At a Glance
- Tasks: Support advocacy and policy work for children's rights in the digital world.
- Company: 5Rights Foundation, dedicated to improving children's online experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, remote work, and valuable experience in policy development.
- Other info: Join a small, ambitious team with opportunities for growth and learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's rights and digital safety.
- Qualifications: Proactive attitude, strong communication skills, and interest in tech policy.
5Rights is seeking to recruit a Junior UK Affairs Officer on a six month fixed term contract, to support the Foundation's advocacy and policy work across the United Kingdom. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual interested in children's rights, politics and the tech industry. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to one of the most important policy challenges of our time - how we ensure the digital world is built with children in mind. They will gain practical experience across policy development, stakeholder engagement, legislative processes and campaigning, playing an active role in projects that are influencing how governments, regulators and industry protect and uphold children's rights online.
About 5Rights
5Rights Foundation exists to ensure a digital world that will serve children and young people today and for future generations.We are a small team of senior professionals and experts delivering change in how the digital world works. We have shifted the narrative and the agenda through provocative comms campaigns (e.g. Twisted Toys), pioneering research (e.g. Pathways) and award-winning tools (e.g. Child Online Safety Toolkit). We continue to drive real-life change thanks to an outstanding track-record of delivering legislation (e.g. Californian Age Appropriate Design Code), policy and regulatory frameworks (e.g. UNCRC General comment No.25), and industry standards (e.g. IEEE 2089).
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor and analyse developments in UK digital policy, online safety, privacy, AI governance, and children's rights.
- Conduct research on parliamentary activity, government consultations, regulatory initiatives, and emerging technology issues.
- Prepare policy briefings, stakeholder summaries, background notes, and advocacy materials.
- Support the drafting of consultation responses, position papers, speeches, and external communications.
- Assist with stakeholder mapping and engagement activities involving policymakers, regulators, civil society organisations, academics, and industry representatives.
- Help coordinate meetings, events, roundtables, and workshops.
- Track media coverage and public discourse related to children's digital rights and online safety.
- Maintain advocacy databases, contact lists, and project documentation.
- Contribute to campaign planning and outreach activities where appropriate.
- Provide administrative and project support to the advocacy and policy team.
Person specification
This is an ideal opportunity for someone at the start of their career who is looking for meaningful work with real-world impact. We are looking for someone with the following attributes:
Essential skills and attributes
- A proactive, enthusiastic problem-solver with a positive, can-do attitude.
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise competing tasks, meet deadlines and consistently follow through.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, accurate and engaging communications for different audiences.
- Sound judgement, professionalism and discretion when handling sensitive information.
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
- Curious, adaptable and eager to learn, with the resilience to thrive in a changeable environment where priorities can change.
- A collaborative team player who can build positive working relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders.
- Confident using Microsoft 365 (including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and comfortable learning new digital tools.
- A genuine commitment to the mission and values of 5Rights Foundation and an interest in improving children's experiences in the digital world.
Desirable skills and attributes
- A degree in a relevant discipline, such as public policy, politics, law, social sciences, international relations or communications.
- An interest in technology policy, children's rights, digital regulation or public affairs
- Strong research and analytical skills, including the ability to synthesise complex information into clear, concise briefings.
- An interest in current affairs and confidence monitoring and summarising policy developments.
- Experience (through study, work experience or volunteering) of research, communications, campaigning or stakeholder engagement.
- An enthusiasm for learning and developing within a small, ambitious and collaborative team.
- Location: Remote position in the UK. Ability to travel to London for regular meetings is an advantage. Occasional international travel required.
- Salary: Starting salary of £27,040 per annum pro-rata, with some flexibility for candidates with exceptional skills and experience.
- Contract: 6 months fixed term
- Working hours: Full time (38h week), with occasional accommodation necessary for weekend-engagements and work across time-zones.
- Statutory pension contribution.
- Annual leave: 25 days per annum pro-rata
- Work equipment including a laptop will be provided.
- Starting data: ASAP, depending on notice period.
- Reporting line: Head of UK Affairs, based in UK
Junior UK Affairs Officer employer: 5Rights
5Rights Foundation is an exceptional employer dedicated to advocating for children's rights in the digital world. With a collaborative work culture and a focus on meaningful impact, employees have the opportunity to engage in vital policy work while gaining valuable experience in advocacy and stakeholder engagement. The remote position allows for flexibility, and the chance to travel to London for meetings adds a dynamic element to the role, making it an ideal environment for those passionate about creating positive change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior UK Affairs Officer
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Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
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Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
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If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior UK Affairs Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at 5Rights
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from 5Rights.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show 5Rights that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
