Head of Policy at Transparency International Defence & Security: Permanent Hybrid Job in London Paying Approximately £65,000

Transparency International Defence & Security (TI-DS) is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Policy to provide leadership on policy development, advocacy, stakeholder engagement and institutional reform within the global defence and security sector.

The position offers an opportunity for a senior policy professional with substantial experience in the defence and security space to influence policy at regional and global levels while contributing to efforts to create more transparent, accountable and corruption-free defence institutions.

The role is being recruited through Prospectus Recruitment Agency and is offered on a permanent contract, with a hybrid working arrangement combining work in London and remotely. The successful candidate should also be prepared for UK and international travel.

Opportunity Overview

About Transparency International Defence & Security

Transparency International Defence & Security, commonly known as TI-DS, works to promote greater transparency, accountability and integrity within the defence and security sector.

The organisation is part of Transparency International, a global anti-corruption movement working to address corruption and strengthen accountability across societies and institutions.

TI-DS operates as a global centre of excellence focused specifically on the defence and security sector. Its work seeks to ensure that defence and security institutions operate in ways that serve citizens, states and the wider international community.

The organisation works to identify vulnerabilities, develop evidence-based policy approaches and support reforms that can strengthen governance and reduce opportunities for corruption and abuse.

TI-DS is hosted by the Transparency International chapter in the United Kingdom.

About the Head of Policy Position

The Head of Policy will occupy a senior leadership position within TI-DS and will be responsible for providing strategic direction to the organisation’s policy work.

The central purpose of the position is to help translate research, evidence and policy analysis into systemic change across defence and security institutions.

Rather than simply producing policy documents, the successful candidate will be expected to help ensure that TI-DS’s evidence informs decision-makers and contributes to meaningful institutional reforms.

The role therefore combines several areas of professional responsibility, including:

• Strategic policy leadership
• Policy development
• Advocacy
• Stakeholder engagement
• International relations
• Defence and security governance
• Institutional reform
• Evidence-based policy
• Team management
• Regional and global engagement
• Influencing decision-makers

The successful candidate will become part of the TI-DS leadership team, contributing to the development and advancement of the organisation’s policy positions and broader strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Provide Strategic Policy Leadership

One of the most important responsibilities of the Head of Policy will be providing strategic direction for TI-DS’s policy work.

The successful candidate will need to understand complex developments within defence and security and determine how evidence and research can be translated into practical policy recommendations.

This means identifying opportunities where TI-DS can influence discussions, reforms and decision-making processes at national, regional and international levels.

The postholder will contribute to ensuring that TI-DS’s policy positions are strategically aligned with its wider mission and available resources.

2. Translate Evidence Into Policy Impact

The position focuses heavily on connecting evidence with systemic change.

The successful applicant will be expected to help transform research and evidence into policy positions that can influence governments, institutions and other relevant stakeholders.

This requires the ability to:

• Analyse complex policy issues.
• Understand defence and security institutions.
• Develop evidence-informed policy positions.
• Identify opportunities for policy influence.
• Communicate policy recommendations effectively.
• Engage decision-makers.
• Support reform processes.
• Connect research findings with practical policy action.

Candidates should therefore be comfortable working at the intersection of research, policy and advocacy.

3. Lead Stakeholder Engagement

Stakeholder engagement will be a significant component of the role.

The Head of Policy will engage stakeholders at both regional and global levels, while also supporting nationally led efforts to influence decision-makers.

This requires strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.

Candidates should be capable of developing relationships with stakeholders across the defence and security sector and using professional networks to advance policy objectives.

Strong stakeholder engagement skills will be particularly important because the role requires the postholder to influence people and institutions operating in complex policy environments.

4. Influence Decision-Makers

The successful candidate will support efforts to encourage decision-makers to adopt reforms based on evidence-informed policy positions.

This requires more than technical policy knowledge. Candidates will need to demonstrate the ability to understand different stakeholder perspectives, build credibility and communicate compelling policy arguments.

The role is therefore particularly suited to professionals who have previously contributed to or successfully influenced policy development or policy reform.

5. Develop and Advance Policy Positions

As a member of the TI-DS leadership team, the Head of Policy will participate in formulating and advancing organisational policy positions.

This includes ensuring that policy work remains:

• Evidence informed
• Strategically relevant
• Consistent with TI-DS’s mission
• Capable of influencing decision-makers
• Achievable within available budgets and resources

The postholder will need to balance ambitious policy objectives with organisational capacity and resource considerations.

6. Support Nationally Led Reform Efforts

Although TI-DS operates globally, the position will also support nationally led efforts to influence decision-makers and promote reforms.

This means the successful candidate should be comfortable working across different geographical and institutional contexts.

An understanding of how defence and security institutions operate in different countries will be valuable, as will experience working with diverse stakeholders.

7. Manage a Small Policy and Advocacy Team

The Head of Policy will also have management responsibilities.

The role involves managing a small team of advocacy and policy staff, meaning candidates should have some experience leading or managing teams.

The successful candidate will therefore need to demonstrate not only technical policy expertise but also the ability to:

• Provide direction to colleagues.
• Build effective working relationships.
• Support staff development.
• Coordinate policy and advocacy activities.
• Manage priorities.
• Encourage collaboration.
• Contribute to a positive organisational culture.

While extensive management experience may not be the central requirement, some demonstrated experience of team management is expected.

Who Is the Ideal Candidate?

TI-DS is looking for an experienced professional with a substantial background in the defence and security sector.

The organisation specifically indicates that the successful candidate will bring significant experience from within the defence and security space.

This is therefore a particularly relevant opportunity for professionals whose careers have involved defence policy, security policy, governance, international security, defence institutions, security-sector reform or related areas.

Key Professional Experience

Strong candidates are expected to demonstrate:

• Significant experience working in the defence and security space.
• Experience developing or advancing policy.
• A strong record of stakeholder engagement.
• Established professional networks within the relevant sector.
• Experience influencing policy or decision-making.
• Some experience managing teams.
• The ability to work strategically.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Commitment to TI-DS’s mission.

Anti-Corruption Experience Is Not Essential

An important feature of this vacancy is that previous experience specifically in anti-corruption is not essential.

This makes the position potentially suitable for experienced defence and security professionals who may not have worked directly in the anti-corruption sector.

According to the vacancy information, knowledge of anti-corruption can be developed over time.

However, candidates should demonstrate empathy with and commitment to the mission of TI-DS and be willing to develop their understanding of anti-corruption issues as part of the role.

This distinction is important: applicants should not automatically exclude themselves simply because their professional background is primarily in defence or security rather than anti-corruption.

Stakeholder Engagement Skills

Strong stakeholder engagement is one of the central requirements of this position.

The successful candidate will be expected to leverage professional networks and relationships within the defence and security sector.

Candidates should therefore be able to demonstrate examples of working with senior stakeholders, institutions, policymakers, government representatives, civil society organisations, international organisations or other relevant actors.

Evidence of successfully building relationships and using those relationships to advance policy objectives can strengthen an application.

Policy Influence and Advocacy Experience

The vacancy places considerable emphasis on candidates having a demonstrable record of advancing policies.

Applicants should consider highlighting concrete examples where they have contributed to:

• Policy development.
• Policy reform.
• Advocacy campaigns.
• Government engagement.
• Institutional change.
• Strategic recommendations.
• Defence or security policy.
• International policy processes.
• Stakeholder consultations.
• Evidence-based decision-making.

Where possible, applicants should show the result or impact of their policy work rather than simply listing responsibilities.

For example, demonstrating that a policy recommendation contributed to a change in institutional practice can be more compelling than simply stating that the applicant participated in policy development.

Leadership and Team Management

The Head of Policy is a leadership-level position and includes responsibility for managing a small team.

Candidates should therefore be prepared to demonstrate previous experience working with or managing colleagues.

Relevant experience could include:

• Managing policy teams.
• Supervising advocacy staff.
• Coordinating multidisciplinary teams.
• Leading research or policy projects.
• Mentoring junior colleagues.
• Delegating responsibilities.
• Managing competing priorities.
• Delivering projects within available resources.

The role does not necessarily require an extensive history of senior management, but applicants should be able to demonstrate credible leadership experience.

Hybrid Working Arrangement

The position operates under a hybrid working model, combining work in London with remote working.

This provides flexibility compared with a fully office-based position, but applicants should note that this is not advertised as a completely location-independent global remote job.

The position is based around London and remote working, and the successful candidate will also be required to undertake UK and international travel.

Applicants outside the United Kingdom should therefore carefully consider the location requirements, travel expectations and any applicable right-to-work requirements before applying.

Salary and Employment Terms

The advertised salary is circa £65,000 per annum.

The position is offered on a permanent contract, making it a long-term employment opportunity rather than a temporary assignment, internship or short-term fellowship.

The combination of a permanent contract, senior-level responsibilities and hybrid working makes the vacancy potentially attractive to experienced professionals seeking a leadership position within the international defence, security and governance sector.

Application Process

Prospectus has stated that applicants should submit their CV only in the first instance.

Candidates may subsequently be asked to provide:

• A supporting statement.
• Additional information.
• Further documentation as part of the recruitment process.

Applicants should therefore ensure that their CV clearly communicates their suitability for the position before submitting it.

What to Highlight in Your CV

Given the requirements of the position, applicants should consider clearly highlighting:

1. Defence and security experience
   Explain the nature and level of your work within the sector.
2. Policy experience
   Identify policies you have developed, influenced, implemented or advocated for.
3. Stakeholder engagement
   Demonstrate your experience working with important stakeholders and decision-makers.
4. Policy influence
   Include measurable examples of how your work contributed to policy or institutional change.
5. Leadership experience
   Highlight teams, projects or programmes you have managed.
6. International experience
   If applicable, demonstrate experience working across countries, regions or international institutions.
7. Strategic thinking
   Show how you have contributed to organisational strategy or long-term policy objectives.
8. Mission alignment
   Demonstrate your interest in transparency, accountability, integrity and improved governance within defence and security.

Application Deadline

The application deadline is 25 August 2026.

Applicants should submit their CV before the closing date and should avoid waiting until the final day to apply.

Because the recruitment agency may begin reviewing applications before the deadline, candidates should consider submitting a strong application as early as possible.

Who Can Apply?

Professional Category

This opportunity is primarily intended for experienced professionals in the defence and security sector, particularly individuals with substantial experience in policy, advocacy, stakeholder engagement or institutional reform.

It is not primarily an entry-level opportunity and is unlikely to be suitable for recent graduates without significant relevant professional experience.

Geographic Eligibility

The vacancy is advertised as a hybrid London and remote position, with UK and international travel required.

The provided vacancy information does not specify a nationality restriction, race or ethnicity requirement, or a list of eligible countries/continents.

Prospectus states that it welcomes applications from all sections of the community and is committed to building inclusive and diverse organisations.

However, because the position has a London-based hybrid arrangement and involves international travel, applicants outside the United Kingdom should verify the applicable employment, location and right-to-work requirements during the recruitment process.

Racial and Ethnic Eligibility

There is no race or ethnicity restriction stated in the vacancy information.

The recruitment agency explicitly indicates that applications are welcomed from all sections of the community.

Qualifications and Experience

The most important eligibility factor is professional experience rather than a particular nationality or racial background.

The strongest candidates are expected to have:

• Significant experience in defence and security.
• Demonstrable policy experience.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills.
• Relevant professional networks.
• A record of advancing policies.
• Some team management experience.
• A commitment to the TI-DS mission.

Previous anti-corruption experience is not mandatory, as the vacancy indicates that this knowledge can be developed.

Why This Opportunity Is Significant

The Head of Policy role provides an opportunity to work on issues that affect the governance and accountability of defence and security institutions around the world.

Defence and security institutions control substantial public resources and operate in areas that can have significant consequences for citizens and states. Strengthening transparency and accountability within these institutions can therefore contribute to better governance and more effective use of public resources.

For an experienced policy professional, the role offers the opportunity to combine policy leadership, advocacy, stakeholder engagement and international work in a mission-driven organisation.

How to Prepare a Strong Application

Before submitting your CV, review your professional experience against the requirements of the vacancy.

A strong application should make it easy for the recruiter to identify evidence of your suitability.

Recommended CV Structure

Consider organising your CV around:

Professional Profile:
Provide a concise summary demonstrating your senior-level experience in defence, security, policy or a closely related field.

Core Competencies:
Include relevant areas such as policy development, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, strategic leadership, defence and security, governance and team management.

Professional Experience:
Focus on achievements rather than simply listing duties.

Policy and Advocacy Achievements:
Where appropriate, identify specific policies, reforms or initiatives you helped advance.

Leadership Experience:
Clearly demonstrate experience managing teams, projects or strategic initiatives.

International Experience:
Include international, regional or cross-border work where relevant.

Use Evidence and Results

Instead of simply writing:

Responsible for stakeholder engagement.

A stronger CV could explain the nature and outcome of the engagement, such as:

Developed and maintained relationships with senior institutional stakeholders, supporting evidence-based policy recommendations and contributing to the adoption of governance reforms.

The objective is to demonstrate impact, influence and leadership.

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About Prospectus

Prospectus is the recruitment agency managing the recruitment process for this vacancy.

The agency states that it is committed to supporting candidates throughout their recruitment journey and to helping organisations build inclusive and diverse teams.

Applicants should follow the recruitment instructions provided for Job #195498 when submitting their application.

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Conclusion

The Head of Policy at Transparency International Defence & Security is a senior-level opportunity for an experienced defence and security professional who wants to use policy, advocacy and stakeholder engagement to contribute to greater transparency and accountability in the global defence sector.

The successful candidate will play an important role in translating evidence into policy impact, influencing decision-makers, strengthening stakeholder relationships and supporting nationally led reform efforts. The position also provides an opportunity to join the TI-DS leadership team and manage a small policy and advocacy team.

With a circa £65,000 annual salary, permanent employment, a hybrid London and remote working arrangement, and opportunities for UK and international travel, the position could be particularly relevant to established professionals seeking to take their defence and security policy career into a strategic leadership role.

Deadline: 25 August 2026.

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