Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead policy development on work and labour market issues, focusing on poverty and economic insecurity.
- Company: Join the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, a leading social change organisation dedicated to eradicating poverty in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, including hybrid arrangements and part-time opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on social justice while shaping policies that promote a fair labour market.
- Qualifications: Bring expertise in policy issues related to work, with experience in national-level change and analysis.
- Other info: Applications are encouraged from diverse backgrounds, including those with lived experience of poverty.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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. This new role has been created to help us achieve our mission and will entail the creation of a new stream of policy development and influencing activity around work and the labour market, particularly issues related to poverty and economic insecurity in the UK today. Your brief will be to devise policy arguments and projects which can help us advance towards a fair labour market in ways that are both ambitious and sensitive to the needs of households in the UK, particularly those on low incomes.
The post-holder will have freedom to shape the scope of work, 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 work and the labour market. You’ll design and lead projects, expanding our expertise – and our impact – into a high-profile policy area, and be our point person on topic. By linking to JRF’s work on media, campaigns, emerging futures and social investment, you’ll find compelling ways to bring our policy & ideas to life.
About you
Candidates will bring a knowledge of policy issues related to work and labour markets and how they intersect with wider issues of social and economic disadvantage. You should have ideas about how to change the system and tangible experience of making policy and practice change at the national level. You will be able to analyse and unpick complex policy dilemmas, drawing on key literature, research evidence, leading-edge practice and everyday experience, and already 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 the sector or adjacent sectors.
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 12th 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. Applications are welcome from all, regardless of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, race, sex, sexual orientation, trans status or socioeconomic background. We recognise that we cannot truly be an anti-poverty organisation unless we are also an anti-racist organisation, and we positively encourage applications from people with experience of living in poverty. 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 (Work) employer: 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 (Work)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current policy landscape surrounding work and labour markets in the UK. Understanding recent developments and key debates will help you articulate your insights during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the social change and policy sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with individuals who can provide insights into the role and potentially support your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've influenced policy changes in the past. Highlighting tangible outcomes from your previous work will demonstrate your capability and commitment to social justice.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Joseph Rowntree Foundation's mission and values thoroughly. Being able to align your personal values with theirs during the interview will show your genuine interest in contributing to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Policy Adviser (Work)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Senior Policy Adviser position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, particularly around policy development related to work and labour markets.
Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV highlights relevant experience in policy-making, especially in areas related to social justice and economic disadvantage. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to influence change at a national level.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for social justice and your understanding of the challenges faced by low-income households. Mention how your ideas align with JRF's mission.
Specify Your Working Preference: In your application, clearly state whether you are applying for full-time or part-time work. If part-time, specify the number of hours you wish to work, as this is an important aspect of their flexible working approach.
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 economic insecurity, as this will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your commitment to social justice.
✨Showcase Your Policy Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in policy development and how it relates to work and labour markets. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully influenced policy or made tangible changes at a national level, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
The role requires the ability to analyse complex policy dilemmas. Be ready to discuss how you approach problem-solving and provide examples of how you've used research evidence and literature to inform your policy arguments.
✨Network and Relationships Matter
If you have a network of relationships within the sector, be sure to mention it during the interview. Discuss how these connections can help JRF advance its mission and how you plan to leverage them to create impactful policy change.
