Policy Adviser
| Posting date: | 29 August 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £37,300 to £44,191 per year |
| Additional salary information: | National pay locations: Belfast, Leeds, Stoke-on-Trent £37,300 - £39,911 London pay locations: Croydon, £41,300 - £44,191 |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 12 September 2025 |
| Location: | Leeds |
| Company: | Government Recruitment Service |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 424588/3 |
Summary
The Science, Technology, Research and Analysis (STAR) Group sits at the heart of the Home Office. The group ensures the best evidence and analysis are used to address the strategic issues facing the department. We also provide the science, technology, data, and international insights and collaboration capabilities to drive delivery.
The Country Policy & Information Team (CPIT) is part of Science, Technology, Analysis and Research (STAR). CPIT produces internationally respected country reports, which contain accurate and reliable country information and rigorous, evidenced guidance on handling common protection claims made in the UK.
CPIT also provides support to Ministers and are involved in litigation in the courts about the situation in countries, working closely with other teams in the Home Office as well as the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and other Government Departments.
The team is also involved in research and analysis to support wider reform of the asylum and appeals system.
This post offers an opportunity to work on a fast-paced, high-profile policy area which attracts a significant amount of Parliamentary, public and media interest and which cuts across domestic and international issues.
The successful candidate will be required to draft reports that accurately describe the human rights situation in countries around the world – you will do this by:
- Planning and undertaking high quality research in line with international standards (n.b. training will be provided);
- Critically assessing and analysing research material alongside relevant asylum and refugee law and policy; and
- Producing succinct, evidence-based guidance to enable asylum decision makers to make timely, accurate and consistent decisions.
You will also answer queries on the portfolio of countries for which you are responsible.
To learn more about the reports we produce, please visit our Country Policy and Information Notes page on Gov.uk.
Key Responsibilities
- Understand the legislative framework; policies and processes; current challenges faced by operational teams; as well as emerging case law and how that impacts on the work of the team.
- Be able to produce clear, rational, and well-evidenced conclusions from complex, often anecdotal, and sometimes conflicting evidence.
- Be capable of contextualising how that anecdotal and partial evidence is reflective of a wider group and as a reflection of the general country situation. Draft or contribute to oral and written briefings for Ministers and others, as required.
- Be actively open-minded, be intellectually curious and introspective.
- Be receptive to constructive feedback, including on written work, and committed to continuous improvement and development.
- Adapt to changing priorities and manage workload accordingly, escalating where appropriate, and be willing to work flexibly across the wider team as required.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with partners within the Home Office, across Government, externally and internationally – including partners who may hold opposing views to the Home Office. Contribute to the unit being a centre of expertise that is trusted by end users, stakeholders and the courts.
Note: You may be required to carry out other duties within the scope of the grade and within the limits of your skill, competence and training.
Working Pattern
This role is available on a full-time basis with the option of compressed hours working. This role is also suitable for part-time working hours, with a minimum requirement to work 3 days / 22:12 hours per week due to business requirements.
Travel
As the core of the team is based in Croydon, some travel to Croydon will be required.
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