Objective

You will create a concise and well-structured policy brief on an international development issue of your choice. This will help you develop key skills in research, writing, summarization, and policy analysis—all essential for careers in public affairs, policy, and
advocacy.

Step 1: Choose a Topic

Select a relevant international development issue. Some examples include:

• Global poverty reduction strategies
• The impact of food insecurity
• Gender equality in education
• Foreign aid spending trends
• The role of microfinance in economic development

Tip: Your topic should be current, relevant, and policy-focused. Aim to cover an issue where there is a debate or a need for action.

Step 2: Research and Gather Data

Use reliable sources to gather information on the issue.

Recommended sources:

• Government websites (gov.uk, parliament.uk, canada.ca)
• International organisations (World Bank, UN, WHO, OECD)
• Think tanks and NGOs (USGLC, Oxfam, Chatham House, Results)
• News sources (BBC, The Guardian, The Economist – policy-focused)

Tip: Keep track of key statistics, reports, and expert opinions. Your brief should be evidence-based.

Step 3: Structure Your Policy Brief

Your policy brief should be 1-2 pages long and follow this clear structure:

Title

A clear, engaging title that reflects the policy issue.

Example: Expanding UK Aid: A Path to Sustainable Global Development

Executive Summary (100-150 words)

Briefly summarize the issue, its significance, and key recommendations. This is the most important section—policymakers may only read this part!

Example: The UK’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget has been cut from 0.7% to 0.3% of GNI, reducing funding for critical global initiatives. This brief explores the impact of these cuts and recommends restoring aid levels to support global stability, economic growth, and national security.

Background and Context (200-300 words)

Explain why this issue matters. Use data, key statistics, and historical context. Describe who is affected and why action is needed now.

Example: In 2021, the UK government reduced its foreign aid budget from 0.7% to 0.5% of GNI, resulting in a £4 billion funding cut. This has affected humanitarian aid, global health initiatives, and education programs. The cut comes despite strong evidence that foreign aid contributes to national security and economic growth. In 2025 the budget was then cut further to 0.3% of GNI.

Policy Analysis (300-400 words)

What policies are currently in place?
What are the gaps, problems, or areas for improvement?
Compare two or more policy options (e.g., increasing aid, reforming how aid is delivered, prioritizing certain regions).

Example:

 

Recommendations (150-200 words)

What should be done next? Provide clear, action-oriented recommendations for policymakers.
Example:

• Restore the UK’s aid budget to 0.7% of GNI
• Prioritise investments in education, health, and climate resilience
• Increase transparency and impact measurement for aid projects

Conclusion (100 words)

Summarise the issue and the importance of action and reinforce why the recommended policy is the best option.

Example: The UK has historically been a leader in international development. Restoring the 0.7% GNI aid commitment will strengthen global partnerships, drive economic growth, and protect national security. Policymakers should act now to uphold the UK’s global commitments.

References

List all sources in Harvard, Chicago Manual of Style or APA format.

Example:
OECD (2023). The Role of Foreign Aid in Economic Growth. Available at: [link]

Format and Presentation

• Use bullet points and short paragraphs to improve readability.
• Avoid jargon – keep it simple for a general audience.
• Use bold, italics, and headings to structure your brief.
• Include graphs, infographics, or tables if they add value.

Step 4: Submit and Review

Deadline: Week 12 of the program, submit your policy brief to your manager. You will receive feedback and a chance to improve your draft.