Senior Policy Adviser – Education in London

Senior Policy Adviser – Education in London

London Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
UNICEF UK

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead UK education policy and advocate for children's rights in early childhood learning.
  • Company: Join UNICEF UK, a leading organisation dedicated to protecting children's rights globally.
  • Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, training opportunities, and wellbeing tools.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while shaping impactful education policies.
  • Qualifications: Expertise in UK education policy and advocacy experience required.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

UNICEF ensures more of the world’s children are vaccinated, educated and protected than any other organisation. We have done more to influence laws and policies to help protect children than anyone else. We get things done. And we’re not going to stop until the world is a safe place for all our children.

This is a great opportunity to join the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) as a Senior Policy Adviser – Education. The role provides strategic leadership on UK education policy across the organisation, with a current focus on early childhood learning and development. The role shapes and delivers rights‑based policy influencing strategies, research, and analysis, working closely with colleagues in campaigns and political affairs to drive change for children in the UK.

The role requires expertise in UK education policy, clear experience leading advocacy‑oriented research, and a history of influencing UK Government. You will bring a strong understanding of UK policy‑making processes and a commitment to children’s rights.

In return, we offer:

  • Excellent pay and benefits (including flexible working, generous annual leave and pension, big brand discounts and wellbeing tools)
  • Outstanding training and learning opportunities and the support to excel in your role
  • Impressive open plan office space and facilities on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
  • An open culture and workplace with colleagues who share our values, enjoy their work and are motivated to do their utmost for children
  • The opportunity to work in a leading children’s organisation making a difference to children around the world

We anticipate most colleagues will do two days a week in the office on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, East London and the rest of the time from home. We will happily discuss other flexible options to suit your circumstances.

UNICEF UK promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We make employment decisions by matching business needs with skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

The successful candidate will be required to apply for a criminal records check. A criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with us. This will depend on the nature of the role and the circumstances of your offences.

We welcome a conversation about your flexible working requirements, personal growth, and promoting a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

Senior Policy Adviser – Education in London employer: UNICEF UK

UNICEF UK is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact on children's lives through education policy. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer outstanding training opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive open culture that values diversity and inclusion. Located in the vibrant Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, our team is motivated by shared values and the mission to drive positive change for children across the UK and beyond.

UNICEF UK

Contact Details:

UNICEF UK Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Policy Adviser – Education in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education policy field, especially those connected to UNICEF. Attend events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.

Tip Number 2

Show your passion for children's rights! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and insights on how education policies can impact children's lives. Make it personal and relatable!

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching UNICEF's current projects and policies. Be ready to discuss how your expertise aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their goals in education policy.

Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our mission to protect children.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Policy Adviser – Education in London

UK Education Policy Expertise
Advocacy-Oriented Research
Influencing UK Government
Understanding of UK Policy-Making Processes
Rights-Based Policy Development
Strategic Leadership
Collaboration with Campaigns and Political Affairs

Some tips for your application 🫡

Know Your Stuff:Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role inside out. Dive into UK education policy and UNICEF's mission. This will help you tailor your application to show how your experience aligns with what they’re looking for.

Be Clear and Concise:When you're putting together your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. Remember, they want to see your passion and expertise without wading through fluff!

Show Your Impact:Highlight specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to influence policy and drive change. Use numbers or outcomes where possible to show the real difference you've made in previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to make your application shine.

How to prepare for a job interview at UNICEF UK

Know Your Policy Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in UK education policy, especially around early childhood learning and development. Brush up on recent changes and key legislation that UNICEF is involved with. This will show your commitment and expertise during the interview.

Showcase Your Advocacy Experience

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've led advocacy-oriented research or influenced government policy in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your impact.

Understand UNICEF's Mission

Familiarise yourself with UNICEF’s goals and values, particularly their focus on children's rights. Be ready to articulate how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of making a difference for children.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare insightful questions about the role and the organisation. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career aspirations. Consider asking about current challenges in UK education policy that UNICEF is tackling.