Head of Policy & Research

Head of Policy & Research

Are you an experienced ocean leader?

• Are you passionate about protecting and restoring the ocean?
• Do you have a strong understanding of how robust research and strong policies influences change?
• Are you confident producing solid policy advice and research projects to support campaigns?
• Do you have a good network of contacts in the NGO, fisheries, and marine sectors?
• Do you want to join one of the world’s most effective marine conservation organisations?

Oceana UK

Oceana is dedicated to protecting and restoring the world’s oceans on a global scale. We are a leader in science-based advocacy, and we campaign for policies to make the world’s oceans more abundant, vibrant, and biodiverse. Globally, Oceana has won more than 275 policy victories for marine life and habitats. From stopping bottom trawling in sensitive habitat areas to protecting sea turtles from commercial fishing gear, our victories represent new hope for the world's oceans.

Oceana is now focused on some of the biggest threats facing UK seas, alongside climate change. Fighting habitat destruction, stopping industrial overfishing, and preventing new offshore oil and gas developments with their inextricable link to the climate crisis.

The UK registered charity has a vision for thriving seas around the UK, using highly visible campaigns and detailed policy interventions to secure measurable changes to rebuild and maintain ocean abundance and health. Oceana UK will act as a vital public-policy interface – raising the profile of our issues through campaigns, science, communications, and expeditions, and influencing policymakers directly for commitments at key moments throughout the year.

Job Purpose

Oceana is looking for an experienced Head of Policy and Research develop, implement and advise on all of our policy and research requirements in the UK. The position will be based in Oceana’s office in Paddington, London. Occasional travel will be required to meet team members and stakeholders in geographically diverse locations.

Reporting to the Campaigns Director, the Head of Policy and Research will work closely with other members of the Campaigns team ensure Oceana UK’s campaigns are scientifically robust and promoting sound policies. The role will help Oceana to carve out its niche and leadership in this complex campaigning landscape and drive forward bold policy positioning and hard-hitting research that inspire meaningful change.

Eligible candidates should have experience in both policy and research, as well as being strategic and proactive. They should be a self-starter, have leadership experience, and have a strong ability to work independently and as part of a small team.

Role Overview

Policy:

• Lead on all projects relating to improvements in UK fisheries policies – including interpretation, analysis and engagement on existing and potential policies.
• Lead on all work relating to improvements in UK marine policies more broadly (e.g. MPAs; pollution; MSP; offshore energies) - including interpretation, analysis, and engagement on existing and potential policies.
• Advise on the strategic approach that Oceana UK takes to policy work.
• Respond to government policy consultations linked to our campaign areas (or coordinate our response with internal staff/consultants), and contribute to group responses (e.g. Wildlife & Countryside Link).
• Engage effectively with government civil servants on relevant policy matters.
• Engage collaboratively with policy counterparts within NGO partners where required.
• Draft robust, evidence-based policy positions; advise Senior Leadership Team on new or existing policy positions; and provide reactive policy advice when required.

Research:

• Lead, manage and coordinate all research projects for Oceana UK (including scientific, legislative and legal research) working closely with the campaigns team.
• Coordinate closely with wider campaigns team to understand, plan for and agree research opportunities and needs.
• Commission and manage external researchers where required. 
• Advise on the strategic approach that Oceana UK takes to research.
• Engage effectively with research focused government agencies (e.g. JNCC, Cefas, Natural England. Marine Management Organisation).
• Communicate and collaborative effectively with research counterparts within other NGOs as required.
• Ensure that all research projects are managed and delivered on time and to budget.
• Provide research input and advice to policy and campaigning discussions.
• Ensure that Oceana UK’s research is ethical, robust and peer reviewed.
• Present Oceana UK’s research at relevant forums as required.

Overarching:

• Work closely and as part of the Leadership Team, communicating policy and research priorities and assisting organisational decision making.

• Help to lead the London office providing direction, guidance and promoting a positive working culture with other members of the team.
• Line management of one member of staff.
• Represent Oceana UK at relevant external forums.
• Provide policy and research input to comms outputs including press releases, blogs and social media posts.
• Contribute to Oceana UK’s monitoring and evaluation activities including:
  • Feed into board reporting documents with policy goals and achievements.
  • Provide  policy input into donor reports and bids.
• Provide policy and research input to annual planning processes.
• Manage relevant policy and research budget lines, including forecasting and annual budget setting.

Candidate Requirements

Education and work experience:

• At least 5 years of professional experience in policy and/or research, ideally in oceans or the environment.
• Experience leading and developing a strategic approach to policy and research, and integrating this with campaigns goals.
• Experience working closely and collaboratively with campaigns colleagues.
• Experience lobbying and negotiating with civil servants in government on policy matters.
• Experience commissioning, managing and analysing complex research projects and ensuring their application to policy work and/or campaign delivery.
• Experience developing and writing strategic plans, contributing to planning and budgeting processes.
• Postgraduate degree in fisheries, marine biology, oceanography, or a related field.
• Line management experience.

Skills and knowledge:

• Demonstrable experience of engaging policymakers, with an ability to confidently communicate policy with high level stakeholders and engage effectively in relevant debates and negotiations.
• Familiarity with fisheries or marine and environmental regulations, legislation and policies in the UK, as well as with the key institutions and decision-making processes.
• Proficiency at understanding and distilling complex scientific issues for policy, campaigning and communications purposes.
• Highly skilled in evidential and research methodology best practice.
• Strong writing skills, with experience writing policy positions and research briefs.
• Excellent relationship building and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong project management skills, with demonstrable experience managing multiple workstreams effectively.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, organise, analyse, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Integrity and the ability to work with confidential information with discretion.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to robust and credible research outputs.
• A commitment to ethical research principles.
• Prioritising skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, projects, and timelines.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff and other organisations.

Equal Opportunities

Oceana UK is committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the community it serves at all levels of the organisation. We therefore welcome applications from all backgrounds and all sections of the community. All offers of employment are conditional upon the successful completion of reference checks and a criminal background check.

Click on the 'Apply on website' button to be redirected to our recruitment platform. 

• Application Deadline: 7 April 2024.
• Interviews: w/c 15 April 2024 and w/c 22 April 2024.
• Starting: ASAP.