At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to drive impactful research and policy for a sustainable future.
- Company: Join Uplift, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to climate justice.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on equity and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the fight against climate change and oil dependency.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in research, policy change, and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 63585 £ per year.
Role summary
This role leads the development of evidence-based, equity-driven research, policy and legal interventions that advance a rapid and fair transition away from oil and gas production in the UK.
Core responsibilities
1. Team management and staff development
- Lead Uplift’s Research, Policy and Legal (RPL) team, fostering an inclusive, high-performance, values-led culture while line-managing senior staff and overseeing their professional development.
- Support the Principal Researcher, Principal Policy Adviser, and Principal Legal Adviser to lead their respective teams within the overall RPL team.
- Develop and implement project management processes to ensure the smooth functioning of the team and its integration with the wider organisation.
- Support clear commissioning and prioritisation processes through which other teams' research, policy and legal needs are met.
- Ensure robust monitoring, evaluation and learning in relation to the activities of the team, including to support fundraising.
- Develop and oversee the team budget.
2. Strategy, thought leadership and advocacy
- Define and oversee the delivery of Uplift’s research, policy and legal agenda.
- Help to translate Uplift’s mission into clear, evidence‑based proposals, providing thought leadership to the organisation and wider climate sector.
- Ensure high quality evidence, analysis, and legal insights strengthen Uplift’s messaging, brand, advocacy and movement partnerships.
- Ensure rigorous quality assurance and risk management processes to maintain the highest standards of accuracy and impact across all research, policy, and legal outputs.
- Build and maintain high‑level external relationships with policymakers, regulators, academics, funders, lawyers and the media.
- Oversee Uplift’s commissioning of research, policy and legal work from external partners.
3. Organisational leadership and management
- Support the development and implementation of Uplift's organisational strategy.
- Participate as an active member of the Senior Management Team (SMT).
- Work with the rest of the SMT to help shape and model the organisational culture to ensure the organisation operates in line with our values.
- Contribute to monitoring key risks to the organisation and our mission, and ensure that appropriate mitigation measures are in place.
- Collaborate across the organisation, working to ensure smooth cross-team work and communication.
4. General responsibilities and duties
- Fulfil the responsibilities of the role in accordance with the operational policies of the organisation.
- Contribute to the evaluation and improvement of the organisation’s activities.
- Maintain good working relations with staff members and other stakeholders, presenting the organisation in an appropriate and professional manner.
- Contribute to the development and growth of the organisation through working in accordance with its wider objectives, organisational culture and values
- Work out of usual hours if required.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties as may be required.
Essential skills and experience
- A track record of using research and policy expertise to achieve meaningful policy change, particularly within the climate and energy landscape.
- An ability to lead rigorous, in‑depth analysis while also responding nimbly to fast‑moving campaign, media and political opportunities and the skills to help the team navigate that balance.
- Exceptional analytical and quality assurance skills, with a focus on maintaining high standards across a range of outputs.
- Proven success in building and maintaining high‑level relationships with a diverse range of external stakeholders.
- Significant experience in line management, with an ability to lead remote first teams.
- Experience building robust programme management and workflow systems.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills ensuring smooth work within the team, the wider organisation and with partners.
- Alignment with Uplift’s mission and values, with a passionate commitment to achieving a rapid and just transition away from oil and gas production in the UK and fostering a collaborative, inclusive organisational culture.
Desired skills and experience
- Knowledge of energy, oil & gas and industrial transitions.
- An understanding of the use of legal tools and advocacy to achieve legal and policy change.
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Head of Research, Policy and Legal employer: Uplift
Uplift is an exceptional employer that champions a collaborative and inclusive work culture, dedicated to driving meaningful change in the climate sector. As the Head of Research, Policy and Legal, you will lead a passionate team committed to advancing a fair transition away from oil and gas production in the UK, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Located in a vibrant area, Uplift offers a supportive environment where your expertise can make a significant impact on policy and legal interventions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Research, Policy and Legal
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Uplift, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Uplift and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Research, Policy and Legal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Uplift and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Uplift
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Uplift, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Uplift.
