At a Glance
- Tasks: Support policy work and engage with decision-makers to advance heart health initiatives.
- Company: Join the British Heart Foundation, a leader in heart health advocacy.
- Benefits: Hybrid work, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public health and influence important policies.
- Qualifications: Interest in policy, strong communication skills, and organisational abilities.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid - Edinburgh office & home
Vacancy type: Fixed Term Contract
As a Policy and Public Affairs Officer, you’ll support the British Heart Foundation’s policy and public affairs work across Scotland, helping to influence decision-makers and advance our priorities. Working within the Devolved Nations Policy and Public Affairs team, you’ll engage with the Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament, charity sector and clinical community to help deliver BHF’s objectives.
You’ll contribute to influencing plans, monitor political and policy developments, prepare high-quality briefings and consultation responses, and identify opportunities to raise awareness of issues affecting people with heart and circulatory diseases. You’ll also help organise events, build relationships with key stakeholders and represent BHF at meetings, conferences and parliamentary events.
Working collaboratively across the organisation, you’ll help ensure BHF’s policy positions are evidence-based, relevant to Scotland and effectively communicated to a range of audiences.
About you
- Knowledge of the political environment and devolved government in Scotland.
- A strong interest in policy and public affairs, with relevant experience desirable.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues clearly.
- Experience producing high-quality written content for a variety of audiences.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
- Effective interpersonal and influencing skills, with the confidence to engage a range of stakeholders.
- The ability to work independently whilst contributing positively as part of a team.
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office, and a willingness to learn Microsoft 365 Copilot.
If you’re a proactive and collaborative individual with an interest in policy and public affairs, and you're looking to make a meaningful impact in the fight against heart and circulatory disease, we’d love to hear from you.
Belonging at BHF
By embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment, we strengthen our ability to achieve our mission of saving and improving lives, ensuring our work reflects and serves the needs of every community across the UK.
To hear from our people, check out Belonging at BHF. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. By funding research across six decades, we’ve helped keep millions of hearts beating and millions of families together. We’re investing in ground-breaking research that will get us closer than ever to a world where everyone has a healthier heart for longer.
Working arrangements
This is an 18 month fixed term contract to cover an internal secondment. This is a hybrid role, where your work will be split between your home and at least one day per week, on average, in our Edinburgh Office. This may vary from time to time, so you will need to work in a flexible way to unlock your best work for our cause.
Benefits and development
At BHF, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to support our colleagues’ wellbeing and professional growth. To find out more about our benefits you can download the Benefits document at the bottom of this page or check out our Benefits and Development pages.
Need more help balancing your work and home life? Talk to us about what flexibility is available at the application or interview stage.
The interview process may take place in-person or virtually via MS Teams.
How to apply
It’s quick and easy to apply for a role at the BHF. Just click through to our careers site. All you’ll need is an up-to-date CV and a supporting statement, outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the role’s criteria. Our recruitment processes are fair, accessible, and inclusive. BHF use anonymous CV software as part of the application journey.
We support responsible use of AI to help shape your application. By applying for a role at BHF, you confirm that your application is authentic and reflects your own skills and experience, to ensure everyone is assessed fairly. Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us.
Policy and Public Affairs Officer in Edinburgh employer: British Heart Foundation
As a Store Manager with us, you'll be part of a vibrant community-focused team dedicated to sustainability and making a real difference. We offer a supportive work culture with extensive benefits, including generous annual leave, enhanced family policies, and access to health resources, all while providing opportunities for personal and professional growth in a fast-paced retail environment. Join us to lead a diverse team and contribute to life-saving research while enjoying a rewarding career in fashion retail.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy and Public Affairs Officer in Edinburgh
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We think you need these skills to ace Policy and Public Affairs Officer in Edinburgh
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 British Heart Foundation
✨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 British Heart Foundation.
✨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 British Heart Foundation 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.
