Policy Officer

Policy Officer

Full-Time 48000 - 58000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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FDA

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support negotiations and influence change for public service members.
  • Company: Join the FDA, a leading trade union for public sector professionals in the UK.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 31 days annual leave, and a strong pension scheme.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on public services and improve lives through advocacy.
  • Qualifications: Experience in policy work and a passion for public service is essential.
  • Other info: Remote/hybrid working available; apply by 18th July 2025.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 58000 £ per year.

Responsible to: FDA Assistant General Secretary

Hours: 35 hours per week to be worked flexibly

Salary range: £48,000 - £58,000

Pension: Good quality defined benefit career average pension scheme

Location: This post will be open to remote/hybrid working with an expectation to attend the FDA Headquarters in London from time to time.

Your chance to support and help shape an organisation that defends public servants and promotes public services. For over a century the FDA has been a strong, pragmatic trade union representing public sector leaders and professionals working in the civil service and parliaments across the UK. The FDA is not party-political and seeks to improve members’ working lives and the public services they deliver through negotiating and campaigning. We act as a powerful voice for public services and the people who deliver them, with an influential membership of more than 22,000 senior managers, policy advisers, diplomats, tax professionals, economists, solicitors, prosecutors and other professionals working across government and the NHS.

This is a great time to become a part of the FDA. We are a growing, exciting and vibrant union with many different opportunities to improve the working lives of FDA members. Whether that’s defending civil servants against attacks on their impartiality, leading the campaign for an independent complaints process for dealing with Ministerial misconduct or campaigning to improve pay outcomes for key public servants.

Your role: We are looking to recruit a policy officer who will be core to supporting our negotiating agenda, increasing our influence with central government, employers and ensuring we deliver change for our members. This is a new role that is about delivering improvements to the working lives of our members through advancing our thinking and reputation as a solutions-focussed trade union.

The FDA offers a good package of terms and conditions including 31 days annual leave and a high quality defined benefit pension scheme. The FDA is committed to equality of opportunity and treatment both in the service it provides to its members and as an employer. The salary range for the role is £48k - £58k. The starting salary will be dependent on experience.

To apply: Candidates should submit a curriculum vitae together with a cover letter of no more than 750 words, outlining why your skills, experience and motivation make you the right person for the job. Submit your CV and cover letter by email, for the attention of (FAO) Esther Farnese via the button below. The closing date for receipt of applications (CV’s and cover letter) is: midday, 18th July 2025.

Policy Officer employer: FDA

The FDA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a meaningful impact on public services and the lives of civil servants. With flexible remote/hybrid working options, generous annual leave, and a robust pension scheme, we prioritise employee well-being and professional growth. Join us in shaping the future of public service representation while enjoying a supportive culture that values equality and innovation.
FDA

Contact Detail:

FDA Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Policy Officer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the FDA's current campaigns and priorities. Understanding their key issues will help you demonstrate your alignment with their goals during any discussions or interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees of the FDA. They can provide valuable insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when applying.

✨Tip Number 3

Stay updated on current public sector policies and challenges. Being knowledgeable about recent developments will allow you to engage in meaningful conversations and showcase your expertise in policy matters.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss how you can contribute to the FDA's mission of improving members' working lives. Think of specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to influence change.

We think you need these skills to ace Policy Officer

Policy Analysis
Negotiation Skills
Stakeholder Engagement
Research Skills
Communication Skills
Campaigning Experience
Understanding of Public Sector Issues
Advocacy Skills
Report Writing
Project Management
Analytical Thinking
Problem-Solving Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Flexibility and Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Policy Officer position. Familiarise yourself with the FDA's mission and values to align your application with their goals.

Craft a Tailored Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be no more than 750 words and clearly outline how your skills and experience make you the ideal candidate for the role. Use specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to support negotiating agendas and influence change.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, focus on experiences that relate directly to the role of a Policy Officer. Emphasise any previous work in trade unions, public services, or policy development, and quantify your achievements where possible to showcase your impact.

Proofread and Format: Ensure your CV and cover letter are well-formatted and free of errors. A clean, professional presentation reflects your attention to detail and commitment to quality, which are essential traits for a Policy Officer.

How to prepare for a job interview at FDA

✨Understand the FDA's Mission

Before your interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of the FDA's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their campaigns and recent initiatives, as this will show your genuine interest in the organisation and how you can contribute to their goals.

✨Highlight Relevant Experience

When discussing your background, focus on experiences that align with the responsibilities of a Policy Officer. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've successfully influenced policy or negotiated outcomes in previous roles.

✨Demonstrate Solutions-Focused Thinking

Since the role emphasises being solutions-focused, come prepared with ideas on how to tackle current challenges faced by public servants. This could include innovative approaches to negotiations or strategies for improving member engagement.

✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions

At the end of the interview, you'll likely be asked if you have any questions. Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the FDA's work. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you assess if the position is the right fit for you.

Policy Officer
FDA
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