At a Glance
- Tasks: Support local growth policy with evidence-based analysis and engaging training events.
- Company: Join the What Works Centre for Local Economic Growth at LSE.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, hybrid working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for career growth and collaboration with policymakers.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local policies that benefit communities and places.
- Qualifications: Undergraduate in economics and a master's in social science or related field required.
The predicted salary is between 43277 - 51714 £ per year.
Salary from £43,277 to £51,714 per annum inclusive with potential to progress to £55,497 pa inclusive of London allowance.
This is a fixed term appointment for 6 months, with extension subject to funding.
The What Works Centre for Local Economic Growth at LSE is recruiting a Policy Officer to join a team led by Prof.
Henry Overman.
What Works Growth aims to improve the use of evidence in the design and delivery of local growth policy and support high-quality impact evaluation.
We want to ensure that central and local government resources are increasingly directed towards the things that deliver the greatest benefit to people and places.
The Policy Officer is a new position in our small team, established to strengthen our support for mayoral strategic authorities (MSAs) with evidence and evaluation use.
They will support a wide variety of activities designed to bridge the gap between evidence and policy, including:
- User- and policy-focused analysis and research
- evelopment and delivery of training and events
- Provision of advice and support to MSAs on evidence use and evaluation
- Development of tools and templates to support MSAs with evaluation use and evaluation
- Engagement with and support for policymakers, delivery experts and other stakeholders
The successful candidate must have an undergraduate degree in economics and a masters degree in a social science or a related discipline.
They must have experience of undertaking analysis that is research-based and policy-orientated.
They must also have experience of communicating to policy audiences in local and central government or similar audiences and of conducting engagement activities such as providing research-based policy advice.
They should have the ability to synthesise and summarise research and draw out the relevant findings for a given audience.
They must be capable of working independently as well as with internal and external stakeholders.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills will be required.
They must be able to write and present engaging content tailored for a range of audiences and to communicate technical material in non-technical terms for non-academic audiences.
The post will ideally commence in October 2026.
We offer an occupational pension scheme, generous annual leave, hybrid working, and excellent training and development opportunities.
We offer an occupational pension scheme, generous annual leave and excellent training and development opportunities.
This is a London campus-based role, with potential for some hybrid working.
The post will ideally start in September or October and we expect interviews to take place on 1st or 2nd September.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 06 September 2026 (23.59 UK time).
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Policy Officer employer: What Works Growth
The What Works Centre for Local Economic Growth at LSE is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee development, generous annual leave, and the flexibility of hybrid working, we empower our team to make a meaningful impact on local growth policy. Join us in London to be part of a dedicated team that values evidence-based decision-making and supports your professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy Officer
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Policy Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at What Works Growth
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from What Works Growth.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show What Works Growth that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
