Job Description

Job Purpose:

The Senior Policy Advisor’s role is to contribute to TJM’s political and policy work, focusing in particular on the UK’s post-Brexit trade policy; to ensure high quality, timely communications with the TJM membership and broader civil society sector; to develop expertise in identified areas of trade policy; to influence politically and within the sector including via both internal and external communications; to support joint advocacy work between groups of TJM members; to represent TJM to external organisations, including other CSOs and government departments; and to develop TJM’s work on alternative models of trade policy.

Job scope: The post-holder will work with the Coordinator and will have regular contact with the TJM Board. Staff from other TJM members are also important stakeholders and colleagues.

Reports to: The post-holder will be line managed by the TJM Coordinator.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Political intelligence

• Monitor and respond to UK government plans for post-Brexit trade and engage with government departments as appropriate;
• Monitor and respond to UK parliamentary activity on trade, maintain and build relationships with relevant MPs and respond to parliamentary inquiries as appropriate;
• Maintain a good overview of and contacts with others working across a broad spectrum of trade policy areas;
• Deliver high quality research in the form of briefings and reports, on key areas of post-Brexit trade policy.

An alternative proposal for UK trade policy

• Conduct analysis of the shortcomings of a status quo approach to trade;
• Support the Coordinator to refine proposals for alternative approaches;
• Engage TJM members, academic and other civil society partners as necessary.

Communications

• Provide regular, timely communications to members regarding developments in post-Brexit trade policy, including highlighting opportunities for joint advocacy and commissioning regular podcasts and webinars on UK trade policy;
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key members and be responsive to member requests for information and advice, support the development of policy groups where appropriate;
• Represent TJM at key external meetings including as a speaker at member and other external events;
• Organise a number of seminars and briefing meetings for TJM members to build civil society capacity on trade;
• Work with the Coordinator to make strategic use of external communications opportunities and represent TJM in the media: ensure regular posts to Twitter, seek to secure press coverage (blogs, press releases) as appropriate, manage and update website;
• Reach out beyond already active TJM members and to organisations who are not currently engaged in work on trade.

Coordinate joint sector activity on post-Brexit trade

• Support the development of a UK coalition calling for justice in UK post-Brexit trade policy;
• Work with partner organisations to develop a set of principles for UK trade, including a public sign-on statement;
• Work with partner organisations to deliver a series of joint events.

Fundraising

Work with the Coordinator to:

• Identify and secure additional funding;
• Develop bids on identified areas of work;
• Manage existing funding streams relevant to this post and ensure timely reporting.

Financial/Administrative

• Work with the Coordinator to deliver TJM’s organisational administration requirements.

Job details:

Location:London, Fairtrade Foundation offices

Salary: £38,445 per annum, pro rata to 3-4 days, by agreement between the candidate and TJM.

Contract type: Short-term – 12 months

Hours of work:  22.5-30 hours per week (see above), flexible working can be discussed with the line manager

This role reports to: TJM Coordinator

Staff reporting to this post: None

Key competencies

Essential

• Experience of and ability to undertake the full range of policy work including research, writing papers, preparing policy positions and advocacy to a high standard
• Good knowledge of international trade rules or of an equivalent macroeconomic issue and a demonstrable ability to build own expertise quickly
• Excellent analytical skills and political awareness with an established political network
• Excellent event-organising skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrable project management skills, including budget management
• Strong ability to work independently, with minimal supervision, initiating own work, prioritizing and meeting deadlines
• Strong networking, relationship-building and influencing skills

Desirable

• Experience of working in a network
• A strong understanding of international development issues
• Strong fundraising skills
• Ability to travel occasionally and work outside normal working hours when necessary

How to Apply

Applications should be sent via Charity Job. 

The closing date for applications is Monday 1st May at 9am.

Interviews will be held on Monday 8th May, and candidates should keep this day free. We aim to invite candidates to interview by 3rd May latest.

Your application should consist of:

• A CV of not more than 2 pages, including educational and professional qualifications, a full employment history showing the most significant positions, responsibilities held and relevant achievements.

• A cover letter of not more than 2 pages outlining your motivation and interest in this role, and describing how your skills, experience and knowledge make you qualified for this role. Please ensure you address the key competencies outlined above.

• A completed equal opportunities form (see attached form)