changes

Identifying emerging trends, risks, opportunities, data, technologies and issues and understanding how these may affect the activities of an organisation and their policy recommendations

Providing substantive technical support to inform project formulation and operation

Assisting in audit-related functions for program activities

Representing the organisation in task forces, collaboratives, academia and working groups

Providing policy briefings for staff, supporting and maintaining the organisation’s internal governance and policy, providing administrative support and responding to the wider policy landscape

For assistant roles, typically at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field plus approximately 2 years of relevant work experience

For higher level roles (including Manager, Consultant and Officer positions), usually a strong academic background (often a master’s degree or sometimes a doctorate) in a relevant subject, plus several years of relevant professional experience in a speciality area (anywhere from 2 to 10 years)

For research and policy roles, experience may include qualitative and/or quantitative research, data analysis or political support

Advocacy and activism jobs exist for the purpose of trying to drive change – ideally systemic change – by influencing the thoughts, actions and policies of communities, corporations, governments, international organisations and other important stakeholders. They do this by being a voice for change through evidence-based campaigning, liaison and engagement. Often the purpose of activism in particular is a disruption to the norm or status quo.

Campaigners help to develop and deliver campaigns for an organisation, which involves engaging new and existing audiences and mobilising supporters for the purposes of advocacy, fundraising or action.

Monitoring and investigating an issue to produce high-quality documentation and evidence

Lobbying organisations and governments to make changes to laws and policies to support the organisation’s aims and visions

Engaging community members to build capacity and buy-in, sometimes in a ‘community organiser’ capacity to promote action (e.g. through rallying supporters for demonstrations, organising events, and maintaining a shared vision)

Liaising with other advocacy workers and organisations to achieve common goals, sometimes through multi-organisational programs and campaigns

Developing and implementing impactful campaigns strategies and plans using various channels, tools and activism strategies

For policy and research roles: research, analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify data sources, and gather, interpret, visualise and use data for problem-solving and generating evidence (may include qualitative and/or quantitative skills); strong writing skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office software; communication skills; policy analysts generally must be knowledgeable in the fields of policy and economics

For advocacy and campaigns roles: well-developed communication skills (orally and in writing); programmatic expertise in campaigns and advocacy; knowledge of the broader context of an issue/cause, the organisation and its stakeholders; ability to build and maintain networks and develop strong relationships and trust; empathetic with an awareness of diversity and inclusion practices

For assistant roles, typically at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field plus approximately 2 years of relevant work experience

For higher level roles (including Manager, Consultant and Officer positions), usually a strong academic background (often a master’s degree or sometimes a doctorate) in a relevant subject, plus several years of relevant professional experience in a speciality area (anywhere from 2 to 10 years)
For advocacy and campaigns roles, experience may be in capacity-building, community mobilisation, social action, event planning, campaign management, social movements, and general advocacy and activism

Policy, research and advocacy roles

Roles in this category can be roughly split into the following sub-categories:

Policy and research

Advocacy and activism

Policy and research

Duties for research roles may include:

Duties for policy roles may include:

Skills may include:

Relevant experience for these types of jobs may include:

Advocacy and activism

Duties for advocacy and campaigns roles may include:

Skills may include:

Relevant experience for these types of jobs may include:

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