The Wellcome Trust is a global charitable foundation. We improve health for everyone by funding science, leading policy and advocacy campaigns, and building partnerships.  

We plan to spend £16bn over the next ten years, funding new discoveries in life, health, and wellbeing, and taking on three global health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate and health.  

These challenges need the bold science we support, but they won’t be solved by science alone. Because of this, our Policy Team works to shape the global context for achieving Wellcome’s mission. We do this by influencing the external policies, processes and other factors that affect how research is done, how evidence translates into action, and how new health interventions reach those who need them.  

To influence these factors, we analyse what needs to change in the world to support Wellcome’s mission and how to make that happen. This involves anticipating challenges and opportunities and working with partners and decision makers. We build the case for evidence-based solutions and advocate passionately for them.  

In turn, we ensure that the people with power to implement solutions make decisions that lead to better and more equitable health outcomes.  

We are looking for a Senior Policy Officer to join our team.  

Where in Wellcome will I be working?  

You will be working the Policy Team within the wider Policy & Partnerships Team.

The Policy team operates a flexible deployment model, with generalist policy Leads, Advisers and Officers deployed according to need to one of the four strategic areas of  Infectious Disease, Climate and Health,  Mental Health and Global Health Financing.

Deployment is subject to periodic change, but in the first instance the Senior Policy Officer will be initially deployed to work on policy related to Mental Health. The role will be line managed by the Head of Mental Health Policy and work managed by the Mental Health Policy Lead.

Senior Policy Officers will be redeployed to other areas during their employment and may also find themselves working at the intersection of our four strategic areas. We are therefore looking for people who can work flexibly and bring their policy skills to a variety of challenges, even if the subject matter is initially unfamiliar. 

What will I be doing?  

In this role, you will be tasked with managing the delivery of small to medium-sized components of policy projects aimed at achieving Wellcome's mental health influence objectives. This includes conducting analyses, crafting persuasive arguments and recommendations, and developing relevant outputs related to the global adoption of effective early interventions for depression, anxiety and psychosis.

As a senior Policy officer, you will:  

• Undertake desk research and analysis to develop Wellcome’s positions and clear recommendations, while building impactful stakeholder relationships.

• Work closely with Wellcome colleagues to ensure effective contracting and grant-making, and identify opportunities for synergy across projects.

• Maintain and nourish relationships throughout projects, anticipating challenges and developing strategies to address them with expert insights.

• Contribute to advocacy strategies in collaboration with Government Relations and Strategic Partnerships (GRSP) and Corporate Affairs; represent Wellcome in relevant forums as part of project efforts.

• Provide logistical support for policy activities, including meeting arrangements and tracking actions, while updating management on progress.   

• Contribute to a diverse and inclusive culture across the organisation, collaborating across departments.  

Is this job for me?   

This role is ideal for a self-motivated professional with experience in policy issues, capable of developing recommendations and fostering trusted stakeholder relationships. Strong analytical, communication, and organisational skills are essential, along with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.

We are looking for someone who :  

• Demonstrates Policy Expertise with proven experience in working on policy issues and contributing to the development of recommendations, arguments, and written outputs.

• Builds Stakeholder Trust, capable of establishing and nurturing trusted relationships with policy stakeholders.

• Possesses Technical and Analytical Skills, comfortable working with technical information and exhibits strong analytical and critical thinking abilities.

• Communicates and Organises Effectively, has well-developed communication skills, including good writing capabilities, and excels in organisational skills to manage a fluctuating workload and competing priorities.

• Excels in Project Management and Global Issues, ideally has experience in programme or project management and knowledge of global health, public health, or science policy issues.

• Is able to work on own initiative while also thriving in a team environment, with a keen willingness to learn and support others.

To apply for this role please submit an update CV and answer 2 application questions to demonstrate that you meet the minimum requirements for the role.

Minimum Criteria:

• Experience working on policy issues and contributing to the development of policy recommendations, arguments and written outputs.

• Self-motivated with ability to work on own initiative, while also delivering collaboratively as part of a team.

 Interview dates: w/c 16 June

You can view the full job description on our website

You can read more about the benefits we offer our employees on our website