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 environment with excellent opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in health policy while developing your career in public affairs.
- Qualifications: Experience in public affairs or related fields, 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)
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
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% and 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 employer: Academy of Medical Sciences
The Academy of Medical Sciences in London is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation. With a strong focus on employee growth, the organisation provides ample opportunities for professional development and impactful partnerships across the healthcare sector. The competitive salary and hybrid working options further enhance the appeal of this role, making it a rewarding environment for those looking to make a meaningful contribution to medical science.
Contact Details:
Academy of Medical Sciences Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Affairs Officer
✨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 professionals for a chat. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or stakeholders, be ready to discuss your knowledge of UK political processes and health policy. Bring along some examples of how you've influenced policy or engaged with stakeholders in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current affairs! Keep an eye on political developments and health sector news. This will not only help you in interviews but also show that you're genuinely interested in the field. Plus, it gives you great talking points when networking!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your experience in public affairs and stakeholder engagement. Let’s get you that dream job together!
We think you need these skills to ace Public Affairs Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Public Affairs Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:Since strong written communication is key for this role, include examples of your writing in your application. Whether it's briefings or policy summaries, let us see your ability to convey complex information clearly.
Be Clear and Concise:When drafting your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your main points stand out. This will help us see your thought process easily.
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!
How to prepare for a job interview at Academy of Medical Sciences
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the UK political and parliamentary processes, especially as they relate to health and research policy. Brush up on recent developments in these areas so you can speak confidently about them during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves drafting briefings and engaging with stakeholders, be prepared to demonstrate your written and verbal communication skills. Bring examples of past work where you've translated complex information into clear, accessible messages.
✨Engagement is Key
Highlight any experience you have in stakeholder engagement and relationship management. Be ready to discuss how you've built and maintained relationships with key decision-makers in previous roles, as this will be crucial for the position.
✨Be Proactive and Collaborative
The Academy values a proactive approach and teamwork. Share examples of how you've worked collaboratively in the past, and how you’ve taken initiative to drive projects forward. This will show that you're a good fit for their 'One Academy' approach.
