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Practice Lead Governance and Politics

Westminster Foundation for Democracy

Department
Westminster Foundation for Democracy
Location
Remote working (anywhere in the UK)
Openings
1 post
Grade
Grade 7
Salary
£60,000
Closing
Closed
Profession
Policy, Analysis and Statistics, Project & Programme Delivery, Administration, Other
Contract
Fixed term
Security clearance
BPSS
Working pattern
Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Compressed hours
Apply on Civil Service Jobs

Job summary

WFD is looking to for a Practice Lead with significant strategic experience in Governance and Politics to support our Community of Expertise.

What they’re looking for

  • About You
  • ​It is essential your application clearly shows,
  • ​Technical expertise, deep understanding and working knowledge of the following
  • Governance evidence, policy, and practice in a range of settings. Established knowledge of core governance concepts and methodologies including Political Economy Analysis (PEA), with informed understanding of political dynamics, interactions, and changes with institutions at global, national, and sub-national/regional settings. Application of both political and institutional analysis to inform policy direction, deliver plans, advice, and programming decisions.
  • Political systems, including elite bargains, how to foster more inclusive politics (elections, parliaments, political parties, civil society, and media) while managing the risks.
  • Influencing and providing advice, set policy direction, and programme leadership on political governance, and the strengthening of inclusion and accountability, working with HMG and partners.
  • Public sector governance at national and local levels. Understanding of evidence on how change happens and its application for partner institutions and sectors. Providing analytical, advisory and programme support to public sector reform processes that deliver improved services for all.
  • Consistent success in the following areas
  • Delivering high quality consultative support to international actors in the sector.
  • Designing and delivering democracy assistance programmes, including those addressing issues relevant to his/her technical area.
  • Applying political economy analysis, thinking and working politically and other development methodologies.
  • Occasional overseas travel to support programme implementation and/or oversee activities is required for the position.
  • Application Submission: If you want to make a positive difference, and work with people who care about this mission, then we would like to hear from you. Applications are via CV and Cover Letter. To Apply visit our website Careers , Westminster Foundation for Democracy
  • This vacancy will close on 18th October 2026

Job description

About the Politics, Governance, and Rights Community of Expertise

​

Democratic governance is facing an historic challenge as autocratic trends undermine the hard-won global gains of the 20th century. To ensure that FCDO posts are resourced with substantive and insightful information, analysis, and advice on “what works” to respond to these challenges and support democratic governance in their contexts, the FCDO launched the Politics, Governance, and Rights Community of Expertise in partnership with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy. The Politics, Governance, and Rights Community of Expertise helps the FCDO network deliver more impactfully by serving as an authoritative source of expertise and insight, drawing on WFD’s accumulated knowledge and evidence and on input from our networks of partners and collaborators

​Practice Lead Governance and Politics

​The Practice Lead Governance and Politics role offers a chance to learn, develop excellent practice and consolidate a reputation within the sector.

Reporting to the Head, Community of Expertise, this role is a core member of WFD's Community of Expertise’s Expertise and Thought Leadership Unit. This senior position will be expected to operate independently, with the freedom to develop relationships with partners and colleagues within a framework of intellectual and pastoral support.

Noted areas of responsibility are for:

Strategically leading in your technical area across the organisation: Support the design and delivery of programming offering intellectual and managerial leadership within the Community of Expertise, wider organisation and externally.

Delivering high level technical advice, support and resources for the FCDO: Applying both political and institutional analysis and providing technical governance analysis and corresponding political advice drawing on global lessons.

Actively contributing to the intellectual output of WFD, showcasing WFD as a source of policy knowledge and programmatic expertise, writing or commissioning selected publications (blogs, articles, reports, manuals). Attending events and building relationships and networks developing WFD’s thinking and practice base.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Selection process

Location: UK-based with the option for Remote Working. This role will require occasional travel to HQ in London to fulfil operational requirements.

Contract: Fixed-term contract 1 December 2026 to 31 March 2028, with possibility of extension. Hours: Full time.

Salary: Starting at £60,000 role to be recruited at D6 or D7 depending on experience.

Occasional overseas travel to support programme implementation and/or oversee activities is required for the position.

Benefits: 4 wellbeing days per calendar year [pro-rata for part-time staff], plus annual leave and public holidays entitlement. Eligible for the Civil Service pension scheme option - employer contribution up to 28.97%.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

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