Senior Communications and Policy Manager

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of a communications strategy for designated research group: Working with researchers and policy experts, the Senior Communications and Policy Manager is responsible for developing and delivering a creative communication, engagement and events strategy to engage target audiences with ODI Global research and insight. While the postholder will work primarily with the designated research group, they will also engage with other groups and initiatives to bring coherence around shared thematic areas.
• This position will support ODI Global’s efforts to inform and influence government, civil society and private sector approaches to global challenges as per ODI Global’s strategy – ensuring that our public affairs and communications activities are strategic, creative and coordinated.
• - In collaboration with the Research Group Director, identify annual strategic communications priorities and develop high-impact communications plans, leading on the design and delivery of a portfolio of different activities across the communications functions (digital, events, media etc.), maximising impact.
• - Work with project leads to ensure that new research projects are developed with policy impact at the core of their design, including developing engagement strategies and associated workplans for each project.
• - Work with the research group to build a clear understanding of priority audiences, building on existing work to strengthen communications and engagement approaches that target existing and new audiences.
• - Coordinate with PAC colleagues to deliver research group communications outputs including events, webpages, social media content and newsletters, and develop digital assets such as blogs, infographics and multimedia. Work closely with PAC to ensure all assets are planned and delivered in line with agreed processes, brand, style and quality.
• - Engage with project management staff and Directors to ensure communications activities are effectively budgeted and resourced in all project proposals.
• - Work closely with colleagues to build on and strengthen the research group’s approach to measuring and monitoring its impact. Put in place frameworks and mechanisms to do so, monitoring the effectiveness of the communications and engagement strategy, adapting approaches as necessary.
• - Build and maintain strong internal and external relationships on relevant themes to drive impact, coordinate common agendas and harness opportunities for policy influence.
• - Coordinate internal communications around the research group’s portfolio, promoting effective coordination and information-sharing around upcoming work and key activities.

Requirements

• Track record in delivering influential public affairs and policy influencing strategies, with demonstrable success
• Experience of leading strategic communications in the field of the research group to inform/influence policy outcomes.
• Knowledge and experience working on the subject areas of the research group, including key debates, developments and policy processes and key actors.
• Experience in one or more of the following and the ability to engage across a wider portfolio: development finance and aid effectiveness; reform of multilateral development banks; blended finance and development finance institutions; taxation and domestic resource mobilisation; public financial management and spending for service delivery; sovereign debt and fiscal policy; and digital public finance.
• Understanding of the institutions, debates and policy processes shaping development finance and fiscal policy, including the roles of finance ministries, bilateral donors, the World Bank, IMF and other development banks, and influencing opportunities around the World Bank-IMF Spring and Annual Meetings.
• Experience of engagement with senior external stakeholders, both political and policy, in the UK, EU and internationally
• Outstanding communication skills, including writing for diverse audiences and making complex ideas accessible to different stakeholders
• An excellent understanding of audience and stakeholder analysis to inform approaches to communications and engagement.
• Significant experience designing and delivering communications activities that target a diverse range of audiences in order to influence policy.
• Excellent leadership skills, including the ability to motivate and support teams towards greater creative external engagement.

Preferred

• Experience developing digital communications strategies.
• Experience in media engagement
• Experience managing consultants and freelancers.
• Other language skills.
• Experience in managing large-scale or complex projects.

Benefits

• Benefits We prioritise the well-being of our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your personal and professional growth. Enjoy a generous annual leave allowance, including public holidays and additional time off during Christmas and New Year. We also recognise the importance of work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements, remote work options, and study leave to support your professional development. Our commitment to employee well-being extends beyond annual leave. We provide comprehensive benefits such as maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental leave, competitive pension schemes and interest-free travel loans. We offer sick pay, an Employee Assistance Program, and staff events and social activities to ensure your physical and mental health. For those relocating to the UK, we provide relocation assistance to help you settle in. We also promote sustainable commuting with our Cycle to Work scheme and offer union membership to protect your rights and advocate for your interests. At ODI Global, we believe that a supportive and rewarding work environment is essential for success. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects our commitment to your well-being and professional growth. For a full listing of benefits, please visit our Careers page.