Graduate Policy Officer 2026

Are you a curious, motivated graduate who wants to turn evidence and insight into policy that makes a real difference?

We’re looking for a Graduate Policy Officer to join our Insights and Intelligence team within the Employment, Skills, Health and Communities (ESHC) Directorate at WMCA.

This is an exciting opportunity to build your career in public policy while contributing to work that informs strategy, shapes decision-making and supports major regional priorities such as employment, skills development and inclusive growth. You’ll help turn evidence into clear, practical policy insight that supports better outcomes for people and places across the West Midlands.

As part of the WMCA Graduate Development Programme, you’ll join a structured early careers pathway designed to develop the next generation of public sector leaders. You’ll benefit from mentoring, training, peer networking and hands-on experience that will support your development throughout the programme.

Please note that this Graduate Programme will be for a two year FTC.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll work closely with colleagues across the directorate to support the development of policy, research and insight that informs strategic decision-making.

You will:

• Support research and analysis to inform employment and skills policy and programme development.
• Help produce high-quality policy briefings, reports, governance papers and presentations.
• Contribute to horizon scanning and research that supports long-term planning and innovation.
• Support cross-directorate insight work, including regular briefing outputs aligned to key strategies such as the Employment and Skills Strategy, West Midlands Works and the WM Growth Plan.
• Track progress against strategic objectives and support policy monitoring activity.
• Assist with policy projects, contributing ideas, analysis and structured outputs.
• Engage with stakeholders to gather insight and support evidence-based decision-making.
• Develop your understanding of how policy is shaped, delivered and evaluated in a combined authority setting.
• Gain experience using data, evidence and research to support recommendations and strategic thinking.

About you

We’re looking for someone who is interested in how policy is developed, and who is motivated by using evidence to improve outcomes.

You will bring:

• A minimum 2:2 degree (or equivalent Level 6 qualification) in any subject, gained within the last 5 years.
• Experience working in a team environment (e.g. university, volunteering, internships or part-time work).
• Experience supporting projects, events or structured pieces of work.
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear and structured documents.
• The ability to interpret information, identify key points and present ideas clearly.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving, learning and development.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook).
• An understanding of, or interest in, the role of combined authorities in shaping regional growth and public services.
• The ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment.
• A commitment to completing the WMCA Graduate Development Programme.

Location

This role is based at our offices – 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD. We currently operate a hybrid working model, which means splitting your days across the office and home, subject to work demands and agreement with your line manager.

Selection process

Successful shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an assessment centre in August 2026. The assessment centre will provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate your skills, strengths and potential through a range of exercises designed to reflect the role and the WMCA Graduate Development Programme.

Further details will be shared with shortlisted candidates following the closing date.

Why join WMCA?

WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.

We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it’s needed most. What you do really matters; your expertise will help make a big difference to improving people’s lives.

Our values and behaviours

Fostering an environment where people feel valued, included, supported, and proud to contribute to our region is important to us at the WMCA. Our behaviours are more than statements; they guide how we work, make decisions, and treat one another - they set the standards we hold ourselves to and the experience we want others to have.

• Collaborative - We work as one organisation, building trust, connection and shared purpose across teams, partners and customers to create the biggest impact for our region.
• Driven - Focussed on impact - leading with clarity, care and courage to deliver meaningful results for the West Midlands.
• Inclusive - Every voice matters - we create belonging, fairness and psychological safety so everyone can thrive.
• Innovative - We think future and act smarter - embracing curiosity, creativity and continuous improvement to shape the future.

Salary and benefits

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme where you can build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days.
• EV car benefit scheme
• Healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership, will writing, and mortgage advice.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest-free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more. You can now also obtain a Costco membership through the WMCA.
• Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top-rated UK attractions and loads of extra benefits and discounts.
• Eye Care Scheme, offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses.