Senior Policy Adviser (Housing)

Senior Policy Adviser (Housing)

York Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead policy development on housing to combat poverty and economic insecurity.
  • Company: Join the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, a leading social change organisation dedicated to ending poverty.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, including hybrid arrangements and part-time opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on housing issues while working in a supportive, innovative environment.
  • Qualifications: Bring expertise in housing policy and a passion for social justice.
  • Other info: Applications from disabled individuals are encouraged under our Disability Confident Employer commitment.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

York/London/Hybrid (willing to discuss flexible working from other locations, but 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

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) is working to speed up and support the transition to a more equitable and just future, free from poverty, in which people and planet can flourish. Inspired by the work of our founder over a century ago, today we are an independent, social change organisation, with an endowment, working across all nations of the UK.

This new role has been created to help us achieve our mission around people and planet and will entail working with senior colleagues to create a new stream of policy development and influencing activity around housing, particularly as it relates to poverty and economic insecurity in the UK today and chart a course to a different and better future. Your brief will be to devise arguments and ideas which can help us advance arguments that help to improve access to affordable, safe, secure homes for all which are both ambitious and sensitive to the needs of households in the UK, particularly those on low incomes.

The post-holder will have the freedom to shape the scope of work and lead significant projects, which should draw on JRF’s capacity to blend policy, analysis, advocacy and convening – combining in-house delivery and resourcing the work of others.

In this role, you’ll have the space and resources to create, connect, convene and cultivate ideas to catalyse social change on housing and land. You’ll design and lead projects, expanding our expertise – and our impact – into a high-profile policy area, and be our point person on housing and land. By linking to JRF’s work on campaigns, advocacy, emerging futures and social investment, you’ll find compelling ways to bring our policy & ideas to life.

About you

Candidates will bring a significant knowledge of policy issues related to housing and land and how they intersect with wider issues of social and economic disadvantage, and your portfolio to date will be distinctive for its quality, creativity and rigour. Able to analyse and unpick complex policy dilemmas, drawing on key literature, research evidence, leading-edge practice and everyday experience, you’ll be a ‘go-to’ voice for original thinking and expertise among decision-makers and opinion formers. You’ll bring curiosity, a powerful commitment to social justice, and ideally a network of relationships from within the housing sector.

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 9th January 2025. Interviews will take place either in York, London or remotely the w/c 3rd February 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.

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.

Senior Policy Adviser (Housing) employer: Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering social change and tackling poverty in the UK. With a strong commitment to employee growth, JRF offers a collaborative work culture that encourages innovative thinking and flexible working arrangements, allowing you to thrive in a supportive environment while making a meaningful impact on housing policy. Located in vibrant York and London, employees benefit from access to diverse resources and networks, enhancing their professional development and contribution to a just future.
Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust

Contact Detail:

Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Policy Adviser (Housing)

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the housing and policy sectors. Attend relevant events, webinars, or forums where you can meet people who work at organisations like the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Building relationships can give you insights into the role and potentially lead to referrals.

✨Tip Number 2

Stay updated on current housing policies and social justice issues. Follow key publications, reports, and thought leaders in the field. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the mission of JRF.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your previous projects and how they relate to housing and poverty. Be ready to share specific examples of your work that showcase your analytical skills and creativity in addressing complex policy dilemmas.

✨Tip Number 4

Familiarise yourself with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation's current initiatives and campaigns. Understanding their strategic goals will allow you to tailor your discussions during the interview, showing how your expertise aligns with their objectives.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Policy Adviser (Housing)

Policy Analysis
Knowledge of Housing Issues
Understanding of Economic Disadvantage
Research Skills
Advocacy Skills
Project Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Communication Skills
Creative Problem-Solving
Networking within the Housing Sector
Ability to Analyse Complex Policy Dilemmas
Commitment to Social Justice
Strategic Thinking
Report Writing

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Senior Policy Adviser position. Familiarise yourself with JRF's mission and how this role contributes to their goals around housing and poverty.

Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in policy development, particularly in housing and social justice. Emphasise your analytical skills and any previous work that demonstrates your ability to influence policy effectively.

Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for social justice and housing issues. Use specific examples from your past work to illustrate your expertise and how it aligns with JRF's objectives. Make sure to mention your willingness to work flexibly and your commitment to the role.

Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that your documents are clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

How to prepare for a job interview at Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust

✨Understand the Organisation's Mission

Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Joseph Rowntree Foundation's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their work on poverty and housing issues, as this will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your commitment to social change.

✨Showcase Your Policy Expertise

Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of housing policy and how it intersects with social and economic disadvantage. Bring examples from your previous work that highlight your analytical skills and creativity in addressing complex policy dilemmas.

✨Demonstrate Your Network

Highlight any existing relationships you have within the housing sector. This could include connections with decision-makers or organisations that align with JRF's mission. Showing that you have a network can illustrate your ability to influence and advocate effectively.

✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions

At the end of the interview, be ready to ask insightful questions about the role and the organisation. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the position aligns with your career goals and values.

Senior Policy Adviser (Housing)
Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust
Location: York
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