Policy Adviser, Infectious Disease

Salary: 51600 - 64500

Closing date: Sunday 11 October 2026

Contract type: Permanent

Interview dates: 1st stage (26 27and 30 November) 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.

You will be working in the Policy team which sits within Wellcomes wider Policy & Partnerships division and works across Wellcomes 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 worlds most pressing health challenges.

We are looking for a Policy Adviser to join our team working initially in support of our Infectious Diseases policy work

Where in Wellcome will I be working

This post will be based in the global health policy team working on infectious diseases. This team works to maximise the impact of Wellcomes Infectious Disease strategy through policy development advocacy and partnership-building. Working alongside Wellcomes Infectious Disease research teams our work is focused on creating the right policy environment for research and development (R&D) into new vaccines and therapeutics for major infectious disease challenges and for these to reach the communities in Africa and South and South East Asia that need them most. This will help ensure that the innovations Wellcome supports can deliver real-world health impact

What will I be doing

• Lead and deliver policy projects that support Wellcomes strategic priorities taking ownership of significant workstreams from planning through to delivery.
• Conduct analysis develop evidence-based recommendations and produce high-quality briefings reports and policy products that help shape decision-making and influence change.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Policy Government Relations Strategic Partnerships and Corporate Affairs to deliver effective advocacy engagement and communications strategies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external partners policymakers and subject matter experts to strengthen collaboration and maximise the impact of Wellcomes work and funding.
• Represent Wellcome in internal and external forums sharing expertise influencing discussions and contributing to the organisations reputation as a trusted voice in health and research policy.
• Contribute to a high-performing and inclusive team culture by supporting colleagues managing risks and resources effectively and helping deliver cross-team priorities in line with Wellcomes values policies and objectives.

Is this job for me

If you have experience influencing policy building trusted relationships with stakeholders and developing evidence-based recommendations that support policy change this could be an excellent opportunity. Youll be comfortable analysing complex information working with technical and scientific experts as well as with policymakers and translating insights into clear impactful messages for a range of audiences.

Were looking for someone who is collaborative organised and self-motivated with strong communication and critical thinking skills. Experience in global health public health science or research policy would be advantageous as would experience working across different countries cultures and stakeholder groups.

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 influencing policy including working with governments multilateral organisations or other policy stakeholders to support policy change.
• Demonstrable experience of producing high-quality policy analysis recommendations briefings or other written outputs for senior decision-makers.
• Experience of building and influencing relationships with a range of policy stakeholders to achieve agreed outcomes.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex scientific technical or policy information and translate it into clear actionable messages.
• Experience working on policy issues relating to infectious disease global health public health and/or R&D is highly desirable. Similarly experience of working on these issues internationally particularly in Africa and/or South/South-East Asia would also be desirable.

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 andinclusiveenvironment 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 includesmaking adjustmentsfor people who have a disability or long-term visit our websitefor more information on adjustments and accessibility or contact us at.

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