Policy and Research Officer

About Women's Equality Network (Wen) Wales

WEN Wales is the leading gender equality charity in Wales. Our vision is of a Wales free from gender discrimination, where all have equal opportunity and authority to shape society and their own lives.

As a membership organisation, we work in coalition with our organisational and individual members connecting, campaigning and championing women to realise our vision.

About the role

This role is about researching the barriers to gender equality in Wales, developing our policy recommendations around them, and then using the evidence to advocate and influence, ensuring that our work has real impact.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of researching and drafting effective writing for a policy audience, ideally in a Welsh policy or third sector context. You will know how to identify and build relationships with key stakeholders, have strong political awareness and the ability to think strategically. You will also need a good eye for detail and excellent self-management skills with the ability to prioritise competing demands in a fast-paced environment.

We particularly welcome applications from candidates who have lived experience of intersecting discrimination, including candidates from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Welsh Speaker: Desirable

Key responsibilities of the role

Policy and Research: You will contribute to the production of our policy writing, including reports, briefings, consultation responses and blog posts. Working under the supervision of, and often co-authoring with the Policy and Public Affairs Manager, you will receive guidance on the format, tone, and desired impact of publications. But we expect you to use your analytical skills to develop an excellent understanding of the subjects at hand and produce a robust first draft. In practice, we will expect you to:

• Develop expert knowledge in specific policy areas relevant to gender equality in Wales;
• Contribute to primary data collection by supporting the design, fieldwork and evaluation of surveys, interviews and focus groups;
• Prepare clear briefings, reports and responses to Welsh Government and Senedd consultations, working with relevant team members and partner organisations as necessary;
• Analyse and visually represent data from trusted sources;
• Review and adequately reference policy and academic literature and maintain a high standard of accuracy.

Advocacy: To ensure our research and policy recommendations have an impact, you will contribute to our advocacy work by supporting the Policy and Public Affairs Manager in developing and fostering relationships with policy makers and other key stakeholders. In practice, you will:

• Monitor parliamentary activity in our key work areas, flag relevant developments with the Policy and Public Affairs Manager and other staff members as appropriate;
• Work with the Head of Communications and Engagement to promote WEN Wales’ policy recommendations and reports to our members and other audiences.
• Represent and speak on behalf of WEN Wales at meetings and events where appropriate;
• Support the delivery of WEN training on women’s rights and intersectionality, WEN’s secretariat function to the Cross-Party Group on Women, the Gender Network and other forums as appropriate, including through arranging meetings, coordinating communication and taking notes;
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as may be required by the role.

Location: Remote working / Cardiff office / Hybrid

Salary: £26,000 - £30,000 per annum pro rata

Working hours: 18.75 hours (50%) to 22.5 hours (60%) per week

Contract type: 1-year fixed term with potential to extend (subject to funding)

Flexible working

How to apply

Please send a CV and a supporting letter (no more than 2 sides of A4). Demonstrate how you meet the job criteria and tell us why you are the right person for the role. Please also include a short piece of written work (e.g. briefing, article, blog or equivalent).

Closing date: Thursday, 2 January 2025, 5pm

Online interview: Monday, 6 January 2025