Economist, International Policy

18-month fixed term contract with possibility of extension, 30 - 37.5 hours a week.

The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) is the UK’s leading independent thinktank. Our pioneering research and ideas have shaped progressive policy making for more than three decades. From making the early case for the minimum wage and taking regional inequality to the top of the political agenda, to proposing a windfall tax on energy companies, our research and policy work has put forward practical solutions for the crises facing society - to enable justice, progress and change.

At the start of 2024 IPPR launched an international programme. That programme is now expanding into a Centre for Geopolitics and International Policy, and at a critical geopolitical moment. The competition, conflict and instability that was already a feature of the international landscape over the last few years has shifted to a different level. Old assumptions regarding who holds power, who allies with whom, the absence of great power military conflict or ‘the rules of the game’ can no longer be taken for granted. The previous ‘Western’ led, ‘rules-based’ order is disintegrating, and along with it the structures and norms which have underpinned international cooperation over the last decades, constraining the most powerful, and giving some voice to the poorest and most marginalized.

IPPR’s international programme seeks to add a distinctive perspective to the international policy debate in the UK at this time. It aims to bring substantive international policy expertise but based on progressive values and with deep political insight, understanding how international policy decisions link to UK domestic political projects.

Researchers, policy thinkers and changemakers often say that their work is vital ‘now, more than ever’. But in this case, it really is the time - more than in many decades – to work to give progressive policymakers the confidence and the ideas to navigate this ‘world between orders’. IPPR’s international programme seeks to do exactly this.

The programme has worked across three areas to date: the UK’s relationships with the countries of the ‘global south’; the role of international economic policy in supporting UK growth; and the UK’s geopolitical position and choices in this moment of global upheaval. As the programme transforms into a permanent centre within IPPR, we are now deepening our work in these three areas and creating several new roles as a result.

If you have strong international economic or quantitative analytical expertise, applied to international policy issues; if you are interested in using your expertise to generate real world policy impact, and you identify with IPPR’s values and objectives, this could be a very exciting role for you.

As Economist, you will lead the team's quantitative analysis, and author reports, develop policy ideas, communicate with stakeholders and represent IPPR in the media. You will work across different aspects of international policy, including international development, climate finance, international financial markets and regulation, trade, and international value chains.

You will bring exceptional quantitative skills and a proven ability to apply these to international economic policy. Combining a passion for economic justice with intellectual flair, innovative thinking, and political understanding, you will deliver high-quality and impactful research and policy work.

You will thrive working independently across a range of projects and policy themes as part of a collaborative and ambitious team. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills are essential, along with the confidence to engage in written and broadcast media opportunities. Above all, you will demonstrate a clear commitment to IPPR’s ethos and values.

This role is based in our London office, right in the heart of Westminster, placing you at the centre of UK policymaking and public affairs. We value the benefits of in-person collaboration and ask staff to spend at least 40 per cent of their working hours in the office. As part of our commitment to flexible working, we welcome applications from candidates seeking part-time hours, job-share arrangements, or other flexible options. We’re open to shaping the role around the right person, and all working patterns can be discussed at the interview stage.

IPPR is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community, and from applicants with a range of professional and lived experiences. As an organisation engaging in critical debate about a wide range of progressive policy issues, we value the creativity and range of perspectives that a diverse team can provide.

For further information and full details on how to apply, please download the information pack from our website. Closing date for applications: 10am on Thursday 4 December. Interviews will take place in our London office on Monday 15 December.