Senior International Policy Adviser

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. 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 debate, and brings together scholars, government, business and civil society to influence policy.

The Academy has five directorates: Communications & Marketing; Development; Policy; Research; and Resources, plus a small Governance & Fellowship Team.

Working at the Academy

Our senior management team has fostered a culture of collaboration, respect and empathy, where all contributions are recognised. Our people strategy focuses on building strengths and sharing insights, with learning and development, wellbeing, and equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of how we work. Investing in our staff and supporting a healthy work/life balance is central to our continued success.

Terms and conditions

The British Academy is based at 10–11 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1, a Grade I listed building. We offer a competitive benefits package, including a 35-hour working week with flexible hybrid working, 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, reflecting our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace, equal opportunity and addressing under-representation. We will make reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants and offer an interview to candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Please contact the HR team at hrteam@thebritishacademy.ac.uk if you have any questions.

Closing date: Midday on 23 July 2026.

Interviews: 3/4 August 2026 (may be subject to change).

Advert information