Principal Policy Adviser (Macroeconomic and Fiscal)

York/London/Hybrid - willing to discuss flexible working from other locations, but you will need to be able to attend either York or London office a minimum of two days per week. Permanent, Full Time (35 hours per week)

About the role

JRF’s Insight & Policy Team seek to move and shape the UK policy debate, in support of JRF’s mission to speed up the transition to a more equitable and just future, free from poverty, where people and planet can flourish. Our policy & ideas work looks to address both the immediacy of hardship and inequality as well as the deeper social and economic forces and conditions on which they rest.

We are seeking an outstanding individual to lead JRF’s work on Macroeconomic and Fiscal policy. You will lead the design, assembly and execution of programmes of work that generate arguments, policies and ideas to address the social and economic challenges that underpin household economic insecurity in the UK today and chart a course to a different and better future.

As a Principal Policy Adviser, you will seek out and connect with people or organisations developing new ideas and strategies that can contribute to our mission. You will take responsibility for how JRF should use its platform and resources to support their development and diffusion and lead the projection of this work externally, in ways that seek to shape the national conversation, influence power and decision making at the highest levels, build alliances and partnerships (including backing experimentation and real-world alternatives) and nurture the seeds of longer-range shifts in thinking and action.

About you

You will have a deep knowledge and expertise on issues of fiscal policy and macroeconomics, and how these policy areas relate to the causes and consequence of poverty and wider household economic insecurity and the social and economic conditions on which they rest.

With a sophisticated understanding of how policymaking works across the UK, devolved and sub-national governments (both on paper and in practice), you will need experience of advocating and influencing at very senior levels (e.g. via political, government or stakeholder engagement, plus broadcast, print and social media) and highly developed awareness of, and engagement with, relevant political, policy and intellectual debates, plus models and approaches to social change.

You will have a strong understanding of how a range of analytical tools and methods can be used to understand and grapple with a policy issue (both quantitative and experiential) and be able to think critically and creatively, analyse and problem solve, generate original ideas, and explore new and alternative ways of approaching an issue.

Able to master and explore complex policy dilemmas, drawing on key literature, research evidence, leading-edge practice and everyday experience, you will be able to spot promising new ideas, emerging talent and alternative perspectives beyond JRF, and to find ways to back that work where it contributes to our mission.

About us

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) is a highly regarded independent social change organisation, working to support and speed up the transition to a more equitable and just future, free from poverty, where people and planet can flourish. Founded in 1904, a substantial endowment from the family confectionery firm means that JRF does not need to fundraise. We make grants and invest extensively in projects and partner organisations which are working to achieve the same goals. Through research, policy, collaboration and practical solutions, JRF aims to inspire action and change that will create a prosperous UK without poverty. For us, ending poverty in the UK is a moral cause: to ensure dignity and respect for everyone, and to address exclusion and powerlessness.

How to apply

If you share our passion and this role sounds like you, then we’re looking forward to hearing from you. Please submit your cv and supporting information via our online application platform. The closing date for applications is 12th January 2025. Interviews will be held on the week commencing 27th January 2025.

Additional Information

In support of our approach to flexible working we are happy to receive applications from those seeking full time employment, as well as those who may want to share the role on a part time basis. When making your application, please state whether you want to be considered for either full or part time work and, if part time, the number of hours per week you would be looking for.

At JRF we’re at our best when we’re continually building on trust, showing we care and making a difference – and hope others will do the same. So, for those roles which allow it, we’re developing a more blended approach to how and where you work. Which means you can expect to work flexibly between the office and home.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At JRF/JRHT we believe in giving everyone an equal chance to succeed. Applications are welcome from all regardless of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, race, sex, sexual orientation, trans status or social economic background. We positively encourage applications from people with experience of living in poverty. As part of our commitment to equity and specifically anti-racism, we operate an anonymised recruitment process so that bias is eliminated from the shortlisting process. We are a Disability Confident Employer. This means that we are committed to the recruitment, progression and retention of disabled individuals. We shall also offer interviews to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for the job. If you have a disability, please tell us if you would like to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.