Policy analyst

Policy analysts research issues and develop recommendations that inform government decisions. The work involves gathering and analysing evidence, modelling the likely impact of options, consulting stakeholders, and writing briefings and reports that translate complex analysis into clear advice for decision-makers.

They work in government departments, think tanks, and research bodies. The role suits analytical, articulate people who can weigh evidence and political reality together, distil complex problems into actionable options, and stay impartial while working close to the politics of how decisions actually get made.