Head of Research and Policy (maternity leave cover)

The UK Women’s Budget Group is a feminist think tank that provides evidence and capacity building on women’s economic position and that proposes policy alternatives for a gender-equal economy. We act as a link between academia, the women’s voluntary sector and the social policy world of think tanks. We draw on a network of pro-bono experts from academia, the new economics and the women’s movements, alongside a professional staff team, who are all essential to our work.

This is a vital role in WBG. You will lead a multidisciplinary, multiskilled and highly committed team of researchers who undertake research and analysis in feminist economics and a wide range of policy areas. We have ongoing exciting new work on VAWG, labour market, pensions, and climate change.

This role will suit a feminist with a good knowledge of the main economic issues affecting women, who has great research skills and policy experience, great project management and people management skills.

Job Description

Lead Research and Policy Projects

You will lead our Research and Policy team and manage our research experts. This will include leading on existing and new projects from concept design to funder reporting, as well as conducting research in different areas of economic and social policy like social security, pensions, VAWG, labour market, social care, etc.

Maintain and Forge External Partnerships

You will maintain, identify and forge new collaborations with academics, feminist organisations and economics think tanks.

Represent WBG at External Events and to the Media

You will represent WBG in meetings with key stakeholders and speak at external events. You will also be a spokesperson for the press, radio and broadcast TV to promote WBG’s research and analysis.

Contribute to our Advocacy Strategy

You will work closely with our Communications and Public Affairs team to ensure our research outputs are relevant to our advocacy goals and that they are accessible to a wide range of audiences, including policymakers, politicians, journalists, and feminist campaigning organisations.

Supervise our Research and Support Policy Programme

In collaboration with our Head of Training and Capacity Building you will expand our programme of research and policy support for grassroots organisations in the UK and internationally.

Manage a Team and Support its Members

You will be leading not only projects but also people. You will have experience of supporting, motivating and leading a team of people and supporting them to develop new skills and grow in their careers. This includes staff members and paid interns.

Person specification

Essential

• Research skills in policy-applied context;
• Experience of undertaking qualitative and/or quantitative research with the aim of changing public policy;
• Knowledge of feminist approaches to economics;
• Project management skills;
• Experience of designing, delivering, and managing projects with multiple partners;
• Experience of monitoring, evaluation and reporting against project objectives;
• People management and interpersonal skills;
• High degree of self-motivation, ability to work independently with minimal supervision, ability to meet tight deadlines and work under pressure in a small team environment;
• Experience of supporting others to conduct research;
• Demonstrable leadership and team-working skills, including ability to motivate and supervise others, and willingness to ‘pitch in’ at all levels of work;
• Relationship building;
• Track record in influencing and building relationships with a wide range of stakeholders;
• Own network of feminist and/or progressive economics contacts;
• Communications;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for a range of audiences;
• Experience of communicating complex policy ideas in an accessible manner;
• Commitment to WBG’s work and values;
• Demonstrable commitment to women’s rights, an understanding of how intersecting inequalities affect different women and commitment to the values of WBG.

Desirable

• Proven track record of policy influence;
• Experience of working within the women’s voluntary sector;
• Experience of working within the progressive economics sector;
• Experience of fundraising, including successfully applying for research grants and liaising with funders.

10-month fixed-term contract.

Location: Must be resident in the UK with the right to work in the UK. Post is hybrid with requirement to be in the office at least once a week. Office is in Vauxhall, London.

Salary:£52,000 per annum pro rata plus 5% pension contributions (plus cost-of-living increase from April 2026).