Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support researchers in engaging with policymakers on sustainability and resilience issues.
- Company: Join a leading Russell Group university with a focus on impactful research.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous holiday, pension scheme, and a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by connecting research with policy to tackle global challenges.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for sustainability and public policy.
- Other info: Diverse team culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Overview
This role is an opportunity to join a diverse, creative and agile team at the heart of a research intensive, Russell Group university. Our mission is to enhance the local, sub-national, national and international public policy impact of research conducted at the University of Southampton. In practice this means building connections and capacity for academics and policymakers to engage in mutually beneficial dialogue to address the challenges our communities face. Our work spans across all faculties and disciplines at the University of Southampton and includes engaging with policy actors ranging from local councillors through to the United Nations.
This role has been designed to meet increased demand for policy engagement support from our globally renowned researchers in the interdisciplinary Sustainability and Resilience Institute (SRI). The successful candidate will be capable of moving between a broad range of subject areas to support colleagues a diverse range of disciplines.
SRI’s vision is a sustainable and resilient world where synergies and trade-offs are well-managed between social, economic, environmental, and cultural needs across society. We are a focal point for collaboration through mobilising University of Southampton (UoS) expertise and partners to provide impactful answers to society’s sustainability and resilience challenges.
Responsibilities
- Deliver specialised policy engagement support to researchers within the interdisciplinary Sustainability and Resilience Institute (SRI).
- Enable the Institute to identify and engage with relevant policy makers in the UK and overseas to enhance the impact of its strategic research themes, which cover decarbonisation, climate change, health and wellbeing, and nature based solutions, across regional, national and international scales.
- Support colleagues across a broad range of disciplines by moving between subject areas as required.
- Engage with policy actors ranging from local councillors to international bodies as part of building connections and capacity for dialogue between researchers and policymakers.
Working at the University of Southampton
We strongly encourage applicants from groups traditionally under-represented in the UK higher education sector (you can find out more about our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion action plan here). We actively encourage applicants seeking flexible working/job share employment to accommodate caring/volunteering/educational commitments. The role is offered as full time (35 hours a week) on a fixed term basis with pension auto-enrolment to the Universities Superannuation Scheme and generous holiday allocation of 30 days (pro rata) plus 14 University closure/public holidays. This role is initially offered as a 2 year fixed term basis with an ambition that, should funding be agreed, the position would be extended.
If you would like to know more about the role please contact the Sustainability & Resilience Institute Collaboration Manager, Jon Lawn via j.p.lawn@soton.ac.uk
If you have questions about the public policy impact agenda, the PPS team or the role – please contact Gareth Giles, Head of PPS via g.giles@soton.ac.uk to arrange a time to speak.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment and encourage applications from individuals who can contribute to our objectives.
Apply by 11.59 pm GMT on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment on +44(0)2380 592750 or recruitment@soton.ac.uk quoting the job number.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Specialist Policy Officer - Sustainability and Resilience employer: University of South Hampton
Contact Detail:
University of South Hampton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Policy Officer - Sustainability and Resilience
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to sustainability and resilience. Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups to make those valuable connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for policy engagement! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your thoughts on current sustainability issues and how you can contribute to their mission. This will help you stand out as someone who genuinely cares about the work.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the University of Southampton and its Sustainability and Resilience Institute. Understand their projects and challenges, so you can discuss how your skills align with their goals. This shows you're not just interested in any job, but specifically in making an impact with them.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the important work we do in public policy and sustainability.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Policy Officer - Sustainability and Resilience
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Specialist Policy Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission at the Sustainability and Resilience Institute!
Showcase Your Passion: Let us know why you're passionate about sustainability and resilience. Share any relevant projects or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to these areas, as it will really help your application stand out.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and motivations without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at the University of Southampton.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of South Hampton
✨Know Your Policy Landscape
Familiarise yourself with current sustainability and resilience policies, both locally and internationally. This will help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview and demonstrate your understanding of the role's context.
✨Showcase Interdisciplinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss how your background allows you to navigate various subject areas. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully collaborated across disciplines, as this is crucial for supporting colleagues in diverse fields.
✨Engage with Real-World Examples
Bring in examples from your previous work or studies that illustrate your ability to connect researchers with policymakers. Discuss any experiences you've had engaging with local councils or international bodies to show your practical understanding of policy engagement.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Inclusion
Since the University values diversity, be ready to talk about how you can contribute to creating an inclusive environment. Share any relevant experiences or initiatives you've been part of that promote equality and diversity in your work.
