Policy and Engagement Manager Europe(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Who We Are

The UCL Institute for Global Health sits at the centre of University College London’s efforts to tackle complex global health challenges. Our vision is simple but bold: evidence-informed global health policy that improves health and equity worldwide.
At IGH we combine rigorous research with meaningful engagement to support real-world policy and practice.

Two major collaborative initiatives sit within this role:

• The Lancet Countdown in Europe
A regional hub of the global Lancet Countdown network that develops and translates climate and health evidence into strategic policy influence.

• IDAlert (Horizon Europe)
A research project strengthening Europe’s ability to anticipate and respond to infectious disease threats linked to climate change — including biodiversity loss and zoonoses — through early-warning tools and decision support systems.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Policy and Engagement Manager (Europe) to join our secretariat and work closely with the Head of Policy. This role is designed for someone passionate about strengthening the link between research evidence and policy impact across European institutions.

You will play a central role in shaping and delivering how our evidence is communicated, engaged with, and translated for impact — focusing on European policy ecosystems.

What You’ll Do

As Policy and Engagement Manager, your responsibilities will include:

 Strategic Policy Engagement

• Co-creating and executing a comprehensive policy engagement and evidence translation strategy for significant research outputs.
• Supporting efforts to ensure IDAlert’s findings influence European health and climate policy priorities.

 Stakeholder Partnerships

Building and sustaining collaborative relationships with technical and policy officers across institutions, including EU agencies and academic partners.

 Policy Product Leadership

• Leading the development of high-quality policy briefs, technical reports, and dissemination materials.
• Coordinating policy-focused events and workshops that bring research closer to decision-makers.

 Communication & Impact

• Translating complex research into clear, compelling, and policy-ready language.
• Ensuring reach and relevance of outputs across policy, academic, and civil society audiences.

Who You Are

You are likely to have:

 Academic and Professional Expertise

A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in political science, international relations, public health, sustainable development, or a related discipline.

 Policy Experience

• Demonstrated experience in advocacy, policy engagement, or public affairs — particularly within European policymaking arenas.
• Strong understanding of European policy processes and diplomacy.

 Translation Skills

• Proven ability to turn complex technical evidence into policy recommendations, briefs, or engagement tools.
•  Project and Relationship Management
• Demonstrable experience managing deadlines and delivering complex outputs.
• Confidence and skill in building productive partnerships across cultures and sectors.

 Personal Attributes

• Excellent diplomacy, interpersonal, and influencing skills.
• Ability to work independently and proactively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Practicals & Eligibility

This is a full-time role (36.5 hrs/week), available until May 2027 in the first instance.
We are able to sponsor international applicants via the UK Skilled Worker visa route (see gov.uk Skilled Worker guidance) — eligibility permitting.
Apply in line with the UK Home Office’s eligibility criteria for skilled work sponsorship

Why Join Us?

We’re not just offering a job — we’re offering a platform to shape policy that matters. You’ll enjoy a competitive benefits package and support in both your professional and personal development.

Key benefits include:

• 41 days of leave per year (including public holidays)
• Pension scheme with defined benefits
• Flexible working support (including cycle-to-work and season ticket loan)
• Family-friendly policies including enhanced maternity/paternity pay
• Wellbeing support programmes
• On-site facilities like nursery and gym

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

UCL is committed to ensuring that our community reflects the full diversity of global talent. We welcome applications from individuals from under-represented backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ candidates. Our department holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of advancing gender equality.

Contact & Support

If you have any questions about this role or need assistance with the application process

• Additional official UK Government references you may find relevant:
   UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) 
•  European Commission Horizon Europe information
•  UK Global Health Research Strategy (official overview)