At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead tech policy initiatives and develop evidence-based approaches to online safety challenges.
- Company: Join Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, shaping the future of connectivity.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, competitive salary, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on online safety while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in tech policy analysis and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Closing Date: 05/10/2026
Group: Online Safety Group
Management Level: Senior Associate
Job Type: Fixed Term
Please note that this role will close at 00:01 on Monday 5 October, and therefore we advise getting your application in by no later than midnight on Sunday 4 October.
About Ofcom
As the UK’s communications regulator, we’re delivering vital work that helps keep the UK connected and shapes the future of how we’ll stay connected with each other. Our work covers everything from phones and broadband, through to TV, radio, the postal service, and wireless devices. We’re also taking on the challenge of making the online world a safer place. And we need people of all backgrounds, skill sets, and experiences to help us achieve our goal of making communications work for everyone.
About the team you’ll be part of
We are recruiting for a full-time role in our Technology Policy Team. It is a 12-month fixed term position. The team helps to answer some of the most pressing questions relating to the impact of new and emerging technologies on online safety, such as:
- What techniques can be used to assess and audit the AI systems used by regulated online services?
- What steps can be taken to prevent generative AI tools from being misused by bad actors to create harmful content?
- What impact will new and emerging technologies have on our approach to online safety regulation?
- How should we assess the accuracy, effectiveness and lack of bias of content moderation technologies?
The team supports the Online Safety Group in navigating a complex technology landscape. We think strategically about tech policy challenges and use our subject matter expertise to steer Ofcom’s approach to online safety policy development. We lead work on critical policy areas, collaborate with teams across the Group to promote a tech-driven approach to policy development and build critical relationships with key stakeholders. The team also collaborates closely with other policy groups in Ofcom, as well as other regulators, ensuring that we pool knowledge and share best practice.
The purpose and scope of the role
As a Senior Associate in the team, you will play a pivotal role in helping Ofcom understand relevant technologies and generate evidence-based approaches to some of the most complex policy issues facing society. Working within the scope of applicable legislation, you will develop policy products (e.g. code of practice measures) and communicate coherent policy positions which uphold online services’ safety duties whilst taking account of technical limitations and proportionality concerns. You will ensure that policy advice is supported by persuasive reasoning and knowledge of the broader public policy landscape, building consensus with internal and external stakeholders as you refine relevant regulatory outputs within your remit.
Your Key Responsibilities
- Be responsible for the day-to-day management, delivery, and development of tech policy workstreams, working closely with senior overseeing colleagues.
- Develop and draft policy products relating to critical tech policy issues (e.g. as part of our policy consultations), and support our efforts in promoting regulatory compliance among regulated services.
- Lead on the drafting of outputs (e.g. code of practice measures and external discussion papers), ensuring they are delivered on time and to an excellent standard.
- Lead cross-functional teams and task‑manage others as appropriate.
- Articulate to internal governance bodies the arguments for and against different policy positions, including your own recommendation for why we should take a particular course of action.
- Proactively communicate our latest evidence and policy positions to internal and external stakeholders, including senior leaders. This could be via presentations, short briefings, research reports, or other means.
- Build productive relationships with experts and thought leaders in the areas you oversee, including from the worlds of academia, industry, civil society, government, and regulation.
- Contribute to the culture of the Tech Policy team and the wider Online Safety Group, making it an enjoyable and rewarding place to work.
The above list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive, and the successful candidate will be expected to perform different tasks as and when required.
Distressing Content Material
Applicants should be aware that this role may include exposure to potentially distressing content and material and/or themes. Ofcom is committed to safeguarding our colleagues who undertake this type of work. We endeavour to reduce exposure to distressing content, material, and/or themes wherever possible. Where this isn’t possible, we control the risk by ensuring that colleagues who are exposed to DCM are appropriately protected and supported. We offer a range of tailored support options, psychological screening assessments and access to specialist therapeutic support where required.
The skills, knowledge and experience you’ll need for success.
- Experience analysing and shaping policy positions on emerging technology issues, with a strong understanding of relevant regulatory and policy frameworks.
- Executing plans: A track record of independently designing, overseeing and executing projects on time and to an outstanding standard.
- Articulating ideas: Experience of drafting high quality written outputs (e.g. policy papers) that are robust, accessible and evidence‑led; with excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to explain complex technical, legal, and policy concepts to a variety of specialist and non‑specialist audiences.
- Forming relationships: Strong interpersonal skills and the capacity to work across organisational boundaries, building trust and driving collaboration across diverse teams and disciplines.
- Building solutions: Sound judgement and the ability to weigh up the available evidence to make smart and sensible recommendations in line with Ofcom’s strategic priorities.
- Empowering development: Experience of task‑managing others and fostering colleagues’ development.
Whist no formal qualifications are required, these roles are particularly well suited to candidates with deep subject matter expertise in areas such as content recommender systems, AI assurance and auditing techniques, generative AI, encryption and/or content moderation technologies.
Inclusive hiring at Ofcom
At Ofcom, our mission is clear: to make communications work for everyone. To achieve that, our people must reflect the diversity of the UK, in background, identity and experience. We believe innovation thrives when difference is valued and everyone feels empowered to contribute their ideas and perspectives. That’s why we welcome colleagues of all ethnicities and races, sexes, genders and gender identities, sexual orientations, ages, faiths and beliefs, and those with apparent and non-apparent disabilities. We value socio‑economic diversity, life experience and neurodiversity too. Whether you’re a carer, a parent, a veteran, or re‑entering work after time away, your voice and perspective matter here. Flexibility is at the heart of how we work because we want you to thrive in a way that suits you best. Most roles can therefore be adapted for part‑time hours, job shares, or other flexible arrangements.
Our recruitment process is intentionally designed to be open and accessible. If you need adjustments, information in a different format or an alternative way to apply, contact us at resourcing@ofcom.org.uk or 0330 912 1378. As a proud Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for a role.
Whoever you are, whatever your story, you belong at Ofcom. We make communications work for everyone. As the UK’s communications regulator, we’re delivering vital work that helps keep the UK connected and shapes the future of how we’ll stay connected with each other. Our work covers everything from phones and broadband, through to TV, radio, the postal service, and wireless devices. And we need people of all backgrounds, skill sets, and experiences to help us achieve our goal of making communications work for everyone.
Ofcom’s remit is huge – we keep UK citizens and consumers safe from harm and ensure they receive the best possible service from their communications providers. Find out more about Ofcom, where we operate, and the different types of work we do to keep the country connected. At Ofcom we are determined to do all we can to promote diversity and equality inside our organisation and in the wider sectors we regulate. Diversity and equality are fundamental to achieving our purpose to make communications work for everyone. We need to make the best decisions for all UK consumers and citizens. To do this, it is essential that all levels of our organisation are diverse and foster an inclusive culture.
Senior Associate, Technology Policy employer: COM1000 Office of Communications
At Ofcom, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a unique opportunity for aspiring engineers to develop their skills in a supportive and innovative environment. Our work culture fosters collaboration and continuous learning, with regular training sessions and the chance to gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology. Located in the South of England, our team is dedicated to ensuring that you not only grow professionally but also enjoy a fulfilling career path while contributing to the vital work of spectrum management.
Contact Details:
COM1000 Office of Communications Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate, Technology Policy
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate, Technology Policy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Tech Transfer Know-How:When applying for a role in technology transfer commercialization, make sure to highlight any relevant experience or knowledge you have in translating research into marketable products. Reference past projects or coursework that demonstrates your understanding of technology assessment and commercialisation strategies to really stand out.
Flex Your Temporary Skills:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your ability to hit the ground running. Emphasise any previous short-term contracts or freelance work where you’ve quickly adapted to new environments and delivered results. This shows that you’re not just ready to work, but you can do so effectively in a limited time frame.
Tailor Your Documents for Impact:Make sure your CV and cover letter are closely aligned not just with the role, but also with COM1000 Office of Communications’s values and goals. Use specifics from the job description to frame your experience, and don't forget to mention relevant certifications or training in technology commercialization – it will help bolster your application.
Show Your Collaborative Side:Technology transfer is all about working with different stakeholders. Highlight your teamwork skills in your written application. Share stories or examples where you've successfully collaborated with researchers, industry partners, or even within your own team, as this will illustrate your fit for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at COM1000 Office of Communications
✨Showcase Your Understanding of Tech Transfer
When you're interviewing for a gig in technology transfer commercialisation, make sure you can speak the language of both technology and business. Brush up on specific methodologies and case studies that illustrate how you can effectively bridge these two worlds. Being able to discuss real examples where technology was successfully commercialised will set you apart.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect to encounter some technical questions related to intellectual property, market assessment, and licensing strategies. We should prepare to explain how we would approach assessing a technology's commercial viability. This showcases not just our knowledge, but our analytical skills and critical thinking, which are key in this field.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability for Temporary Work
Given that this is a temporary role, be prepared to discuss how quickly you can get up to speed with a new project, team, or environment. Potential employers at COM1000 Office of Communications will want to see that you can hit the ground running and contribute effectively right away, so sharing past experiences in similar situations can help.
✨Bring Your Portfolio of Successes
Since this role revolves around commercialisation achievements, consider bringing a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your past successes in tech transfer or similar projects. This not only reinforces your qualifications but also offers a tangible representation of your contributions, making a lasting impression on the team at COM1000 Office of Communications.
