"Head of Research and Policy (Maternity Leave Cover)"

Women’s Budget Group

About Us

The UK Women's Budget Group is a feminist think tank that provides evidence and capacity building on women's economic position and proposes policy alternatives for a gender-equal economy. We act as a link between academia, the women's voluntary sector and the social policy world of think tanks. We draw on a network of pro-bono experts from academia, the new economics and the women's movements, alongside a professional staff team.

Our vision is of a gender-equal society. Our mission is to advance gender equality in policymaking through feminist approaches to economics.

WBG is an accredited London Living Wage employer and has adopted a permanent 30-hour working week, reflecting our commitment to a green and caring economy.

The Role

A 10-month fixed-term contract covering maternity leave, starting late May 2026. You will lead a multidisciplinary, multiskilled and highly committed team of researchers who undertake research and analysis in feminist economics and a wide range of policy areas, including VAWG, labour market, pensions, and climate change. You will report to the Director and manage three staff members and any paid interns.

Key responsibilities include leading research and policy projects from concept design to funder reporting; maintaining and forging collaborations with academics, feminist organisations and economics think tanks; representing WBG at external events and to the media; contributing to our advocacy strategy; and managing, motivating and supporting your team to develop new skills and grow in their careers.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Experience of undertaking qualitative and/or quantitative research with the aim of changing public policy, and knowledge of feminist approaches to economics
• Experience of designing, delivering and managing projects with multiple partners, including monitoring, evaluation and reporting against project objectives
• Demonstrable leadership and team-working skills, including ability to motivate and supervise others
• Track record in influencing and building relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, with an own network of feminist and/or progressive economics contacts
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for a range of audiences, including experience of communicating complex policy ideas in an accessible manner
• Demonstrable commitment to women's rights, an understanding of how intersecting inequalities affect different women, and commitment to the values of WBG

Desirable:

• Proven track record of policy influence
• Experience of working within the women's voluntary sector or progressive economics sector
• Experience of fundraising, including successfully applying for research grants and liaising with funders

Terms

• Salary: £52,000 per annum pro rata plus 5% pension contributions, plus cost-of-living increase from April 2026
• Hours: 30 hours per week (full-time equivalent). Secondment and flexible working arrangements considered.
• Location: Hybrid, minimum once a week in our Vauxhall, London office. Must be UK-resident with the right to work in the UK.

How to Apply

Apply via the 'Apply' button above by 9am, Tuesday 17 March 2026. A Q&A session will be held on Wednesday 11 March at 12pm where you can ask questions anonymously. Interviews will be held w/c 13 April 2026.

WBG is committed to diversity and inclusion. We use positive action under Section 159 of the Equality Act in relation to disability or race.