Advisor - Policy & Strategy (Secondment) in Leeds

Shape the Future with the National Wealth Fund. At the National Wealth Fund, our mission is to swiftly and effectively mobilise trusted sector insights and investment expertise to unlock billions in private finance for projects across the United Kingdom. Providing £27.8bn of capital and an expanded mandate, we are ready to help the market invest with confidence, continuing to drive forward the Government's growth ambitions.

We are looking for skilled and results‐oriented individuals who are motivated to help us build the National Wealth Fund into an industry‑leading institution.

Job Purpose

As a Policy Advisor, you will play a crucial role in implementing the strategic direction of the National Wealth Fund and in deploying our capital base to deliver on the ambitions of our shareholder HM Treasury. You will lead aspects of our policy work across place and regional growth, as the National Wealth Fund builds a broader investment mandate to support the delivery of the government’s Industrial Strategy, clean energy transition and drive economic growth around the country. You will lead relationships with key stakeholders such as MHCLG, Homes England, the National Housing Bank, Crown Estate and HMT to understand government policy, shape the NWF’s strategic direction and work alongside deal teams to support our investment pipeline, including leading on policy due diligence on individual transactions.

Terms & Conditions

Individuals will join the NWF on a 24‑month secondment, remaining on their current terms and conditions. We will consider individuals on temporary promotion; any period of temporary promotion will end on your return to your home department and will not be recognised as substantive. Individuals applying require permission from their Line Manager and Department that they can join the NWF on secondment. Agreement from line manager and HR team to be released quickly is essential.

Base

The NWF is headquartered in Leeds and most of our employees are Leeds based. As this role is a secondment, you are not expected to be based in Leeds full time if you do not live nearby; however, you will be expected to travel to and be based in the Leeds office two days a week, for which reasonable travel and subsistence expenses will be provided.

Deadline to Apply

26th July 2026.

Interview Process

Two‑stage interview process – Teams first interviews to take place w/c 3rd August, second stage face‑to‑face interviews to take place w/c 17th August.

Key Accountabilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key public sector stakeholders (government departments and devolved administrations) to understand and influence policy developments, ensuring that NWF activity effectively delivers government policy aims and supports the most effective use of public funds to mobilise private investment.
• Lead on developing and implementing aspects of the NWF’s new investment mandate and new approach to mobilising private finance, such as by trialling new finance solutions with government departments.
• Work collaboratively with teams across the organisation, external stakeholders and government departments to develop and deliver a programme of investments in discrete sectors to support the Government’s Industrial Strategy, clean energy and growth missions.
• Lead work on discrete cross‑cutting policy issues, producing policy papers on emerging thinking and trends to support decision‑making by the NWF’s Executive Committee and Board.
• Spot key issues, risks and opportunities relevant to these policy areas and work with other functions across the organisation to identify and recommend ways forward.
• Lead elements of the NWF’s overall strategy development and implementation, including the next strategic plan and annual business planning.
• Lead on the appraisal of individual investment proposals against our strategic objectives and support due‑diligence processes on transactions.

Policy Specific

• Lead on day‑to‑day engagement with key departments, arms‑length bodies and public finance institutions including MHCLG, Homes England, the National Housing Bank, Crown Estate and HMT, staying abreast of key policy developments.
• Policy lead for the place‑based regeneration sector, working closely with relevant government departments, public finance institutions and NWF teams to assess investment opportunities and develop financing solutions.
• Support the delivery of the NWF’s Regional Project Accelerator, working closely with the Investment & Advisory team to ensure activity reflects government policy priorities and that key challenges and learnings are effectively communicated back to government.
• Work closely with dedicated Devolved Nations Directors to support wider organisation engagement with devolved governments (and their public finance institutions) in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Key Experience, Skills & Knowledge

• Experience working in a policy role, preferably within government departments, ALBs or Local Authorities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or influence policy change.
• Proven track record of delivering projects or initiatives within government or in collaboration with government (public or private sector expertise).
• Able to develop and maintain strong relationships with multiple stakeholders.
• A self‑starter who demonstrates strong initiative to drive progress at pace, works proactively and evidence an innovative approach to plans and solutions.
• An effective decision‑maker, comfortable working with incomplete information or in an emerging area.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of senior and external colleagues, influencing effectively and providing constructive challenge.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively communicate policy positions to stakeholders across all levels of the organisation and publicly.

Desirable Experience, Skills & Knowledge

• Experience working in a Government Department, Local Authority or Devolved Administration in a role relevant to the policy area.
• Experience in sectors directly or indirectly relevant to the brief such as regeneration, transport or housing.
• Working in an investment‑focused role may be an advantage but is not essential.

Benefits

We offer competitive benefits and unique learning opportunities from combining both private and public sector skills and experience.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

The National Wealth Fund encourages a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified people. Inclusion is at the heart of what the Fund does. Our roles are open to full‑time, part‑time or job‑share applicants.