Policy Adviser, Global Health System

Salary: £51,600 - £64,500

Closing date:  Sunday, 11 October 2026

Contract type: Permanent

Interview dates: 1st stage (w/c 09/11) online/Remote; 2nd stage: face to face

The Wellcome Trust is a global charitable foundation. We improve health for everyone by funding science, leading policy and advocacy campaigns, and building partnerships. 

We committed to spend £16bn in the ten years to 2032, funding new discoveries in life, health, and wellbeing, and taking on three global health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate and health.

These challenges need the bold science we support, but they won’t be solved by science alone.

You will be working in the Policy team, which sits within Wellcome’s wider Policy & Partnerships division and works across Wellcome’s strategic priorities to influence policy, shape evidence-based solutions, and build partnerships that help improve health. The team works closely with governments, researchers, civil society, Corporate Affairs, and Government Relations and Strategic Partnerships colleagues to drive change on some of the world’s most pressing health challenges.

 We are looking for a Policy Adviser to join our team.

Where in Wellcome will I be working? 

This role will sit within the Global Health Ecosystem portfolio, which focuses on strengthening the systems, governance, financing and partnerships needed to improve health outcomes globally. A key area of work is supporting efforts to reform the Global Health Ecosystem, helping to build a more equitable, resilient and sustainable approach to improving health worldwide. The Policy team operates a flexible deployment model and matrix management structure, with day-to-day support from a Policy Lead and line management provided by a Head of Policy.

What will I be doing? 

The Policy Adviser will primarily be working on a cross-cutting influencing programme seeking to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and equity of the global health ecosystem, to provide a critical foundation for progress across Wellcome’s strategic priorities and ensure more people benefit from the science Wellcome supports. 

This protfolio builds on the foundation of Wellcome’s previous work, including around the Future of Global Health Initiatives process (which culminated in the launch of the Lusaka Agenda in December 2023), and through a recent series of global and regional dialogues on global health reform.

The Adviser will work as part of a matrix team to identify and conduct activities to support substantive reforms that will ensure the global health architecture is more efficient, effective, and equitable in strengthening the capabilities of national, regional and global health systems.

 
As a Policy Adviser, you will:  

• Develop project ideas, plan activity and identify resourcing needs for key parts of the Global Health Ecosystem influencing programme. Manage delivery for substantial elements of the programme, while managing risks to deliver on time and within budget. 
• Deliver key elements of policy projects to a high standard, including analysis, positions, recommendations, briefings and other policy products. 
• Work with Government Relations and Corporate Affairs colleagues to support development and delivery of communications and advocacy strategies, build trusted stakeholder relationships and strengthen support for the work. 
• Represent Wellcome in senior internal and external forums linked to these policy projects, deputising for more senior colleagues when needed. 
• Lead specific ad hoc corporate and team-wide activities that support cross-team priorities, and manage, develop and motivate Policy Officers, graduates or interns when required. 
• Contribute to a diverse and inclusive culture by collaborating effectively across teams and departments. 

Is this job for me?

This role is ideal for someone with policy experience who is passionate about translating complex ideas into clear, impactful recommendations and influencing positive change. You'll bring strong communication and organisational skills, enjoy working with diverse stakeholders, and be motivated to learn, collaborate and continuously develop your expertise.

A strong, demonstrable expertise in global health - including global health financing and governance - would be highly beneficial. Direct experience working with diverse stakeholders across countries and cultures would also be an asset.     

To apply for this role please submit an updated CV and answer 2 application questions to demonstrate that you meet the minimum requirements for the role.

Minimum Criteria: 

• Experience of developing and delivering policy advice, recommendations, briefings or other policy products within global health, public health, research or science policy, including influencing national governments, multilateral organisations or other policy decision-makers.
• Experience of building and managing relationships with policy stakeholders, including providing evidence-based advice to senior leaders and influencing policy development, decisions or outcomes.
• Experience of working on policy issues affecting low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and global health systems, including engagement with stakeholders, programmes or initiatives operating across different geographical contexts.
• Experience of analysing and synthesising complex  technical or policy information and translating it into clear recommendations, briefings, policy positions or communications for non-technical audiences.
• Experience of working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders, including technical experts, policymakers, researchers and external partners, to develop solutions and deliver shared objectives.

Applications Questions:

• Using examples please provide evidence to demonstrate that you meet the minimum criteria for this role as outlined in the job description? (Up to 500 words)
• Using short summaries please provide specific details of up to two different initiatives or projects you have been directly involved in that are relevant to this role. For each initiative or project please use up to 250 words to describe your role (e.g. team leader, team member), the purpose of the activity (i.e. its aims), and the major contributions you personally made.

You can view the full job description on our website

You can read more about the benefits we offer our employees on our website  

Our Hybrid Way of Working 

We understand that our colleagues have commitments and personal interests outside of work and we strive to build a flexible working environment, in which people can perform at their best.

At Wellcome we have a hybrid way of working which is 3 days in our Euston Road offices (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) with the remaining 2 days working either remotely or in the office.

Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do 

Diversity and Inclusion is a priority at Wellcome. We are committed to cultivating a fair and inclusive environment, where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles. We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone. This includes making adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition. Please visit our website for more information on adjustments and accessibility, or contact us at jobs@wellcome.org. 

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