Role purpose

The Oxford Martin Programme on the Future of Development works towards creating more and better economic opportunities in a changing world by conducting rigorous research, creating evidence-based solutions and tools for decision-makers, providing platforms for new ideas, and sharing insights through events and publications. We focus on low- and middle-income countries and work towards more equitable and well-functioning labour markets, fostering entrepreneurship and technology for small and medium-sized enterprises and building human capital for a just green energy transition.

We are looking for a highly skilled leader to help us fulfil this mission. As a key member of the programme’s management team, the Deputy Director – Policy and Partnerships will play a key role in shaping the programme strategy and oversee the delivery of the programme goals across various work streams.

As the Deputy Director – Policy and Partnerships, you will coordinate and develop several high-profile academic and policy-focussed initiatives across the programme, including the implementation of complex multi-themed primary research in low- and middle-income countries; convening global efforts around broad global development challenges; and the establishment of long-term policy and research partnership with collaborators around the world. This will include the continuous development of an over-arching strategy and policies in response to the research priorities and aims of the group and organising and leading management meetings.

In addition to serving on the programme’s management team, the Deputy Director (Policy and Partnerships) will lead an operations team consisting of a Programmes and Research Manager, a Policy and Impact Coordinator, and an Administrative Assistant.

Duties and Responsibilities

Key duties

• Working closely with the senior academic team, provide executive and strategic leadership for the programme in line with its mission and goals.
• Working closely with the Programme Directors and Postdoctoral Researchers, inform and develop emerging work streams and projects.
• Working with the Programme Directors and supported by the Programmes and Research Manager, lead strategic decision-making around budgetary issues, recruitment plans, and programme growth.
• Design and oversee a responsive programme-wide management system to ensure the provision of agile and flexible strategic and operational support to Future of Development Programme researchers to help them implement and deliver research projects to time, quality, and budget.
• Working with the Policy and Impact Coordinator, lead the scale-up and implementation of policy recommendations with relevant policymakers, including the amplification of research findings through dissemination with specific policymakers.
• Line manage the work of the Future of Development Programme operations team and support their ongoing personal and professional development.
• Provide strategic guidance in the development of funding proposals, liaising with academics, internal operational teams, and partners, as necessary.
• Represent the Future of Development Programme team at key events, meetings, conferences, webinars, and other public engagements, including with key donors and other stakeholders
• Coordinate with colleagues at the Oxford Martin School and across the policy and engagement landscape within the wider University, inspiring confidence within the University community and establishing strong linkages with external bodies and partners.
• Be a champion of the University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy and advise on implementation within the programme.
• Any other duties commensurate with the post.

Selection criteria

Essential selection criteria

• A postgraduate degree in a relevant social science discipline or extensive professional experience working in a research and / or policy environment.
• Substantial experience with and demonstrated interest in global development including work in low- and middle-income countries and a commitment to the mission of the Future of Development programme.
• Proven leadership experience at a strategic level, with capability of building and running effective multi-disciplinary teams
• Significant organisational skill and project management experience within a complex organisation, with a proven track-record of planning, managing, and controlling projects to ensure the timely delivery within budget
• Excellent problem-solving and negotiation skills and a drive to find solutions.
• Proven self-motivation and a passion for rigour and excellence.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to lead and work collaboratively with staff at all levels and
• across a range of stakeholder organisations.
• Excellent ability to communicate effectively both in writing and verbally.
• Commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion.

Desirable selection criteria

• Experience of delivering projects using Agile methods or other project management tools.
• Development and delivery of public engagement and involvement activities.
• Experience of writing multi-partner grant applications for research funding.

Pre-employment screening

Standard checks

If you are offered the post, the offer will be subject to standard pre-employment checks. You will be asked to provide: proof of your right-to-work in the UK; proof of your identity; and (if we haven’t done so already) we will contact the referees you have nominated. You will also be asked to complete a health declaration so that you can tell us about any health conditions or disabilities for which you may need us to make appropriate adjustments.

Please read the candidate notes on the University’s pre-employment screening procedures at: https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/pre-employment-checks   

Terms of Appointment              

Fixed term contract of 3 years with the possibility of renewal.

Role Location

Oxford, England, United Kingdom

How to Apply

If you wish to be considered for this position, please complete the Application Form below on or before 24th of March. In addition, we encourage you to please attach a copy of the most recent English version of your CV.

All information will be treated in the strictest confidence.

If you have an initial query rather than an application, kindly email us at [email protected].

SRI Executive is exclusively retained by Oxford Martin School – University of Oxford to undertake this assignment.