Senior International Policy Adviser

£43,225 (Permanent/ Full-time)

The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking a Senior International Policy Adviser to join our Global Strategy, Policy & Engagement Team in the Policy Directorate, providing key support in taking forward the Academy’s international engagement and policy advice.

The role

This is a new role in the Academy’s Global Strategy, Policy & Engagement Team. This role has a substantive focus on global research and innovation policy and EU research and innovation and international mobility policy and particularly will help to build out the Academy’s global research and innovation policy activities to begin with. This might include, for example, exploring the international connectedness of the humanities and social sciences in an increasingly contested world, the role of and support needed for the humanities and social sciences in this international funding landscape, and the importance of the SHAPE disciplines to international innovation collaboration.

The role would be well suited to candidates who have experience in international engagement and international research and innovation policy who are able to hit the ground running and are comfortable engaging with policymakers, researchers and the research and innovation sector more widely. The role has significant external-facing responsibility, requiring the building of impactful relationships and being able to effectively challenge stakeholders and counterparts.

About the Academy

The British Academy is the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences, established by Royal Charter in 1902. We mobilise these disciplines to understand the world and shape a brighter future. Today’s complex challenges can only be resolved by deepening our insight into people, culture, and societies. With a Fellowship of around 1,700 leading national and international academics, the Academy invests in researchers and projects across the UK and overseas; engages the public with fresh thinking and debates; and brings together scholars, government, business, and civil society to influence policy.The Academy currently has five directorates: Communications & Marketing; Development; Policy; Research; and Resources, plus a small Governance & Fellowship Team.

Working at the Academy

Our senior management team have worked with staff to foster a culture of collaboration, respect, and empathy, in which all contributions are recognised as we work towards our common goals. Our people strategy and working practices focus on building strengths and sharing insights, with learning & development, wellbeing, and equality, diversity & inclusion at the centre of how we operate as an organisation. Investing in our staff and encouraging a healthy work/life balance is central to our success, as we move forward and continue to grow.

Terms and conditions

The British Academy is based at 10-11, Carlton House Terrace, London SW1, a Grade 1 listed building. We offer a competitive benefits package including a 35-hour working week, with hours and location worked flexibly under our hybrid-working policy; 34 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays; a subsidised canteen and an excellent occupational pension.

How to apply

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, in line with our commitment to create a diverse and inclusive working environment, promote equal opportunity, and address under-representation. We will make reasonable adjustments to support disabled job applicants and offer an interview to those meeting the minimum selection criteria.

To apply, and to see the full job description and our workplace values, please follow the link to access the Applied recruitment platform

Applications must be received no later than 12noon on 23 July 2026

Please contact the HR team at [email protected] if you have any questions.