At a Glance
- Tasks: Support policy influencing and stakeholder engagement to enhance the Academy's impact.
- Company: Join a leading Academy focused on medical science and health policy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, hybrid working, and 26 days annual leave.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in health policy while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in public affairs or policy, strong communication skills, and a proactive attitude.
The predicted salary is between 35560 - 35560 £ per year.
Salary: £35,560
Role duration: Permanent (37.5 hours per week)
Location: London, UK (Hybrid - 50% office attendance)
Summary Purpose - what you will be achieving:
The Policy Directorate brings together the Academy’s policy, analysis and external affairs functions to address major science and health policy issues in the UK and internationally. The Directorate works as a single, coordinated team, focusing resources on priority areas, applying strategic approaches, generating high-quality evidence and insights, and engaging effectively with government, stakeholders and partners to inform decision-making and influence policy. You will support the delivery of the Academy’s external affairs function by contributing to high-quality policy influencing, parliamentary engagement, and stakeholder relationships that strengthen the Academy’s reach, visibility and impact.
Working closely with the Head of External Affairs and colleagues across the Policy Directorate, you will help ensure that the Academy is positioned as an authoritative, evidence-led voice on medical science and health with decision makers, and that its policy work is effectively translated into political and policy impact.
About the Role
- Supporting delivery of external affairs strategy
- Contribute to the delivery of a coherent external affairs approach aligned to Academy priorities, supporting the integration of policy, communications and stakeholder engagement activity.
- Working with the Head of External Affairs, support the identification of opportunities to inform policy and political debate in line with the Academy’s strategic objectives.
- Assist in ensuring consistency of messaging and alignment across external-facing activity, working closely with colleagues in the Communications Directorate.
Political, parliamentary and stakeholder engagement
- Support the development and maintenance of relationships with: Parliamentarians (MPs, Peers and staff), Civil servants and government departments, Arm’s-length bodies and health system stakeholders.
- Manage day-to-day contact with stakeholders where appropriate, ensuring accurate records and follow-up.
- Support delivery of parliamentary engagement activity, including: Preparing briefings, select committee material and supporting evidence, Helping to organise stakeholder meetings, roundtables and events.
- Identify, under guidance, opportunities to enhance the Academy’s visibility with key decision-makers.
Policy influencing and public affairs delivery
- Support the development and delivery of targeted influencing plans linked to priority policy programmes.
- Contribute to consultation responses, policy positioning, and influencing activities.
- Work with policy and analysis colleagues to translate complex scientific and policy evidence into clear, accessible public affairs messages and supporting materials.
- Contribute to discrete work packages (e.g. stakeholder mapping, briefing development, or engagement plans) to support influencing objectives.
Political monitoring and intelligence
- Monitor UK political and policy developments across Westminster, Whitehall and the wider health and research landscape.
- Provide timely summaries and briefings to colleagues on relevant developments, highlighting potential implications, risks and opportunities.
- Maintain systems for tracking stakeholder engagement, political intelligence and external activity.
Communications and briefing
- Draft high-quality public affairs materials, including: Parliamentary briefings, Lines to take and background notes, Stakeholder correspondence, Summaries of political developments.
- Support senior leadership and Fellows by preparing materials to enable effective engagement with policymakers and stakeholders.
Events and convening
- Support the planning and delivery of external engagement activities, including: Parliamentary events, Roundtables and policy discussions, Cross-sector convenings (including FORUM where appropriate).
- Contribute to ensuring events are well-targeted and aligned with policy influencing objectives.
Cross-Academy working
- Work collaboratively across the Policy Directorate and with Communications, Engagement and Fellowship teams to support a joined-up approach to external engagement and stakeholder management.
- Contribute to a “One Academy” approach, supporting shared priorities and coordinated external activity.
Closing date for completed applications is Monday 22 June 2026 at 9:00am. Interviews will likely be held w/c 6 July 2026. If you have any queries about this vacancy, please contact Emma Greenwood at Emma.Greenwood@acmedsci.ac.uk.
Requirements
- Experience in public affairs, policy or a related role, ideally within: Health, life sciences, research or the charity sector.
- Developing understanding of: UK political and parliamentary processes, Health and research policy landscape.
- Experience supporting stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
- Ability to work with colleagues to translate complex evidence into clear, accessible policy messages.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including drafting briefings and summaries.
- Good organisational, problem-solving and prioritisation skills.
- Proactive and collaborative, with the ability to manage own workload and contribute to team delivery.
Benefits
- We provide our staff with a comprehensive benefits package outlined as follows:
- Competitive rewards.
- Generous pension scheme with flexible contributions – we contribute between 8% - 13% of your gross salary (with employee contributions of 3% - 8%).
- Life assurance at three times your salary.
- Work-life Balance: Hybrid and agile working. 50% office attendance. 26 days annual leave, plus Christmas closure days and bank holidays. Buying and selling leave. Family-friendly policies including enhanced maternity and paternity leave (subject to a qualifying period).
- Wellbeing and Development: Complimentary subscriptions to Headspace and Classpass to support your physical and mental wellbeing. Support through tailored learning and development.
- Additional Benefits: A range of enhanced benefits become available once you’ve completed your probation period.
Public Affairs Officer in London employer: Academy of Medical Sciences
As a Public Affairs Officer at our London-based Academy, you will join a dynamic team dedicated to influencing health and science policy on a national and international scale. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values employee growth through tailored learning opportunities, while also offering a generous benefits package including a competitive pension scheme, flexible working arrangements, and a strong commitment to work-life balance. With our hybrid model and focus on wellbeing, you will find a supportive environment that empowers you to make a meaningful impact in the field of public affairs.
Contact Details:
Academy of Medical Sciences Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Affairs Officer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the public affairs and health sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks for a chat. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Academy’s recent policy work and current issues in health and science. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about making an impact in the field. Tailor your responses to highlight how your skills align with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview or networking event, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows you’re genuinely interested in the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to be part of the Academy’s mission. So, what are you waiting for? Get that application in!
We think you need these skills to ace Public Affairs Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Public Affairs Officer role. Highlight your experience in public affairs, policy, or related fields, especially within health or research sectors. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong written communication is key for this role, include examples of your drafting experience. Whether it’s briefings, summaries, or stakeholder correspondence, let us know how you’ve effectively communicated complex information in the past.
Demonstrate Your Understanding of the Landscape:We’re looking for someone who understands the UK political and parliamentary processes. In your application, mention any relevant experiences or insights you have about health and research policy. This will show us you’re ready to hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Academy of Medical Sciences
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in health and research policy. Familiarise yourself with the Academy’s priorities and how they align with current political debates. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of the role and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Public Affairs Officer, strong written and verbal communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex information in the past. Bring along any relevant materials you've drafted, like briefings or summaries, to showcase your ability to translate intricate topics into accessible messages.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about your experience with stakeholder engagement. Be ready to discuss how you've built and maintained relationships in previous roles. Highlight specific instances where your efforts led to successful outcomes, as this will illustrate your capability to manage important connections for the Academy.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. Prepare for scenarios related to parliamentary engagement or policy influencing. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
