Government Affairs Adviser

Government Affairs Adviser

Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Engage with political figures and manage relationships to support bp's strategic goals.
  • Company: Join bp, a leader in energy innovation and sustainability.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working, and comprehensive wellbeing support.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for growth in a global organisation.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on energy policy while developing your career.
  • Qualifications: Experience in policy communication and strong understanding of Scottish politics required.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

bp's UK Government Affairs team sits within the UK & Europe Region and plays a meaningful role in supporting the company's strategic priorities across a diverse portfolio of businesses, including North Sea oil and gas, retail fuels, bp pulse (EV charging), offshore wind, and Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS). We are seeking a Government Affairs Advisor to join our team in Aberdeen. This is an outstanding opportunity to help build bp's engagement with key customers across Scotland, supporting the company's business objectives and long-term investments while contributing to the wider UK Government Affairs and North Sea Communications & External Affairs teams.

The successful candidate will build and manage relationships with political collaborators, policymakers, opinion formers, and industry bodies, helping bp navigate the evolving political and regulatory landscape in Scotland and the wider UK.

Key Responsibilities
  • Customer Engagement & Relationship Management
    • Develop and implement proactive partner engagement strategies with:
      • Scottish Government officials
      • Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs)
      • Scottish MPs and advisers
      • Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
      • Trade associations
      • Policy think tanks and other opinion formers
    • Act as a key interface between external interested parties and bp's various business units.
    • Build and maintain positive relationships with political figures and influencers across the political spectrum.
  • Political Insight & Advocacy
    • Supervise Scottish political developments and provide insight into emerging policy and regulatory issues.
    • Advise internal collaborators on potential legislative, policy, and regulatory changes affecting bp's operations.
    • Coordinate bp's responses to relevant government consultations and policy initiatives.
    • Support the political engagement required to enable both day-to-day operations and long-term investment plans.
  • Communications & Reputation Management
    • Prepare high-quality briefing materials, correspondence, speeches, and customer communications.
    • Support the development and delivery of reputation and relationship management plans for key projects.
    • Contribute to wider communications and external affairs activities supporting bp's North Sea and UK portfolios.
  • Collaboration & Representation
    • Work closely with the UK Government Affairs team based in London to ensure alignment of strategy and messaging.
    • Represent bp at industry, political, and customer events, including occasional commitments outside normal working hours.
    • Support international delegations visiting Scotland and Scottish delegations engaging with bp's wider business.
    • Provide support to the North Sea Communications and Leadership teams as required.
About You

We're looking for an experienced and politically aware professional who can build credibility with a broad range of customers and communicate complex issues with confidence and clarity.

Crucial Experience & Skills
  • Proven experience explaining policy and regulatory issues to external audiences.
  • Strong understanding of Scottish politics and the workings of the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament.
  • Knowledge of the oil and gas sector, particularly the North Sea energy industry.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including briefing and speech writing.
  • Strong partner management and relationship-building skills.
  • Ability to influence across all levels of an organisation and with senior political and public sector customers.
  • Comfortable working in sophisticated and evolving environments, with the ability to navigate ambiguity.
  • Good judgement, integrity, and the confidence to speak up and do the right thing.
Education

Strong academic background with the ability to quickly understand, analyse, and communicate sophisticated topics both verbally and in writing.

Why Join bp?

At bp, we support our people to learn, grow, and thrive in a challenging, collaborative, and passionate environment. You'll have the opportunity to contribute to our ambition of reimagining energy for people and our planet while developing a rewarding and impactful career.

  • Competitive salary and benefits package
  • Flexible and hybrid ways of working
  • Comprehensive wellbeing support
  • Learning and development opportunities
  • Career growth within a global organisation
  • A collaborative and inclusive culture where diverse perspectives are valued
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At bp, diversity, equity and inclusion are fundamental to our values and the way we work. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to perform at their best. bp is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, religion, colour, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process and during employment to ensure everyone has equal access to opportunities and can fully participate in all aspects of working at bp.

Travel Requirement: Up to 25% travel should be expected with this role.
Relocation Assistance: This role is not eligible for relocation.
Remote Type: This position is a hybrid of office/remote working.

Government Affairs Adviser employer: BP PLC

At Castrol, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Digital Portfolio Lead, you'll have the opportunity to drive impactful digital transformation initiatives while enjoying a flexible hybrid working model in vibrant locations like London or Pune. We are committed to your professional growth, providing competitive rewards and a supportive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, ensuring you can make a meaningful impact in your role.

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Contact Details:

BP PLC Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Government Affairs Adviser

Dive into Local Government Events

Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like BP PLC, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!

Join Relevant Networks

Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.

Utilise Your University’s Resources

If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like BP PLC and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.

Stay Updated with Government Initiatives

Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Government Affairs Adviser

Political Awareness
Relationship Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Communication Skills
Briefing and Speech Writing
Policy Analysis
Understanding of Scottish Politics

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.

Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.

Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for BP PLC and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.

How to prepare for a job interview at BP PLC

Get to Know Public Sector Values

Before your interview with BP PLC, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.

Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge

Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.

Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration

The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!

Prepare Real-Life Examples

Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for BP PLC.