Public Affairs Officer

Public Affairs Officer

Full-Time 27810 - 29305 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Shape policy and influence change on humanitarian issues at the heart of Government.
  • Company: Join the British Red Cross, a leader in humanitarian support.
  • Benefits: Flexible working, 36 days leave, pension scheme, and learning opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference by supporting people in crisis and amplifying their voices.
  • Qualifications: Strong understanding of UK Parliament, excellent communication skills, and event management experience.
  • Other info: Inclusive environment with diverse teams and career growth opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 27810 - 29305 £ per year.

Public Affairs Officer – UK Parliament & Humanitarian Policy

Location: London (Hybrid) – Regular office attendance every Thursday at our UKO office, with additional ad hoc meetings as required.

Salary: £27,810 to £29,305 per annum, pro rata (plus ILW, if residing & working in London)

Contract: Fixed term contract (12 months)

Are you ready to shape policy and influence change on humanitarian issues at the heart of Government and Parliament?

Do you believe policy can be a force for good—and want to help shape it to support people in crisis around the world?

Join us in a pivotal role where you\’ll help drive our parliamentary engagement strategy across both domestic and international humanitarian priorities. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation and the wider sector, you\’ll build strong relationships with MPs and peers, draft compelling briefings, and coordinate impactful events—including our presence at Party Conferences. You\’ll be part of a dynamic team that champions evidence‑based policy, amplifies voices from communities, and ensures our public affairs work is aligned and effective. This is a chance to make a real difference, using your skills to support people in crisis and help us spread the power of kindness.

What will a day in the life of a Public Affairs Officer involve?

  • Building relationships with MPs and peers across political parties to support engagement on humanitarian issues.
  • Drafting and sharing briefings for parliamentary business and meetings.
  • Coordinating responses to parliamentary activity and suggesting proactive engagement opportunities.
  • Working with policy teams to ensure public affairs activity supports evidence‑based policy goals.
  • Organising and delivering events that amplify voices from communities and the Red Cross Movement.
  • Collaborating with communications and media teams to align messaging and maximise impact.

To be a successful Public Affairs Officer, what will you need?

  • A strong understanding of how the UK Parliament and Government operate.
  • Proven experience in developing and delivering public affairs strategies.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, tailored to parliamentary audiences.
  • Confidence in organising impactful events and managing multiple projects.
  • Ability to work collaboratively across teams and build effective relationships.
  • Commitment to inclusive practice and promoting diversity in all aspects of work.

Interested? The closing date for applications is 23.59 on Wednesday 5th November 2025. Interviews commencing 21st November 2025.

In return for your commitment and expertise, you’ll get:

  • Flexible working: Remote and hybrid working, flexitime, compressed hours, and job sharing.
  • Holidays: 36 days annual leave, pro rata (including bank holidays) + option to buy 5 extra days.
  • Pension scheme: Up to 6% contributory pension.
  • Learning & Development: A range of career & learning opportunities.
  • Discounts: Blue Light Discount Card, Tickets For Good & employee benefits platform.
  • Cycle2Work: Lease a bicycle through the scheme.

We are proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme for UK‑based roles. During your application, you\’ll have the option to apply under the scheme.

At the British Red Cross, we value diversity and maintain an inclusive environment for all staff and volunteers. We champion our teams in bringing their true selves to work, free from discrimination. This is achieved through reporting and assistance from our internal networks: Race and Ethnic Equality (REEN), LGBT+, Disability and Wellness (DAWN), Gender, Carers, and Young Staff Network.

Together, we are the world\’s emergency responders

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Public Affairs Officer employer: British Red Cross

The British Red Cross is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises inclusivity and employee well-being. With flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a commitment to professional development, employees are empowered to thrive while making a meaningful impact on humanitarian issues. Located in London, this role provides unique opportunities to engage with key political figures and contribute to evidence-based policy that supports communities in crisis.
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Contact Detail:

British Red Cross Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Public Affairs Officer

✨Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the public affairs scene! Attend events, engage on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to MPs or peers. Building those relationships can really set you apart when it comes to landing that Public Affairs Officer role.

✨Showcase Your Skills

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in drafting briefings and coordinating events. Share specific examples of how you've influenced policy or engaged with communities—this will show them you’re the real deal!

✨Stay Informed

Keep yourself updated on current humanitarian issues and UK Parliament activities. This knowledge will not only help you in conversations but also demonstrate your commitment to the role. Plus, it’ll give you some great talking points during interviews!

✨Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission to support people in crisis.

We think you need these skills to ace Public Affairs Officer

Understanding of UK Parliament and Government operations
Public Affairs Strategy Development
Written Communication Skills
Verbal Communication Skills
Event Organisation
Project Management
Relationship Building
Collaborative Working
Commitment to Inclusive Practice
Diversity Promotion
Stakeholder Engagement
Policy Analysis
Briefing Drafting
Impact Measurement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Know Your Audience: When you're drafting your application, keep in mind who will be reading it. Tailor your language and examples to resonate with the values and goals of the British Red Cross. Show us that you understand the importance of humanitarian issues and how they relate to public affairs.

Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your experience in public affairs and any relevant skills that align with the job description. We want to see how you've successfully built relationships, drafted briefings, or organised events in the past. Be specific and give us examples!

Be Clear and Concise: In written applications, clarity is key. Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences. We appreciate straightforward communication, so get to the point while still showcasing your passion for the role and the impact you hope to make.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!

How to prepare for a job interview at British Red Cross

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you have a solid understanding of how the UK Parliament and Government operate. Brush up on recent humanitarian policies and current events related to the role. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in the position.

✨Tailor Your Communication

Since you'll be dealing with parliamentary audiences, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Prepare examples of your previous work that demonstrate your excellent written and verbal communication skills, especially in drafting briefings or reports.

✨Showcase Your Event Management Skills

Be ready to discuss your experience in organising impactful events. Think of specific examples where you coordinated successful gatherings or campaigns, and highlight how you managed multiple projects simultaneously. This will illustrate your ability to handle the demands of the role.

✨Emphasise Collaboration

This role requires working closely with various teams, so be prepared to talk about your collaborative experiences. Share instances where you built effective relationships across departments or with external stakeholders, showcasing your commitment to inclusive practice and diversity.

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