Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of impactful policies addressing poverty and economic insecurity.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to social change and economic fairness.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Encouraging applications from diverse backgrounds, including those with lived experience of poverty.
- Why this job: Shape national conversations and drive meaningful change in society.
- Qualifications: Expertise in UK labour markets or care systems and strong policy-making knowledge.
Permanent, Full Time (35 hours per week)
About the role
We are seeking a visionary leader to drive the design, development and delivery of programmes that generate influential arguments, policies and ideas addressing the social and economic challenges underpinning poverty and economic insecurity in the UK today. This role is central to charting a course toward a fairer and more prosperous future.
You will actively seek out and engage with individuals and organisations developing innovative ideas and strategies that align with our mission. You will take ownership of how our platform and resources can be best leveraged to support the development and diffusion.
In addition, you will lead the external projection of this work, shaping national conversations, influencing decision-making at the highest levels, building strategic alliances and partnerships and backing experimentation and real-world alternatives. Your leadership will help nurture longer term shifts in thinking and action, ensuring that our work resonates and drives meaningful change across society.
The successful candidate will work collaboratively across the wider organisation, drawing on different disciplines and perspectives to strengthen policy and ideas work and maximise potential for change. You will engage closely with colleagues in teams across devolved nations, considering the territorial implications of their work and exploring how to address issues where responsibilities are devolved.
About you
We are seeking a candidate with strong expertise in UK labour markets or systems of care and a clear understanding of how these relate to poverty and economic insecurity. You will have a sophisticated grasp of how policy making works across the UK including devolved and sub-national governments and be well engaged with current political and policy debates. You will also understand how a range of analytical approaches, both quantitative and experiential, can be applied to complex policy issues, alongside a commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture.
You will be skilled at navigating complex dilemmas, using evidence, research and lived experience to develop insightful and original ideas. You will think critically and creatively, communicate persuasively and identify and support new ideas and perspectives beyond JRF. You will also be an effective collaborator, able to build partnerships and work with a diverse range of stakeholders.
You will bring a track record of shaping influential ideas or policies and experience of engaging and influencing at senior levels. You will have led successful projects or programmes, supported others through coaching and development and contributed to building high-performing, positive teams.
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 Sunday 10th May 2026. Interviews will take place on Wednesday 20th May 2026. We reserve the right to bring the closing date forward should enough quality applications be received prior to the current closing date.
Additional Information
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 positively encourage applications from people from marginalised backgrounds, including but not limited to those with experience of living in poverty. We are committed to being an anti-racist organisation and operate an anonymised recruitment process so that bias is eliminated from the shortlisting process.
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.
At JRF we’re at our best when we’re continually building on trust, showing we care and making a difference – and hope others will do the same. So, for those roles which allow it, we’re developing a more blended approach to how and where you work. This means you can expect to work flexibly between the office and home (with an expectation of two days a week in your home office).
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. If you have any additional needs and need reasonable adjustments to be made to the interview process, please let us know.
Principal Policy Adviser (Work and Care) in York employer: Joseph Rowntree
Contact Detail:
Joseph Rowntree Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Policy Adviser (Work and Care) in York
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend events, and engage on social media. Building connections can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its mission. Understand their current projects and challenges, so you can tailor your responses and show how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and ideas clearly and confidently. Mock interviews with friends or mentors can help you refine your delivery and boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Policy Adviser (Work and Care) in York
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Principal Policy Adviser role. Highlight your expertise in UK labour markets or systems of care, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant projects you've led.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about tackling poverty and economic insecurity. Share your vision for how you can contribute to our mission and make a real difference.
Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit: We love teamwork! In your application, mention examples of how you've successfully collaborated with diverse stakeholders. This will show us that you can work effectively across different teams and perspectives.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our online platform. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your CV and supporting information, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Joseph Rowntree
✨Know Your Policy Stuff
Make sure you brush up on current UK labour market trends and systems of care. Familiarise yourself with recent policies and debates surrounding poverty and economic insecurity. This will help you speak confidently about how your expertise aligns with the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led successful projects or influenced policy changes in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to building partnerships and collaborating with diverse stakeholders, as this is key for the Principal Policy Adviser role.
✨Engage with Real-World Examples
Think of specific instances where you've used evidence and lived experience to shape policy ideas. Sharing these stories will demonstrate your ability to navigate complex dilemmas and think critically about solutions.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Inclusivity
Since the organisation values diversity and inclusion, be prepared to talk about how you've fostered an inclusive culture in your previous roles. Highlight any initiatives you've been part of that support marginalised communities, as this aligns with their mission.