research programme is looking for an experienced, dynamic Policy Uptake and Communications Manager to play a pivotal role in promoting XCEPT's impact through engagement with policy, practitioner, and academic stakeholder groups.
XCEPT is one of the UK government's flagship conflict research programmes.
XCEPT brings together world-leading experts and local researchers to examine conflict-affected borderlands, how conflicts connect across borders, and the drivers of violent and peaceful behaviour.
Funded by UK International Development, XCEPT offers rigorous, actionable research to inform policies and programmes that support peace.
The primary responsibility of the XCEPT Policy Uptake and Communications Manager is ensuring our research is effectively disseminated and has the greatest possible impact, advancing critical debates and informing decisionmakers directing policy and programming efforts to prevent and reduce conflict and build peace.
We will consider candidates who can demonstrate experience translating complex research into compelling uptake activities and a track record of effectively engaging policymaking audiences.
Familiarity with international conflict and peacebuilding issues and the foreign policy landscape will underpin this experience, including knowledge of key international policy forums, journals, and organisational bodies.In addition to shaping XCEPT uptake, this role will collaborate with the XCEPT team and our research partners to develop compelling communications products and activities featuring our research, including campaigns to promote key outputs, website and social media content, research events, and private briefings.
The XCEPT Uptake and Communications Manager will have the following responsibilities, carried out in coordination with the XCEPT Publications Manager, programme leadership, and XCEPT research managers:Policy Uptake Develop tailored approaches to engage with key policy and practitioner audiences.
Advance XCEPT policy uptake through stakeholder analysis and tracking of policy events and developments that XCEPT research can inform.Prepare policy-focused uptake products such as briefing notes, 1-pagers and slide presentations.Support researchers to develop and implement policy uptake plans specific to their projects.
Thematic Research Communications Working closely with the XCEPT technical team, identify shared themes from across the XCEPT programme's different workstreams and partners to develop engaging uptake and communications plans and activities.Support the Publications Manager to monitor and evaluate progress towards communications and research uptake goals and ensure that learning is used effectively.
External Communications Develop and lead the implementation of external communications and activities for research projects and workstreams.Disseminate XCEPT research and key findings by conceptualising and delivering public and private events, meetings and briefings.Support programme team and research leads in academic and practitioner presentation, including coordination of XCEPT participation in relevant conferences.Engage mainstream and specialist media on XCEPT research.Lead the development of engaging and effective communications and media materials for social and traditional media channels, such as press releases, success stories, event invitations, social media posts, etc.Oversee the management and quality of external communications resources, e.g., graphic designers, videographers, website providers, etc.
Partnerships and Networks Engage XCEPT researchers on uptake and communications, working with them to identify exciting ways to share their findings with different audiences.Build relationships with key stakeholders to create and respond to strategic opportunities for sharing XCEPT's work.
Person Specification Degree in relevant subject or equivalent work experience required; advanced degree preferred.At least 7 years of experience in policy uptake, external communications, media engagement, or public relations.Demonstrable understanding of issues related to conflict and peacebuilding and the foreign policy landscape in the UK and internationally.Proven track record in communicating research to specialist and non-specialist audiences, including experience converting research to policy-focused uptake products.Demonstrated experience conceptualising and organising public and private events and briefings around key issues.Outstanding English verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information in a clear and understandable way.Knowledge of the principles and best practices of media relations.Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative, team-player approach.Strong organisational skills and ability to manage and prioritise multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.Expertise in relevant software and platforms is desirable (Microsoft PowerPoint, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Canva, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.)
Other UK work authorisation or ability to obtain it is required.