Advisor – Policy & Strategy, Defence (Secondment) in Leeds

Shape the Future with the National Wealth Fund. The National Wealth Fund (NWF) mobilises trusted sector insights and investment expertise to unlock billions in private finance for projects across the United Kingdom. The Fund provides £27.8bn of capital with an expanded mandate and aims to be an industry-leading institution.

Policy & Strategy Advisor – 12 Month Secondment

We offer a 12-month secondment, remaining on current terms and conditions. Temporary promotion may be considered, but any period would end on the return to the home department and would not be recognised as substantive. Applicants require their Line Manager’s and Department’s permission to join the NWF on secondment. Agreement from the line manager and HR to be released quickly is important. Leeds is the base; the role is not expected to be based in Leeds full time if you live nearby. However, you will be required to travel to and be based in the Leeds office 2 days a week, with reasonable travel and subsistence expenses provided. Deadline to Apply: 22 July 2026. Early submission is encouraged; applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Interview process: two-stage – Teams first interviews (w/c 27 July) and in-person interviews (w/c 10 August).

Role Purpose

This is an outstanding opportunity to work with the National Wealth Fund, an operationally independent public financial institution owned by HM Treasury. As a Policy & Strategy Advisor, you will work with government departments and NWF’s Investment & Advisory team to deliver on NWF’s £100bn mission to drive long-term growth and clean energy across the UK. The role focuses on strengthening the UK’s sovereign and strategic capabilities, particularly investments into the UK’s defence industrial base. Your work will help NWF navigate the interactions between defence and security policy while ensuring investments are commercially and financially viable. You will help deliver the shareholder objectives of HM Treasury for NWF, including:

• to invest in growth opportunities underpinning the UK’s national security;
• to back domestic supply chains for growth and resilience;
• to support defence opportunities including enabling infrastructure.

The exact policy area and role will depend on business needs and will be discussed with candidates at interview stage.

You will lead a portfolio of work on the policy aspects of defence investment and national security policy, working across the Fund to support the pipeline of investments and taking a lead on policy due diligence for individual transactions. You will also act as a regulatory expert in defence, lead on trusted capital, and support operational and senior policy engagement with MOD, as well as liaising with other parts of government including NSSIF and Cabinet Office.

Core Accountabilities

Policy, Strategy and Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with key public and private sector stakeholders with a focus on MOD to understand and influence policy developments, ensuring NWF activity aligns with government policy aims (e.g., SDR, DIP, DFIS).

Defence Sector Investment: Lead on developing and implementing policy aspects of the Fund’s new investment mandate as it relates to defence investment; support the most effective use of public funds to mobilise private investment into defence and national security, including through the Defence Finance and Investment Strategy; lead cross-cutting policy issues and produce policy papers to inform decision making by the NWF’s Executive Committee and Board; identify issues, risks and opportunities and coordinate with other functions to propose solutions.

Support CEO engagement on national security and defence with internal and external stakeholders; represent the Fund at external events as required; coordinate with external strategy advisors as needed.

Provide cross-functional support across the organisation in relation to policy implementation and governance.

Experience, Knowledge and Skills

Essential: Experience in a policy or policy-delivery role in or alongside the Ministry of Defence or UK government (HMG/UK intelligence community). Ability to lead or influence policy change. Proven track record of delivering projects within government or in collaboration with government. Ability to develop and maintain relationships with multiple stakeholders. Self-starter with initiative and an innovative approach. Ability to work collaboratively with senior and external colleagues, influencing effectively and providing constructive challenge. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Active security clearance (SC) or the ability to obtain it. Substantive G6/G7 or equivalent grade (current or prior).

Desirable: Experience in strategy, policy or investment roles; knowledge of the defence investment landscape; experience in defence or national security sectors (e.g., clean energy, transport, water, green hydrogen, carbon capture, etc.); experience in industrial strategy sectors such as technology or advanced manufacturing.

The National Wealth Fund values a diverse and inclusive workforce and is an equal opportunity employer. Our recruitment reflects the breadth of the nations and regions of the UK. Roles are open to full-time, part-time or job-share applicants (job-share applicants should provide separate CVs and a joint cover letter). Background checks are carried out for successful candidates; salary is commensurate with experience. This information is provided for compliance and candidate experience; further specifics will be discussed during the selection process.