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JRF’s mission is to work to speed up and support the transition to a future free from poverty, in which people and planet can flourish.

Within that, we recognise that change doesn’t happen in the same way across the UK, and that is why we have established teams in Scotland and Northern Ireland, as well as maintaining a long-term relationship with the Bevan Foundation in Wales. With Scottish Parliament elections on the horizon, this is an exciting time to join us and help push for a Scotland where everyone is free from poverty.

About the role

The Senior Policy Advisor is a crucial part of the Scotland Team. Our team of 5 (the Associate Director, two Senior Policy Advisers, a Lead Analyst, and Policy and Research Adviser) design, lead, and deliver JRF’s work in Scotland. This role will be key in helping deliver our work in advance of the Scottish election and then be a vital part of designing what we do after that.

You will work closely with the Scotland Team to agree on our strategy, develop project ideas, and will have significant autonomy to deliver the projects you lead and the change you demand.

About you

As our Senior Policy Advisor, you will have significant knowledge of one or more policy issues related to the causes and consequences of poverty and the social and economic conditions on which it rests (ideally in a Scottish context). With a strong understanding of how policymaking works in Scotland (and the implications of devolution arrangements, alongside reserved matters), you will have an awareness and engagement with relevant political, policy, and intellectual debates, especially in Scotland, plus models and approaches to social change.

You will be able to analyze and unpick complex policy dilemmas; drawing on key literature, research evidence, leading-edge practice, and everyday experience. You should have the ability to think critically and creatively, analyze and problem-solve, and contribute to the generation of new ideas and alternative approaches.

A strong communicator, able to articulate arguments and ideas persuasively via writing and speaking, you will be able to contribute positively and effectively in a team environment with experience of engaging with a range of stakeholders around policy issues.

Application notes

If you share our passion and this role sounds like you, then we’re looking forward to hearing from you.

If you would like to discuss the role in more detail, please email Chris Birt, the Associate Director, at chris.birt@jrf.org.uk.

You will be asked to submit your CV and answer questions to support your application via our online platform. These questions will be the main evidence we use to evaluate your suitability, so please use this opportunity to highlight your motivations, knowledge, skills, and experience. The attached job description provides full details of the knowledge, skills, and experience we will be assessing.

The closing date for applications is 10th August 2025.

Interviews will take place between 20th and 22nd August 2025.

We reserve the right to bring the closing date forward if enough quality applications are received earlier.

Additional Information

Applications are welcome from all, regardless of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, race, sex, sexual orientation, trans status, or socioeconomic background.

We positively encourage applications from people from marginalized backgrounds, including but not limited to those with experience of living in poverty.

We are committed to being an anti-racist organization and operate an anonymized recruitment process to eliminate bias during shortlisting.

In support of our flexible working approach, we welcome applications for full-time or part-time roles. Please specify your preference and, if part-time, the number of hours per week you seek.

The Scotland Team is based in Glasgow, where we meet once a week (on Tuesdays). For the rest of the week, you can work from the office or from home, depending on your needs and role requirements.

At JRF, we value trust, care, and making a difference. We are developing a blended working approach, expecting staff to work flexibly between the office and home, with an expectation of two days in the office per week.

We are a Disability Confident Employer, committed to the recruitment, progression, and retention of disabled individuals. We will offer interviews to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria. Please inform us if you require adjustments for the interview process.

If you have additional needs, please let us know so we can make reasonable adjustments.

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