Overview
The Royal Society is looking for an enthusiastic person to join us as a Policy Adviser in its Science Policy Section, working initially within the People and Planet team. The Policy Section addresses policy topics that intersect science, the scientific ecosystem, and the environment, and seeks to influence decisions that promote human flourishing while respecting natural boundaries.
Working with leading scientists, the successful applicant will be part of a friendly and highly visible team. Initially, the role involves collaborating with a Senior Policy Adviser on environmental projects, including the future of food systems, nature‑based climate solutions, and resilience to extreme weather events.
We seek an efficient, motivated individual experienced in engaging policy stakeholders at all levels. Demonstrable agility across policy themes, a willingness to develop new expertise, and a strong record of research, drafting, and project management are essential.
The successful candidate will be a team player, quickly grasp emerging policy developments, and contribute to the wider Science Policy team's objectives. Collaboration with staff, Fellows, and external partners to develop independent, expert, and timely advice to UK, European, and international decision-makers is expected.
Key Responsibilities
* Deliver projects within the People and Planet team under the supervision of a Senior Policy Adviser.
* Lead and coordinate a specific area of the Society's policy work, managing finances and using appropriate tools to facilitate delivery.
* Track emerging science and policy developments in the UK, devolved administrations, and globally, and identify deployment opportunities.
* Work within the Royal Society's governance systems to create, plan, and deliver programmes.
* Manage projects, ensuring agreed activities are delivered on time, on budget, and within scope.
* Draft and edit policy reports, briefs, and other written outputs.
* Organise meetings and events, liaising with the Society's internal events teams.
* Use analytical skills to critically assess various forms of evidence, including quantitative and qualitative data.
* Conduct horizon scanning and apply future techniques to create forward‑looking policy.
* Build effective working relationships with colleagues and Fellows.
* Create national and international networks of contacts with policymakers, scientists, and stakeholders across seniority levels.
* Represent the Society and its policy positions in meetings with government, policymakers, regulators, and stakeholders.
* Undertake other reasonable activities as required.
* Analyse scientific evidence on major policy issues in collaboration with experts.
* Produce reports, statements, consultation responses, and regular publications.
* Bring together policymakers, academics, businesses, and NGOs to discuss current science policy topics.
Key Knowledge and Skills
* Able to convey complex scientific, technical, and policy‑related ideas effectively – Essential
* Skilled oral and written policy communication for a range of audiences – Essential
* Effective interaction with people at all levels of seniority – Essential
* Prioritise and manage multiple tasks simultaneously – Essential
* Excellent time and workload management to meet tight deadlines – Essential
* An enthusiastic team player with collaborative experience – Essential
* Creative thinking and problem solving – Essential
* Establish and maintain influential networks – Essential
* Preparing meeting minutes – Essential
* Computer literacy (proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel) – Essential
* Manage or run projects on budget and within scope – Desirable
* Good understanding of science policy – Desirable
* Organise events, workshops, or meetings – Desirable
* Work with committees – Desirable
* Flexibility about working hours on occasions – Essential
* Ability to undertake national and/or international travel on occasions – Essential
Reports To
Senior Policy Adviser, People and Planet
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