At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead policy initiatives to amplify Army families' voices and drive positive change.
- Company: Join AFF, a trusted advocate for Army families, within a supportive leadership team.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of Army families while shaping impactful policies.
- Qualifications: Significant policy experience and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 52000 £ per year.
AFF is looking for a Head of Policy, working within the AFF Senior Leadership Team, to play a key role in ensuring that the issues and evidence from soldiers and their families about family life in the Army are heard by policy makers, and that AFF continues to be a trusted voice and source of guidance for Army families.
Key Responsibilities
- The role will set the direction on the key issues on which AFF needs to represent Army families and will co‑ordinate AFF's engagement with decision makers.
- It will lead on setting the policy priorities within AFF and on driving positive change for Army personnel and their families in defence and wider government.
- The Head of Policy leads and manages the AFF Policy team so they are able to support Army families across a range of issues, working closely with the Communications, Evidence and Engagement teams to respond swiftly and appropriately to emerging issues, build evidence‑based policy programmes and demonstrate our impact to the families we work for and the wider defence community.
This is a full‑time role, at 37.5 hours per week. AFF offers all staff the opportunity to work flexibly and is open to discussions regarding working patterns for this role, provided that working hours are within 0800‑1800, Mon‑Fri and can support line management responsibilities. This is a key outward‑facing role and a regular presence in London and Andover will be required.
You will have a keen interest in the quality of life of Army family members, professional knowledge of how Defence and wider government policies affect family life, and a drive for delivering positive change based on demonstrable evidence of need. You will have the skills to identify and work effectively with key decision makers.
Requirements / Qualifications
- You will have significant policy experience, preferably within a public policy environment.
- You will be able to work at pace, with a wide range of stakeholders, and effectively summarise and communicate complex issues.
- You will have excellent communication skills, both in writing and speaking, and be able to represent the organisation professionally with a sensitive understanding of your audience.
- You will be a confident and credible voice for Army families in a wide range of environments.
- You will have experience of managing a team and of developing strong working relationships with colleagues across a wider organisation.
- You will want to continually develop yourself and your team to ensure the continued growth of cross‑discipline capability within the team.
- You will be able to set direction, manage deadlines and deliver consistently high‑quality output.
- You will be able to flex priorities as required and support the team effectively through a hands‑on approach to delivering output.
- You will have strong drafting skills and personal presentation skills in formal and informal settings, with experience producing high‑quality outputs such as policy reports, responses to calls for evidence, briefing packs and presentations.
Benefits and Compensation
The annual starting salary is £48,000‑52,000 per year, depending on experience. AFF offers a generous leave package of 30 days' annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays and a day off on your birthday. We also offer non‑contributory Employee Assistance and Medicash schemes, a pension salary sacrifice scheme.
Head of Policy in City of Westminster employer: Cobseo
AFF is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of Army families while fostering a collaborative and supportive work culture. With flexible working arrangements, generous leave packages, and a commitment to professional development, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in their roles. The opportunity to engage directly with decision-makers in London and Andover further enhances the unique experience of working at AFF, making it a rewarding place for those passionate about driving positive change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Policy in City of Westminster
✨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 Cobseo, 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 Cobseo 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 Head of Policy in City of Westminster
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 Cobseo 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 Cobseo
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Cobseo, 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 Cobseo.
