Senior Communications and Policy Manager - Climate and Environment

Purpose of the job Research, convening and influencing are at the heart of what we do, and the demand has never been greater for innovative solutions to the global challenges we collectively face. Foremost among these are the climate and biodiversity crises, which intersect with and compound all the other challenges. This role will work to increase the impact and reach of ODI Global’s research and policy engagement relating to the natural environment and resource management. Our work on this topic falls broadly into three areas: how to accelerate clean energy transitions, how to build resilience to increasingly frequent and severe environmental hazards, and how to raise and steer finance for climate action at the scale required. Our research and policy engagement is concentrated in the places where transitions are moving most slowly or where vulnerability is greatest. Working with leading ODI Global researchers and policy experts and a team of communications, digital and editorial professionals, this role is responsible for leading and delivering creative communications and public affairs strategies to engage diverse audiences with ODI Global’s insights and ideas. You will constantly be thinking about ODI Global’s audience preferences, devising strategic approaches to extend our reach and influence, and identifying ways to improve our communications approaches, tools and messages. Full of ideas to test and iterate, you will drive, motivate and support more impactful approaches to ODI Global’s convening, digital engagement, media relations and publications. Main Duties and Responsibilities Lead the development and delivery of a communications strategy for our work on climate and the environment: Working with researchers and policy experts, the Senior Communications and Policy Manager is responsible for developing and delivering a creative communication, engagement and events strategy to engage target audiences with ODI Global research and insight. While the postholder will work primarily with the designated research group, they will also engage with other groups and initiatives to bring coherence around shared thematic areas. This position will support ODI Global’s efforts to inform and influence government, civil society and private sector approaches to environmental crises such as climate change, biodiversity collapse and resource competition. In line with ODI Global’s new strategy, the post holder will help ensure that our public affairs and communications activities are strategic, creative and coordinated. In collaboration with the Research Group Director, identify annual strategic communications priorities and develop high-impact communications plans, leading on the design and delivery of a portfolio of different activities across the communications functions (digital, events, media etc.), maximising impact. Work with project leads to ensure that new research projects are developed with policy impact at the core of their design, including developing engagement strategies and associated workplans for each project. Work with the research group to build a clear understanding of priority audiences, building on existing work to strengthen communications and engagement approaches that target existing and new audiences. Coordinate with PAC colleagues to deliver research group communications outputs including events, webpages, social media content and newsletters, and develop digital assets such as blogs, infographics and multimedia. Work closely with PAC to ensure all assets are planned and delivered in line with agreed processes, brand, style and quality. Engage with project management staff and Directors to ensure communications activities are effectively budgeted and resourced in all project proposals. Work closely with colleagues to build on and strengthen the research group’s approach to measuring and monitoring its impact. Put in place frameworks and mechanisms to do so, monitoring the effectiveness of the communications and engagement strategy, adapting approaches as necessary. Build and maintain strong internal and external relationships on relevant themes to drive impact, coordinate common agendas and harness opportunities for policy influence. Coordinate internal communications around the research group’s portfolio, promoting effective coordination and information-sharing around upcoming work and key activities. Provide a clear vision and strategic direction, and drive improvements in communications processes, products and tools across the research group’s portfolio. Engage with emerging communications concepts and best practice and ensure the research group’s activities are responsive to an evolving communications landscape. Work closely with PM colleagues to support the project management and oversee the delivery of communications activities to agreed deadlines and budget parameters. Develop or strengthen communications and influencing approaches by deepening ODI Global’s knowledge of key audiences and ensuring innovative and creative ways to expand the global reach and uptake of ODI Global’s ideas and analysis: Work with the research group director and researchers to build a clear understanding of priority audiences, building on existing work to strengthen communications and engagement approaches that target existing and new audiences. Bring innovative and creative new thinking and approaches to a small and busy communications team and pilot new ways to expand the global reach of the research group’s work and achieve greater impact. Identify ways to maximise the reach and impact of the research group’s translated products to reach new audiences. Represent research group at key convenings and networking events to strengthen the research group’s global networks and audiences Act as a senior leader within ODI Global to enable, deliver and lead more effective approaches to public affairs and policy influencing: Provide advice and support to colleagues on key projects to maximise policy impact Work closely with Group Director on strategic decision-making across the research group. Model and promote the application of ODI Global values within the team and others. Task manage colleagues working on public affairs priority projects as required, and co-ordinate external consultants and suppliers if needed. Lead, deliver and enable creative, compelling and effective approaches to the research group’s communications and influencing: Plan and coordinate an engaging portfolio of communications activities to strengthen ODI Global’s engagement at critical policy influencing moments, including international events. Regularly horizon-scan to identify proactive and reactive opportunities to further the research group’s reach and influence. Proactively seek external opportunities to profile the research group and for engagement with external policy agendas and generate ideas to amplify research. Strengthen processes in the research group to ensure the team is more attuned to and engaged in external influencing opportunities and the most effective strategies to reach different audiences. Develop relationships with potential cohosts and drive collaborative approaches to identify, attract and equip key speakers and audiences. Develop event concepts/propositions that articulate clearly how we will convene with impact. Plan effective operations/logistics to ensure delivery of smooth-running events in line with ODI Global’s institutional standards. Prepare presentation materials, briefing notes, memos and letters and develop digital assets for senior stakeholders to support the delivery of key outputs and messages. Contribute to effective ODI public affairs and communications more widely Attend and actively participate in weekly meetings of the Public Affairs and Communications (PAC) Team. Work with PAC Managers to ensure publications, events and digital planning schedules are kept up to date and manage workflows. Support and advise researchers on public affairs and communications best practice, ODI Global brand guidelines and PAC ways of working. Participate in PAC peer knowledge and skills sharing activities to promote best practice and inspire new ideas. Support PAC colleagues to deliver priority outputs/activities when surge capacity is required Coordinate internal communications – promoting effective coordination and information-sharing around upcoming work and key activities. Carry out other tasks as specified by Senior Managers. Person Specification Essential Track record in delivering influential public affairs and policy influencing strategies, with demonstrable success Experience of leading strategic communications in the field of the research group to inform/influence policy outcomes. Knowledge and experience working on the subject areas of the research group, including key debates, developments and policy processes and key actors. Experience of engagement with senior external stakeholders, both political and policy, in the UK, EU and internationally Outstanding communication skills, including writing for diverse audiences and making complex ideas accessible to different stakeholders An excellent understanding of audience and stakeholder analysis to inform approaches to communications and engagement. Significant experience designing and delivering communications activities that target a diverse range of audiences in order to influence policy. Excellent leadership skills, including the ability to motivate and support teams towards greater creative external engagement. Experience in developing monitoring and evaluation tools to track the impact of communications activities. Confident problem-solving and decision-making abilities – as well as the ability to propose new ways of working and new approaches, and to then carry them through to completion. Excellent relationship building and interpersonal skills including the ability to liaise and communicate with colleagues at all levels of seniority and from different cultures. Proven experience managing events and convening audiences to disseminate research and encourage uptake of recommendations. Excellent organisational, prioritisation and project management skills and experience working in a busy, fast-paced environment. Ability to self-start; generate plans and ideas and carry them through to completion. Ability to take a long-term view, while meeting day-to-day operational needs Ability to quickly pick up new software and tools; willingness to learn new skills. Excellent IT and data management skills, including Microsoft Office and Adobe. Desirable Experience developing digital communications strategies. Experience in media engagement Experience managing consultants and freelancers. Other language skills. Experience in managing large-scale or complex projects. Key relationships and contacts Director of Communications Director of research group and team members Public Affairs and Communication colleagues (particularly the Digital and Engagement Manager, Head of Media, Senior Communications and Events Officer, Digital Manager and Publications Manager, as well as other staff across PAC) Programme staff working on economic development across institute Chief Executive All staff are expected to: Positively support equality of opportunity both within ODI Global and externally Help maintain a safe working environment and take responsibility for own and colleagues’ Health and Safety Undertake such other duties within the scope of their post as may be requested by their Manager We regularly review applications and reserve the right to close an advert early if we identify suitable candidates. To avoid disappointment, submit your application as soon as possible. Why should you work for us? ODI Global is committed to developing and supporting diverse and inclusive teams of people who share our passion, where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. We welcome applicants from a range of diverse backgrounds including those who experience intersectional marginalisation on the basis of their class, race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious identity or belief, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. We also welcome applications from those living with disabilities. Benefits We prioritise the well-being of our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your personal and professional growth. Enjoy a generous annual leave allowance, including public holidays and additional time off during Christmas and New Year. We also recognise the importance of work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements, remote work options, and study leave to support your professional development. Our commitment to employee well-being extends beyond annual leave. We provide comprehensive benefits such as maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental leave, competitive pension schemes and interest-free travel loans. We offer sick pay, an Employee Assistance Program, and staff events and social activities to ensure your physical and mental health. For those relocating to the UK, we provide relocation assistance to help you settle in. We also promote sustainable commuting with our Cycle to Work scheme and offer union membership to protect your rights and advocate for your interests. At ODI Global, we believe that a supportive and rewarding work environment is essential for success. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects our commitment to your well-being and professional growth. For a full listing of benefits, please visit our Careers page .