We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long-term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process.
We will make adjustments to support the recruitment and interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, adjustments will be made to support people within their role.
Job Description - Policy, Research and Projects Assistant for Universities for North East England (UNEE) (26001219)
Policy, Research and Projects Assistant for Universities for North East England (UNEE) (26001219)
HR & OD
Open-Ended/Permanent - Part Time
Closing Date
09-Sep-2026, 10:59:00 PM
Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement : Not Applicable.
This is a graduate opportunity open to individuals who have recently graduated from Durham University, Newcastle University, Northumbria University, the University of Sunderland or Teesside University within the past two years. Applicants must meet these eligibility criteria to be considered for the role.
About the Role
Reporting to the Head of Partnerships, you will provide support across policy, research, public affairs and project activity, working closely with colleagues across the five North East universities.
This is an early-career opportunity for a recent graduate looking to develop experience in policy, research and partnership working. You will gain exposure to a range of activities, including researching policy developments, gathering and analysing information, supporting the preparation of reports and briefings, monitoring political and stakeholder developments, and assisting with the coordination of projects.
Working as part of a small team, you will work collaboratively with colleagues across the partnership and with external stakeholders. The role will provide an opportunity to develop your understanding of how policy, research and public affairs support strategic decision-making and collaborative working across the higher education sector.
We are looking for someone with the academic foundation, interest and potential to develop into this area. You do not need to have extensive previous policy experience; we are looking for strong research, organisational and communication skills, alongside a willingness to learn, take initiative and contribute to the work of the team.
Travel across the five universities may sometimes be required.
The role is fixed term for 18 months.
Interviews will take place week commencing 21st September 2026.
About Universities for North East England
Launched in November 2024, Universities for North East England (UNEE) is a partnership bringing together the universities of Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria, Sunderland and Teesside. Building on existing collaboration, UNEE is the unified place-informed voice of Higher Education in North EastEngland, ensuring our role and contribution in the region is valued and advocating for and championing the North East region, Through UNEE we are collaborating to help educate the future workforce, support a vibrant regional economy and position and market the North Eastfor investment and to advocate for evidence-based policy development.
About You
- Strong research and analytical skills
- Strong planning and organising skills,adhering to timelines and budgets and able to manage competing priorities and pressures
- Keen interest in public policy and regional devolution
- Team player with strong interpersonal skills, ability to work with people at different levels across the organisation and external partners, agents, clients and customers
- Capabilities of IT systems and applications
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to draft and prepare high-level reports and briefings etc.
- Potential/ability to operate in a changing environment and integrate new areas of work
- Self –motivated and able to work without close supervision
Durham University are advertising this on behalf of the UNEE who are recruiting to this post.
We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long-term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process.
We will make adjustments to support the recruitment and interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, adjustments will be made to support people within their role.
If you are unable to complete your application via our recruitment system or would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to support you in the application process, please get in touch with us on e.recruitment@durham.ac.uk
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Policy, Research and Projects Assistant for Universities for North East England (UNEE) employer: Durham University
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