The Policy Officer (East Asia and Americas) role is a part of our Policy and Global Engagement Team, which leads our international policy work in various areas such as Global Research & Innovation, International Mobility, and Transnational Education (TNE). Additionally, our global engagement work ensures that UK universities have access to key stakeholders in partner countries worldwide. The team collaborates closely with colleagues in the Partnerships and External Affairs team to create impactful research, insights, publications, and events.
As the Policy Officer (East Asia and Americas), you will serve as our principal policy expert for the East Asia and Americas region. This exciting role will provide valuable opportunities to work with international stakeholders, government officials, policymakers, and develop expertise in the specific region to support the international ambitions of our members.
Your responsibilities will include researching policy developments and opportunities for UK universities related to international student recruitment and mobility, transnational education and partnerships, and research collaboration. You will also contribute to the prioritization and development of projects and programs in the region that align with UUKi’s strategic objectives. Providing clear, high-quality advice and support to various stakeholders, including the UUKi Director and Deputy Directors, UUKi members, funders, and government officials, will be a crucial part of your role. This will involve preparing briefing papers, presentations, and speeches for senior staff and stakeholders.
Your work will involve closely collaborating with external stakeholders and policy influencers in the UK and the region, including officials from UK and overseas governments, as well as higher education sectors, to influence policy developments for the benefit of the UK sector. Representing UUKi at internal and external meetings and delivering presentations will also be part of your responsibilities.
You will be responsible for managing networks of higher education professionals engaged with the region, including the delivery of secretariat services for UUKi’s Latin America Network and co-delivering services for the Asia Network. Additionally, you will organize outbound international delegations of high-level UK stakeholders and assist in hosting incoming delegations. This may include providing support for VIP visits and other high-level activities managed by UK government colleagues.
In terms of communication, you will be required to write engaging content for UUKi’s public communication platforms, such as the website and newsletters, and work with the Communications team to effectively communicate UUKi’s work to stakeholders through appropriate media channels.
Supporting the delivery of externally funded projects and activities, including monitoring, evaluation, and reporting requirements, will be another aspect of your role. This will involve working within UUKi’s established financial procedures and agreed budget as directed by relevant Deputy Directors.
To excel in this role, you will establish and maintain strong relationships with policy leads in other UK and overseas organizations, consulting as appropriate to inform UUKi’s policy positions. Additionally, you may be required to undertake other duties as assigned by the Director or senior staff of UUKi.
The essential skills and experience for this role include a degree or equivalent qualification or experience, the ability to effectively manage multiple projects and activities concurrently, and the capacity to produce clear, accurate, and engaging information and advice. You should also possess the ability to analyze complex information, identify key policy messages, and provide concise advice to senior stakeholders. Some travel, including overnight stays, will be necessary for this role, and understanding and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion is essential.
Desirable qualifications and experience include working in an organization related to higher education and higher education policy or programs relevant to East Asia or the Americas. Knowledge and experience in project and program management principles, as well as the internationalization of higher education, particularly UK priorities outlined in the UK Government’s International Education Strategy and Integrated Review, are also advantageous. Language skills, cultural experience, or an interest in the regions associated with the role responsibilities are additional desirable qualities.
As the Policy Officer (East Asia and Americas), you will be the principal policy expert for the specified regions, working closely with senior government officials, policymakers, and stakeholders to support the international ambitions of our members. With a university degree and a passion for higher education and international education and research policy, you will provide high-quality information, advice, and guidance, establish strong relationships with the higher education sector, and collaborate across UUKi’s core priorities, with an emphasis on global mobility