Senior Policy Advocacy and Programmes Advisor

We are professionals with purpose, beating cancer every day. But we need to go much further and much faster. That's why we're looking for someone talented, someone who wants to develop their skills, someone like you.

£35,000 - £39,000 (+ Benefits)

Grade: P2

Directorate: Policy, Information and Communications

Reports to: Programme Manager (International Cancer Prevention Programme)

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full Time 35 hours per week

Location: Stratford, London . Office-based with high flexibility (1-2 days per week in the office)

External closing date: 29/06/2026

Internal closing date: 05/07/2026

This vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of applications is received or once a suitable candidate is found, therefore we strongly recommend that you apply early to avoid disappointment. If you require more time to apply as part of a reasonable adjustment, please contact as soon as possible.

Recruitment process: competency-based interviews with presentation

Interview date:

How do I apply? We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won't be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to fully complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly, and objectively.

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.

Play a key role in shaping and delivering CRUK's International Cancer Prevention strategy, acting as a subject matter expert in areas such as Tobacco Control across low- and middle-income countries. You'll support implementation of global WHO frameworks through programme delivery and policy advocacy, helping to drive the implementation of impactful cancer prevention policies in low and middle income countries.

What will I be doing?

• Develop specialist expertise in the Tobacco control cancer prevention area.
• Keep up to date with global policy and advocacy developments and the wider international development and global health environments.
• Work with external partners to influence sub-national/national/regional/global policy implementation and advocacy .
• Identify relevant actors and that CRUK could support with funding and/or partnering to amplify the work
• Design and support policy research and advocacy programmes with partners on the ground, from project scoping through to monitoring and evaluation; including grants, partnerships and commissioned research, with support from the Programme Manager.
• Support partners as needed to develop their policy research and advocacy work and contribute to capacity building.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders to deliver on programmatic and policy advocacy work.
• Produce engaging communications for a range of audiences, including summaries of research outputs, blogs, briefings and case studies.
• Identify opportunities to make ICP programme more visible both internally and externally.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across CRUK to contribute to developing CRUK as a global thought leader on cancer and non-communicable diseases
• Contribute to annual operational planning, budget formulation and other management and reporting processes as required
• Represent CRUK and the ICP Programme to a range of internal and external stakeholders and events, including policy department colleagues, Government officials, academics, and representatives from think tanks, charities, civil society groups and professional bodies from all over the world

What skills will I need?

• Proven ability to identify and solve a range of problems with minimal guidance; using some innovative techniques or new approaches to solve problems
• Proven ability to develop and build durable and effective partnerships. Experience of working with partners in low- and middle-income countries is desirable.
• Provide relevant advice, guidance and support to colleagues
• Responsibility for a defined work area, managing workload and prioritising tasks to meet deadlines
• Excellent writing skills with an ability to produce high quality reports as well as more focused pieces of work
• Proven ability to lead on the day-to-day management of a project cycle, including providing technical input in the design and planning stage, budget management and evaluation
• Proven ability to communicate clearly and effectively to internal and external stakeholders. The post holder will need to explain information clearly and encourage colleagues to understand different points of view
• Strong analytical and research skills
• Proven ability to contribute to the development of team strategy
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Good interpersonal, influencing and negotiating skills
• Proven ability to work both as part of a team and independently
• Demonstrable interest in global health and/or prevention of non communicable disease
• Emulates CRUK values in their work with LMIC partners, including diplomacy and respect

Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do.

Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination

Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism

Human: Act to have a positive impact on people

Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively

We're looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.

If you're interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience we'd still love to hear from you.

Internal eligibility criteria

Internal candidates should ideally have completed their 6-month 'getting started' period before applying for other roles. You should also advise your current line manager at the point you make an internal application, or at the latest, at the point of being invited for an interview.

All internal candidates applying for a secondment, must have:

• Completed their getting started period
• Discussed their intention to apply and gained approval to apply with their line manager
• Been in their substantive (home) role for at least 6 months (this is only applicable if you have previously been on secondment)

If you do not confirm that you meet these requirements, we will not be able to progress your application.

For information about internal learning and development at Cancer Research UK please visit Fuse.

What will I gain?

We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals.

You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page.

Additional Information

For more information about working with us please visit our website or contact us.

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