Are you a proactive, analytical and entrepreneurial individual, with a strong understanding of how to influence public policy and decision-makers in government and industry? Looking to pursue your interests in innovation, economics, industrial strategy and politics, spotting new opportunities to influence policy decisions in the UK at both national and local levels?
If so, Nesta is looking for a Senior Policy Advisor to join one of Europe’s leading innovation policy think tanks, where you will design, lead and deliver creative policy projects as part of our cutting-edge work on innovation policy.
About Nesta
Nesta is an innovation foundation. For us, innovation means turning bold ideas into reality and changing lives for the better. We use our expertise, skills and funding in areas where there are big challenges facing society. Nesta is based in the UK and supported by a financial endowment. We work with partners around the globe to bring bold ideas to life to change the world for good.
About this exciting opportunity
Working within the Research, Analysis and Policy team, our successful candidate will maximise the impact of Nesta’s innovation policy research by managing a portfolio of policy projects that develop our reputation as an influential voice on innovation policy in the UK. This will include collaborating with relevant colleagues across Nesta, helping distil our ideas into clear, creative and insightful policy proposals and managing the commissioning process of policy provocations from experts in the field. You will also:
- Undertake specific policy projects related to the team’s influencing campaigns;
- Lead on the design and delivery of workshops and events aimed at policy, political or industry audience;
- Compose targeted and regular communications activities such as blogs and newsletters to promote our policy ideas;
- Horizon-scan for opportunities to promote Nesta’s innovation policy work;
- Research and write policy briefs for external and internal audiences.
What we are looking for
You will have a strong grasp of UK policy relevant to innovation policy and/or related areas such as technology studies, local economic development, plus an expert understanding of how to influence public policy and decision-makers in government and industry.
An outstanding communicator, verbal and written, with the ability to distil research and complex ideas into briefs, articles, and policy recommendations for expert and general audiences, you will have first-class project management, analytic and interpersonal skills. The ability to engage with technical detail of policy as well as to propose creative and more provocative ideas that can stimulate debate is also vital.