Practice Lead Governance and Politics - Centre of Expertise

Job Description

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 1st January 2026 to 31st March 2027, with possible extension
Hours: Full time

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%.

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

Democratic Governance -  FCDO Centre of Expertise: Democratic governance is facing an historic challenge as autocratic trends undermine the hard-won gains of the 20th century and first decades of the 21st century. Reversing this downward trend in global democracy requires new approaches and more ambitious efforts across Government and around the world. In response to this the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in partnership with WFD has established a Centre of Expertise to serve as an authoritative source of expertise, insightful informational resources, analysis, evidence, and advice on “what works” to respond to these challenges and support democratic governance around the world.​

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, Centre of Expertise, this role is a core member of WFD’s Centre 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 Centre 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.

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.

Application Submission: Visit our website Careers | Westminster Foundation for Democracy. 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. This is a UK based role; candidates must already have eligibility to work in the UK.

This vacancy will close on 2nd January 2026

About the Organization

Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) is the UK public body dedicated to supporting democracy around
the world. WFD’s established purpose is to assist, support and encourage the peaceable establishment and development of pluralistic democratic practice and political institutions. We offer:

· High quality and impactful programmes that directly support institutions in political systems to develop inclusive political processes, more accountable political systems, protection of rights and freedoms, and more pluralistic societies;

· Specialist analysis, research, and advice to inform policy makers on a range of democratic governance issues; and

· International elections observation on behalf of the UK.

Every member of WFD’s staff contributes either directly or indirectly to the services we provide.
Regardless of the role, team or location, we are all working toward the same goal.