Policy Lead (Environment)

Focus of the Role

Renewing the Centre is the UK-focused policy unit of the Policy Futures team at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. Our 13-strong team produces, commissions and curates high-quality empirical analysis with a view to developing a radical but practical policy platform to renew the progressive centre ground of politics. With a primary focus on the UK, our aim is to develop an exciting, positive agenda for change to improve people’s lives and strengthen liberal democracy against a rising tide of angry populism.

The UK government has legislated for a target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 – the first major country to do so. But how can this be achieved, and how can we build and sustain political support for policy action over the long term?

Getting to net-zero will require profound shifts in our economy and way of life. Such a transformation will come with opportunities and threats. Depending on how it is handled, it could improve our quality of life and create new business and employment opportunities; or it could impose politically unsustainable economic and social costs and further fracture our already divided politics. It is therefore vital that policy design takes account of these opportunities and threats.

In addition, with the UK hosting the COP26 talks in 2021, there is an opportunity for a post-Brexit ‘Global Britain’ to show real international leadership in devising workable climate change policy.

These are among the questions that the Policy Lead on Environment and Sustainability will address.

To apply, please send your CV, an example of past work, and a covering letter setting out how you meet the person specification

Job Introduction

We are looking to hire an exceptional candidate to work on environment and sustainability policy at Renewing the Centre. Working closely with the Executive Director and the Head of Skills, Sustainability and Industrial Strategy you will play a leading role in the development of an evidence-based narrative and policy agenda for how the UK can reach net zero emissions by 2050. We’re looking for your incisive and considered analysis to develop a sophisticated diagnosis of the challenges, and bold ideas to produce radical but credible policy responses.

As the Policy Lead on Environment and Sustainability you will have strong experience of policymaking or analysis relevant to this role.

An experienced policy analyst, you will be adept at producing quantitative analysis to guide and justify your policy prescriptions. You will combine a sound grasp of the economic issues and policy detail, giving you credibility with external stakeholders, with a clear sense of the big picture necessary to motivate an exciting centrist political agenda that resonates with voters.

Close attention to detail and a commitment to excellence will be hallmarks of your work and, as an excellent communicator, you will be adept at conveying complex policy and analysis, as well as its implications, to a wide audience including politicians and the media.

You will also be an agile and supportive team player, capable of working with colleagues across Policy Futures, and TBI more broadly, to bring policy knowledge and analytical skills to augment the wider work of the Institute.

A core aspect of the role involves building relationships with a network of stakeholders across the worlds of policy, politics, the media and academia, both to inform internal thinking and to propagate the resulting policy proposals and maximise their impact. Superb interpersonal skills are therefore a key part of the role, and we are looking for a compassionate and committed individual to build influential networks of stakeholders to support our work.

Key Responsibilities

Key elements of the role include:

• Playing a leading role in developing and delivering a coherent, radical centrist agenda relating to how the UK can take decisive action on climate change.
• Ensuring timely delivery and a high standard of work that coheres within the broader vision for the team.
• Developing and involving an influential network of external stakeholder and experts to maximise impact on the wider policy debate around climate change and the net zero agenda.
• Conceiving and developing panel events and seminars with external experts to inform the Institute’s thinking on environment issues.
• Commissioning and managing analytical work with external specialists.
• Developing radical and credible policy ideas grounded in robust analysis.
• Writing compelling reports that elucidate the policy challenges and solutions.
• Contributing to the work of other teams within RTC and supporting colleagues.
• Representing TBI in the media and other public forums.

Person Specification

• A passion for using analysis and creativity to provide radical policy solutions that can help to revitalise the centre ground of politics.
• Strong experience of working in environmental policy.
• Familiarity with the wider issues that touch on the sustainability agenda.
• Strong quantitative skills.
• Willingness and ability to cultivate a network of key stakeholders to assist in the development of the Institute’s thinking and the impactful dissemination of its emerging views.
• A responsible and co-operative team player with the tact and consideration to build committed networks with external stakeholders.
• Creativity to produce radical but practical solutions backed by rigorous analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Significant experience as a policy advisor or researcher in a government, think tank, academic or consulting environment.

Desirable:

• Media experience.
• A record of thought leadership.
• A postgraduate degree in climate policy, economics or a related social science.

About The Institute

The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI) aims to equip political leaders and governments to build open, inclusive and prosperous societies in an interconnected world. We do this through our Policy Futures ideas and our Government Advisory Practice.  What we believe in as an organisation:

• Open and Progressive – you’ll believe in the value of teamwork
• Bold and Pragmatic – you’ll approach everything you do with integrity and authenticity
• Optimistic Changemakers – you’ll be focused on results

TBI believes embracing diversity and inclusion make us a better place to work.  It’s our goal to reflect everyone in society and we actively welcome applications from individuals and groups who are under-represented in the workplace. We celebrate difference be it ethnicity, religion, age, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation or disability.

We will only ever assess you on your abilities and fit for a role. We’re happy to discuss any adjustments you need to ensure a level playing field during recruitment and, if you're successful, discuss any adjustments you might need to thrive in your role.