JOB OPPORTUNITY: Research Fellow and Network Coordinator

This is a busy time for followers of UK constitutional developments. Both Brexit and COVID-19 have raised new controversies and challenges, while the government has expressed interest in various aspects of constitutional reform.

The Constitution Unit is working with other organisations producing high-quality research and briefings in the constitutional field, to ensure that current debates are informed by sound evidence grounded in constitutional and democratic principles, drawing from UK and international experience.

The role

This post will support networking among such organisations and outreach to policymakers, to inform decision-making in parliament and government.

The successful candidate will:

• Facilitate collaboration between the Constitution Unit and other research-based groups working in the constitutional field.
• Build relationships with interested parliamentarians, other policymakers and journalists, and facilitate regular communication.
• Draft briefings and reports targeted at policy audiences relevant to current debates, e.g. on parliament and parliamentary reform, rule of law, the courts, the civil service, elections and referendums, and the risks of populism.

This is envisaged as a full-time position, but with possibility of part-time working for an exceptional candidate.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A good Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Clear and demonstrable understanding of the key institutions and policy actors in British politics, and of current issues and arguments around the UK constitution and democracy.
• Significant prior experience of working in a relevant policy and/or research role.
• Excellent written communication skills, including drafting for non-specialist audiences.
• Excellent organisational skills, including to manage events and communications.
• Excellent diplomatic skills to work constructively with a diverse range of people.
• Existing political networks, particularly within the governing party.
• A commitment to excellence in research, and to promoting well-informed policy and political argument.

How to apply
Please apply online via the UCL jobs page.

Closing date: 06 December 2020
Interview date: 16/17 December 2020
Salary: UCL Grade 7, £36,028 inclusive of London weighting

For queries regarding the vacancy or application process, please contact Edd Rowe, Constitution Unit Office Manager (email: e.rowe@ucl.ac.uk, Tel: 020 7679 4977).