Senior Policy Advisor, Knowledge Exchange

Job summary

Senior Policy Advisor
Salary: £46,743 per annum
Band: UKRI - Band E
Hours: Full Time / Part Time (min 0.8 FTE) – flexible working available
Contract Type: Fixed Term (Fixed end date, 4th June 2027)
Location: Westward House, Bristol
Closing Date: 23rd March 2026

About the role

We use the term ‘knowledge exchange’ to cover the multiple interactions between universities and businesses, public services, charities and communities to create societal and economic benefit. These interactions include joint research and development projects, consultancy and training, knowledge transfer partnerships and setting up new companies and social enterprises.

We are looking for a very well-organised, self-motivated person, ideally with a background in higher education, knowledge exchange or research policy. Capable of working on their own initiative, the ideal candidate will contribute substantially to the delivery of policy. You will have strong project management skills, an analytical approach, and be a confident communicator with people at all levels. You will need to work flexibly to contribute fully within a small team, with a proactive approach to solving problems within challenging deadlines.

Job description

The Knowledge Exchange (KE) team cover a broad area of KE activities - making best use of resources and skills within a small team and ensuring broad understanding of all aspects of KE policy.

KE policy responsibilities of the post:

• Contribute to the development of KE policy and funding, particularly incorporating policy objectives within processes, while considering the level of institutional burden and monitoring information required. This will include:

Person specification

Essential

• Experience of policy development in a higher education, or research-based organization, with demonstrable interest in developing knowledge of how UKRI operates within the higher education sector
• Experience of working effectively in a team, including planning and leading activities. (S+I)
• Strong project management and organisational skills, particularly relating to commissioning research/knowledge exchange awards, with the ability to forward plan time and resources accordingly.
• Numerate, with strong analytical skills and the ability to evaluate and interpret information to form judgements, with an ability to present complex data clearly and effectively, both visually and in writing.
• Ability to write clear and accurate correspondence, appropriately tailored to the audience.
• Strong IT skills using Microsoft software packages (Word, Outlook, Excel & PowerPoint) and confident in working alongside/engaging with IT professionals engaged in technical delivery.

Benefits

Benefits

We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package. We are committed to supporting employees' development and promote a culture of continuous learning!

A list of benefits below:

• An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
• 30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent).
• Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
• Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice.
• Flexible working options.

Plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance!

For further information on our benefits please see:

Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

Please apply online, if you experience any issue applying, please contact Recruitment@ukri.org

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Medical

Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

Please note this Post is NOT regulated by the Civil Service Commission.The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : UKRI Recruitment Team
• Email : Recruitment@ukri.org

Recruitment team

• Email : Recruitment@ukri.org