At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape policies to tackle poverty and economic insecurity in the UK.
- Company: Join the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, a leading social change organisation.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to anti-racism and disability confidence.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while driving social change.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy issues and stakeholder engagement is essential.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
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.
We are recruiting a Policy Advisor to work with our teams in 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.
As a Policy Adviser, you will be responsible for supporting the delivery of projects that generate arguments, policies and ideas to address the social and economic challenges and chart a course to a different and better future. You will seek out and connect with people or organisations developing new ideas and strategies that can contribute to our mission; and contribute ideas for how JRF should use its platform and resources to support their development. The initial focus of this role is on work and care policy, though this may be subject to change over time.
About you
Candidates will bring experience of working on policy issues and engaging with a range of stakeholders. You will have a good understanding of how policy making works across the UK and an awareness of politics and how to make policy change. Knowledge and experience working on either of work or care policy is an advantage but is not essential.
With experience of contributing positively and effectively in a team environment, you will be able to engage with policy dilemmas, drawing on key literature and research evidence with the ability to seek out ideas, examples, people and perspectives beyond JRF that could enrich our work and contribute to our mission. You will thrive working collaboratively with a diverse range of people, be a strong communicator (via writing and speaking) and be able to persuade effectively and engage with a range of stakeholders.
How to apply
If you share our passion and this role sounds like you, then we are looking forward to hearing from you. Please submit your CV and supporting information via our online application platform. Candidates are welcome to use AI tools in support of their applications, but anything included must be truthful, accurate, and drawn from your own experience. Be wary of relying on AI too heavily, as it produces generic answers that tend to be marked down. We're most interested in candidates' original perspectives, expressed in their own words.
The closing date for applications is Wednesday 26th August 2026. Interviews will take place on week commencing 28th September 2026. A webinar setting out more information on the role and allowing the chance for questions will take place on Tuesday 18th. You can find a link to sign up and submit questions in advance here. 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 are at our best when we are 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 are 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.
Policy Advisor in York employer: The Joseph Rowntree Foundation
As a General Assistant Apprentice, you'll join a supportive team dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for our residents. We pride ourselves on fostering a positive work culture that values respect and dignity, offering opportunities for personal growth and development in a rewarding environment. Located in a community-focused area, we provide a meaningful career path where your contributions truly make a difference.
Contact Details:
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy Advisor in York
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by The Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like The Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at The Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at The Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Policy Advisor in York
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of The Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Policy Advisor, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Joseph Rowntree Foundation
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of The Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
