Advisor - Policy & Strategy (Secondment) in Leeds

Shape the Future with the National Wealth Fund. At the National Wealth Fund, our mission is to swiftly and effectively mobilise trusted sector insights and investment expertise to unlock billions in private finance for projects across the United Kingdom. Providing £27.8bn of capital and an expanded mandate, we are ready to help the market invest with confidence, continuing to drive forward the Government's growth ambitions.

We are looking for skilled and results-oriented individuals who are motivated to help us build the National Wealth Fund into an industry-leading institution.

Job Purpose

24 Month Secondment Opportunity. Individuals would join the NWF on a 24 month secondment, remaining on their current terms and conditions. We will consider individuals on temporary promotion; however, any period of temporary promotion would end on your return to your home department and would not be recognised as substantive. Individuals applying would need their Line Manager’s and Department’s permission that they are able to join the NWF on secondment. It is important that you have agreement from your line manager and HR team to be released quickly.

Leeds Base

The NWF is headquartered in Leeds and most of our employees are Leeds based. As this role is a secondment, it is not expected that you would be based in Leeds full time if you do not live nearby. However, you will be expected to travel to and be based in the Leeds office 2 days a week, for which reasonable travel and subsistence expenses will be provided.

Deadline to Apply: 26th July 2026. Early submission is encouraged, and applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Please submit a CV and covering letter.

Interview Process: Two stage interview process - Teams first interviews to take place w/c 3rd August, second stage face to face interviews to take place w/c 17th August.

Role Purpose

As a Policy Advisor, you will play a crucial role in implementing the strategic direction of the National Wealth Fund as well as working across the fund to deploy our capital base, as we continue to develop and evolve and deliver on the ambitions of our shareholder HM Treasury. You will lead aspects of our policy work across place and regional growth, as the National Wealth Fund builds a broader investment mandate to support the delivery of the government’s Industrial Strategy, clean energy transition and drive economic growth around the country. You will lead relationships with specific parts of government departments and key stakeholders such as MHCLG, Homes England, the National Housing Bank, Crown Estate and HMT, to understand government policy in relation to regional growth, shape the NWF’s overall strategic direction and its activity, and work alongside deal teams to support our investment pipeline including leading on policy due diligence on individual transactions.

Key Accountabilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key public sector stakeholders (including government departments and devolved administrations), to understand and influence policy developments, to ensure NWF activity is effectively delivering government policy aims, and to support the most effective use of public funds to mobilise private investment.
• Lead on developing and implementing aspects of the National Wealth Fund’s new investment mandate and new approach to mobilising private finance, such as by trialling new finance solutions with government departments.
• Work collaboratively with teams across the organisation, external stakeholders and government departments to develop and deliver a programme of investments in discrete sectors in support of the Government’s Industrial Strategy, clean energy and growth missions.
• Lead work on discrete cross-cutting policy issues as required, producing policy papers on emerging thinking and trends to support decision making by the NWF’s Executive Committee and Board. Spot key issues, risks and opportunities relevant to these policy areas and work with other functions across the organisation to identify and recommend ways forward.
• Leading on elements of the NWF’s overall strategy development and implementation, including elements of the next strategic plan, annual business planning, working closely with functions across the organisation, the Executive Committee and Board to ensure an appropriate and stretching plan for the upcoming year.
• Lead on the appraisal of individual investment proposals against our strategic objectives and supporting due diligence processes on transactions, as required. This includes working in cross-function deal teams with banking, impact and risk colleagues, drafting and contributing to Investment Committee papers and supporting senior colleagues through written and verbal briefings to ensure alignment with the Bank’s strategic objectives.
• Support wider work to establish an effective policy and strategy function which is well integrated and influential across the NWF.

Policy Specific

• Lead on day-to-day engagement with key departments, arms length bodies and public finance institutions including MHCLG, Homes England, the National Housing Bank, Crown Estate and HMT, staying abreast of key policy developments and evolving priorities.
• Policy lead for the place-based regeneration sector, working closely with relevant government departments, public finance institutions, and teams across NWF to assess investment opportunities in the sector and develop financing solutions to help address government policy priorities in the sector.
• Support the delivery of the NWF’s Regional Project Accelerator, working closely with the Investment & Advisory team to ensure activity reflects government policy priorities and that key challenges and learnings are effectively communicated back into government.
• Working closely with dedicated Devolved Nations Directors, support the wider organisation to engage effectively with the devolved governments (and their public finance institutions) in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Key Experience, Skills & Knowledge

• Experience working in a policy role, preferably within government departments, ALBs or Local Authorities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or influence policy change.
• Proven track record of delivering projects or initiatives within government or in collaboration with government (public or private sector expertise).
• Able to develop and maintain strong relationships with multiple stakeholders.
• A self-starter who is able to demonstrate strong initiative to drive progress at pace, working proactively and able to evidence an innovative approach to plans and solutions.
• An effective decision-maker, comfortable working with incomplete information or in an emerging area.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of senior and external colleagues, influencing effectively and providing constructive challenge.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively communicate policy positions to stakeholders across all levels of the organisation and with external stakeholders.

Desirable Experience, Skills & Knowledge

• Experience working in a Government Department, Local Authority or Devolved Administration in a role relevant to the policy area.
• Experience in sectors either directly or indirectly relevant to the brief such as regeneration, transport, or housing.
• Working in an investment-focused role may be an advantage but is not essential.

A career with us offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact and work on cutting-edge technologies that will drive the UK’s future. We value diversity in our people and inclusion is at the heart of what we do. We offer competitive benefits and unique learning opportunities from combining both private and public sector skills and experience. Please note, referencing and background checks are carried out for all roles here at the National Wealth Fund.