"Policy Engagement Officer (maternity cover)"

University of Oxford - Department of Social Policy & Intervention

About the role

The Department of Social Policy and Intervention is seeking a Policy Engagement Officer to join the Accelerate Hub team. You will lead evidence uptake to inform global, regional, and national initiatives for vulnerable children and adolescents and support new research portfolios focused on child protection and climate emergencies in Eastern and Southern Africa. You will also help to shape new research on evidence-based solutions that can disrupt risk pathways that threaten adolescent health and wellbeing. Responsibilities include packaging emerging evidence to inform national policy and practice across the region and presenting findings with multi-lateral partners including UNICEF and UNFPA. You will work closely with the leadership team, represent the research team in multi-agency policy platforms and at external events with policy and academic partners and other key stakeholders.

This role is a full-time, fixed-term post to cover maternity leave. The role is offered for 12 months or the actual return of the substantive postholder, or the resignation of the substantive postholder and employment of a new postholder, whichever is the earliest.

About you

You will have a master’s degree or higher in a subject such as economics, social and political sciences, development studies or social work, along with experience in research or work focused on low- and middle-income countries, particularly across Eastern and Southern Africa. You will have an advanced understanding of quantitative research methods as well as advocacy experience and policy expertise. You will be committed to understanding pathways to strengthen adolescent resilience in complex crises across low- and middle-income countries with experience of developing policy briefs to support evidence formed decision making. Excellent interpersonal and organisation skills and a commitment to the values of diversity and inclusion are also essential.

The Department is committed to fostering an environment of equality, diversity and inclusion. The hours may be worked flexibly to complement caring responsibilities.

Our team welcomes applications from people with caring responsibilities, and we are flexible to family and other commitments. Hybrid arrangements considered.

The Department of Social Policy and Intervention holds a Bronze Athena Swan Award which demonstrates our commitment towards advancement of gender equality in higher education and research institutions: equal opportunities, representation and success for all.

How to apply

As part of your application you will be required to upload a CV and supporting statement, along with the name and contact details of two referees. The supporting statement should explain how you meet the essential criteria for the post using clear examples. Please click here for information and advice on writing an effective supporting statement.

Further information, including how to apply, is available in the attached job description. Any further enquires may be directed to the email address below. Please note that our offices are closed from 24th December 2025 until 2nd January 2026.

Only online applications received by 12.00 noon on 16 January 2026 will be considered. Interviews will be held the week of 2nd February 2026.