Principal advisor, Economic justice

Tackling the individual symptoms of poverty provides vital relief but it won’t end poverty. To do that we have to deal with the root problems, including economic injustice. That’s why we need an experienced analyst to develop policy that addresses unequal power relations and advocate for change. That’s why we need you.

Tax and sustainable finance are rapidly becoming core issues in development economics. And with pioneering research and original campaigns, Christian Aid is leading the way. Directing the development of policy and advocacy work on economic justice, you’ll be right at the heart of some of our most high-profile work.

Part of our expert policy team, you’ll work closely with our advocacy staff and play a key role in cross-organisational advocacy and strategy groups. That means analysing and researching economic injustice and proposing policy solutions, as well as making sure our strategy is as strong as it can be. More than that, you’ll closely monitor and develop our work in terms of current and emerging political situations. You’ll also build and capitalise on strong relationships with high-level contacts across the UK Government, international financial bodies, investors and the business community, as well as working with partner NGOs and civil society organisation networks in the UK and globally, regulatory bodies, and, of course, the media.

With a relevant post-graduate qualification and solid experience of research and policy, you’ll also need impeccable attention to detail and a strong record of delivering quality statistical and qualitative analysis. And whether you’re from a think tank, academic background or another NGO, you’ll be a strategic thinker with a proven ability to convey complex ideas to different audiences. Ideally, you’ll have built skills in high level advocacy, but we’re also keen to hear from you if you have plenty of initiative and a real sympathy with Christian Aid’s goals. Decisive and energetic, you’ll also have well-developed communication and interpersonal skills as well as flawless political judgement.

More than half the world lives in poverty. We aim to put a stop to that. So we campaign against the structures and rules that keep people poor. And we work with local organisations to give people strength to find their own solutions to the problems they face, irrespective of their religion.

Please show your suitability for this post by giving answers to the following questions: Using the guidance notes may help you formulate your answers.

Information gathering

Give an example of a time when you anticipated an upcoming policy trend or future opportunity (of more than 2 years) and you developed or implemented a plan to take advantage of it.

Strategic thinking

Please tell us about a situation where you had to develop a policy or proposal on a strategic issue when key elements affecting the policy or proposal were still evolving.

Attention to detail

What processes have you established to ensure the accuracy and quality of policy research work delivered by you and by your team?

Impact and Influence

Please describe a time when you developed an advocacy strategy, including linkages or relationships within or outside your organization, in order to gain support for an approach or policy position?

We value the input of everyone who works for us. That’s why you can expect a wide range of rewards including a generous holiday allowance, a season ticket loan and the flexibility that helps you enjoy a good work/life balance.

As this post is UK based, non-EC nationals will require current and valid permission to work in the UK.

Download the role profile (73 KB pdf)

To apply for this post, please download an application pack and email your completed UK & Ireland application form to: recruitment@christian-aid.org (quoting the reference number). Alternatively, your completed application form can be printed out and posted to us at:

Christian Aid
35 Lower Marsh
Waterloo
London SE1 7RT

Please note that CVs will not be accepted.

Job reference: 250/MA

Closing date: 12 noon, Thursday 1 March 2012

Interview date: Week commencing 12 March 2012

Christian Aid values diversity and aspires to reflect this in our workforce. We welcome applications from people from all sections of the community, irrespective of race, colour, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief.