Who we are:

The Institute for the Future of Work (IFOW) is an independent research and development institute exploring how new technologies are transforming work and society. We generate insight and evidence, shape policy, and engage with diverse partners to promote a fairer future through better work.

Role Overview:

We are seeking a dynamic and motivated Policy and Public Affairs Lead to build IFOW’s policy development, advocacy, and external engagement strategy. This role will play a pivotal part in shaping policy debates, coordinating our parliamentary engagement, and expanding IFOW’s influence across the policy ecosystem. The post-holder will have the opportunity to develop and grow with the organisation as our work and reach expand. Closing date Wednesday 8th October 2025 at midday.

Key Responsibilities:

Policy and Research Scoping

• Lead policy scoping work, including evidence gathering, horizon scanning, and analysis across IFOW’s workstreams.
• Monitor policy, legislative and regulatory developments relevant to the future of work and assess their implications.
• Prepare policy briefings, consultation responses, and thought pieces to disseminate and develop consistent institutional positions, inform and influence debate, including translating products into different outputs for policy audiences.

Policy Advocacy and Engagement

• Develop and deliver IFOW’s advocacy strategy to ensure our research and recommendations influence policy and practice.
• Engage with policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, trade unions, and civil society to build broad-based coalitions and partnerships.
• Help represent IFOW at external meetings, events, and conferences.
• Develop relationships with local government to provide impact work.

Parliamentary and APPG Coordination

• Coordinate IFOW’s role in convening the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on the Future of Work, including programme design and event delivery.
• Build and maintain constructive relationships with parliamentarians, committees, and stakeholders.
• Agrees agendas, briefing notes, and parliamentary submissions to support engagement activities.

Public Affairs and Network-Building

• Lead IFOW’s public affairs work, identifying opportunities to expand our networks and strengthen our influence.
• Map and grow relationships across government, parliament, business, and civil society.
• Support strategic campaigns to extend IFOW’s reach and amplify its impact.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience      

Essential

• Strong understanding of UK policy and parliamentary processes, with experience in public affairs, policy research, or advocacy.
• Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills, with the ability to translate complex evidence into clear and persuasive messages.
• Demonstrable ability to build and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills, with experience coordinating events, programmes, or stakeholder groups.
• Self-starter with initiative, able to work independently and as part of a small, collaborative team.

Desirable

• Experience working with, or in, Parliament or government.
• Familiarity with debates around technology, work, and society.
• Track record in coalition building and cross-sector collaboration.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to play a central role in shaping the future of work at a critical time.
• A supportive and dynamic team environment with scope for professional growth and progression as IFOW expands.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Salary £40-45k FTE

More about the role:

Location: Hybrid: working remotely, with weekly in-person days in our central London office, and commitment to in-person attendance at events as and when required.

Closing date: ASAP, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and so we advise applying as soon as possible.

Contract: 1 year with a view to renew

Hours: This is a full-time role. IFOW offers flexible ways of working, including the option to work two months fully remotely.

Start date: ASAP

Leave: 28 days + 3 days shutdown over the Christmas period.

To apply

‍Please send a CV and a cover letter to team@ifow.org. Please ensure your cover letter is less than 500 words - this is a good way for you to demonstrate that you can communicate with clarity and brevity.

We are an equal opportunities employer; we firmly believe that diverse teams create better work and as such we welcome a broad range of perspectives, approaches, and backgrounds in applicants. To help us fulfil our commitment to encouraging diversity and promoting equal opportunities, please do fill out our anonymous Equality & Diversity Monitoring Information survey.

You must have the right to work in the UK - as a small charity, we are not able to sponsor visa applications.

IFOW is an accredited UK Living Wage Employer.

Should you need to make an application in a different format or require any adjustments as part of the application process, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Closing date Wednesday 8th October 2025 at midday

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