Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead governance and politics initiatives, providing expert advice and support for impactful programmes.
- Company: Join a dynamic organisation focused on governance and political expertise.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, wellbeing days, and a strong pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in governance while developing your skills and network.
- Qualifications: Deep understanding of governance, political analysis, and proven consultative support experience.
- Other info: Flexible working options available with opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Position description Practice Lead Governance and Politics Centre of Expertise (November 2025)
Location: UK based with the option for remote working. Occasional overseas travel to support programme implementation and/or oversee activities is required for the position.
Benefits: Yearly performance related pay, generous leave, 4 wellbeing days per year, eligible for the Civil Service pension scheme option – employer contribution up to 28.97% and more.
Contract: Fixed Term – From February 2026 to 31 March 2027, with possibility of extension.
Working Pattern: Full-time – WFD will consider flexible working arrangements, including job share, compressed hours, part time, flexitime.
Role Overview With Key Responsibilities
The Practice Lead Governance and Politics role offers a chance to learn, develop excellent practice and consolidate a reputation within the sector. Reporting to the Head, Centre of Expertise, this role is a core member of WFD's Centre of Expertise’s Expertise and Thought Leadership Unit. This senior position will be expected to operate independently, with the freedom to develop relationships with partners and colleagues within a framework of intellectual and pastoral support.
Noted Areas Of Responsibility Are For:
- Strategically leading in your technical area across the organisation: Support the design and delivery of programming offering intellectual and managerial leadership within the Centre of Expertise, wider organisation and externally.
- Delivering high level technical advice, support and resources for the FCDO: Applying both political and institutional analysis and providing technical governance analysis and corresponding political advice drawing on global lessons.
- Actively contributing to the intellectual output of WFD, showcasing WFD as a source of policy knowledge and programmatic expertise, writing or commissioning selected publications (blogs, articles, reports, manuals).
- Attending events and building relationships and networks developing WFD’s thinking and practice base.
About You – We Are Looking For The Following
It is essential your application clearly shows:
- Technical expertise, deep understanding and working knowledge of Governance evidence, policy, and practice in a range of settings.
- Established knowledge of core governance concepts and methodologies including Political Economy Analysis (PEA), with informed understanding of political dynamics, interactions, and changes with institutions at global, national, and sub-national/regional settings.
- Application of both political and institutional analysis to inform policy direction, deliver plans, advice, and programming decisions.
- Political systems, including elite bargains, how to foster more inclusive politics (elections, parliaments, political parties, civil society, and media) while managing the risks.
- Influencing and providing advice, set policy direction, and programme leadership on political governance, and the strengthening of inclusion and accountability, working with HMG and partners.
- Public sector governance at national and local levels.
- Understanding of evidence on how change happens and its application for partner institutions and sectors.
- Providing analytical, advisory and programme support to public sector reform processes that deliver improved services for all.
Consistent success in the following areas:
- Delivering high quality consultative support to international actors in the sector.
- Designing and delivering democracy assistance programmes, including those addressing issues relevant to his/her technical area.
- Applying political economy analysis, thinking and working politically and other development methodologies.
Application instructions: Please be sure to indicate you saw this position on Globaljobs.org.
Practice Lead Governance and Politics Centre of Expertise employer: Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD)
Contact Detail:
Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Practice Lead Governance and Politics Centre of Expertise
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the governance and politics sector. Attend events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or mentors. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with someone about your experience, make it count! Share specific examples of how you've applied political economy analysis or led successful programmes. This is your moment to shine and show why you're the perfect fit for the role.
✨Stay Updated on Trends
Keep yourself in the loop with the latest trends and developments in governance and politics. Read up on recent publications, attend webinars, and follow thought leaders on social media. This knowledge will not only help you in conversations but also demonstrate your commitment to the field.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our organisation. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Practice Lead Governance and Politics Centre of Expertise
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Expertise: Make sure your application highlights your technical expertise in governance and politics. Use specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your understanding of political dynamics and institutional analysis.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. This shows us you’re genuinely interested in the role and understand what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role, and make sure to proofread for any typos or errors.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD)
✨Know Your Governance Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of governance evidence, policy, and practice. Be ready to discuss how you've applied political economy analysis in past roles, as this will show your deep understanding of the subject matter.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams or projects. Think about times when you provided high-level technical advice or managed programming decisions, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Build Connections
Since relationship-building is crucial for this position, come prepared with a few strategies on how you would develop partnerships within the organisation and externally. This shows you're proactive and understand the importance of networking.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Thinking
Be ready to discuss how you've used analytical skills to inform policy direction or programme leadership. Prepare to share specific examples where your insights led to improved services or outcomes, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.