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- 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: Enjoy 30 days holiday, pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in tackling global challenges like climate change and health.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for sustainability and policy engagement.
- Other info: Diverse team culture with opportunities for career growth and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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 across diverse 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. This role will contribute to the successful delivery of this vision by delivering specialised policy engagement support to researchers within the interdisciplinary Sustainability and Resilience Institute (SRI). The role will 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.
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.
Responsibilities
- Deliver specialised policy engagement support to researchers within the 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 (decarbonisation, climate change, health and wellbeing, nature-based solutions) across regional, national and international scales.
- Support researchers to move between a broad range of subject areas to assist colleagues across disciplines.
- Engage with policy actors ranging from local councillors to the United Nations.
What we offer and terms
- Full-time (35 hours per week) on a fixed-term basis for 24 months, with pension auto-enrolment to the Universities Superannuation Scheme.
- Generous holiday entitlement of 30 days (pro rata) plus 14 University closure/public holidays.
- The role is initially offered for 2 years with potential extension if funding is agreed.
- Any flexible working considerations or job-sharing arrangements will be considered to accommodate caring/volunteering/educational commitments.
Contact and application details
Working at the University of Southampton: Check out the staff benefits and why you should join us at The University of Southampton!
How to apply: Apply online. For questions contact Recruitment on +44(0)2380 592750 or recruitment@soton.ac.uk quoting the job number.
Job details: Reference 3210025TW. Closing Date: Wednesday 15 October 2025. Interview Date: To be confirmed.
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Specialist Policy Officer - Sustainability and Resilience employer: University of Southampton
Contact Detail:
University of Southampton 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 sustainability and resilience.
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 really helps us understand your motivation.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered for the position. We’re excited to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Southampton
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key themes of sustainability and resilience. Brush up on recent research, policies, and case studies related to decarbonisation, climate change, and nature-based solutions. This will not only show your passion but also your ability to engage in meaningful dialogue with policymakers.
✨Connect the Dots
Prepare to discuss how your skills can bridge various disciplines. Think about examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully collaborated across different fields. This role requires moving between subject areas, so demonstrating your versatility will be a big plus.
✨Engage with Real-World Issues
Familiarise yourself with current local and international policy challenges. Be ready to discuss how the University of Southampton’s research can address these issues. Showing that you understand the practical implications of academic research will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in the role and the Institute's mission. Inquire about their current projects or how they measure the impact of their research on policy. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals.
