Policy Analyst, International Relations and Defence Committee

Background

House of Lords policy analysts provide research support and analysis for House of Lords select committees, which investigate and report on a wide range of public policy issues.

The post-holder will be the policy analyst to the International Relations and Defence Committee, a permanent, cross-party select committee. The committee’s remit is to consider the United Kingdom’s international relations and defence policy. This includes scrutiny of the work of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the Ministry of Defence and the Department for International Trade.

The Committee is currently considering the UK’s defence strategy as outlined in the 2021 Integrated Review and Defence Command Paper. Recent committee work has included substantial reports on the UK and Afghanistan, the UK and China’s security and trade relationship and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The committee also produces shorter, topical reports such as on the conflict in Yemen and on international meetings such as the NATO summit, the UN General Assembly, the G20 and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

The Role

To undertake research, analysis and drafting in support of the work of the International Relations and Defence Committee

The Person

The successful candidate will have the following skills/experience:

• Substantial knowledge and experience of the UK’s international relations and/or defence policy (this should include specific knowledge of one or more of the following areas: foreign policy, defence policy, international development, or international trade).
• Excellent research and drafting skills, including the ability to assimilate and summarise large volumes of material, and to produce high-quality work to tight deadlines.
• Strong oral communication skills, including the ability to represent the committee to a wide range of people and organisations.

More information can be found in the job description.