Policy adviser in London

We are looking for a policy adviser to work primarily in our resource stewardship theme to help deliver ambitious leadership for the environment. You will also have opportunities to work on projects in our Legislation & Governance unit.

Using your strong research and strong communication skills, you will contribute to work that shapes the future of circular economy policy and environmental legislation in the UK. Collaborating with colleagues across the organization, including in comms and politics, you will help identify compelling evidence, stories, and projects to drive better use of resources in the UK and will secure support for projects and policy proposals by building relationships with politicians and policymakers, environmental NGOs and community groups, business partners and other stakeholders.

This is a varied role that will also include project management to ensure effective delivery, including ensuring outputs and events are effectively planned and executed to deadline and to a high quality. You will need to understand, or be willing to learn about, the political and environmental policy contexts we work in and the state of resources policy and wider environmental legislation in the UK.

Duties and responsibilities

• Research and analysis on policy relating to our themes of work, particularly in our resources theme.
• Produce reports, briefings, articles, blogs, consultation responses and other communications materials to support Green Alliance’s policy findings.
• Act as a persuasive advocate of key policies.
• Support relationships with project partners and other stakeholders.
• Manage and support projects and ensure delivery to time, budget and quality.
• Plan and manage meetings, webinars and events to advance the theme’s priorities.
• Build new audiences and alliances for our theme work and help develop new ideas for projects.
• Maintain and update records of important contacts in the field.
• Develop strong relationships with policy makers and other stakeholders.
• Represent Green Alliance externally, including at events and in the media.
• Contribute to Green Alliance being an inclusive workplace through setting a personal objective aligning to our equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
• Work effectively as part of a team and work independently with initiative and drive.
• Any other tasks which may reasonably be requested to be undertaken within the scope of the position.

Key relationships

• Policy director and other members of SMT
• Theme leads, particularly head of resources
• Project leads, and other analysts, advisers and assistants, including the politics team
• Communications team
• Similar roles at sector NGOs
• Civil servants
• Business and industry stakeholders
• Academics

Person specification

Knowledge and experience

• Motivation to work in a purpose-driven organisation, working towards a world where people and the environment thrive together.
• Understanding of UK environmental policy and policy processes, preferably around resources policy, or a willingness to develop it.
• Experience of policy research and analysis; and ability to rapidly synthesise information and make recommendations for a policy audience.
• Experience in supporting or leading on programme delivery, co-ordination and administration.
• Ability to create engaging, high impact communications tailored for specific audiences.
• Affinity for working in a team, and independently when needed, adapting quickly to new opportunities.

Desirable:

• Specific expertise in the circular economy, consumption or resource stewardship.
• Knowledge of the UK environmental NGO and business sectors.
• Experience of working with civil servants, politicians or in Parliament and advocating for specific changes and policy developments.

Essential skills and competencies:

• Excellent research, drafting and writing skills.
• Confident communication, influencing and advocacy skills.
• Good project planning, prioritisation and delivery skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships and networks with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Ability to work as part of a team.

In your application we’ll ask you to provide evidence for how you meet the key criteria for the role, which are the ones in bold above. We will assess all aspects of the person specification across the different parts of the recruitment process. If you feel you meet the essential criteria, but not any or all of the desirable criteria, then please still consider applying.

How to apply

For your application, we would like you to answer four questions that address the key criteria highlighted in the person specification. We will also ask you to upload a CV with details of your education and work experience. We recommend that you prepare your responses to the questions before starting the application process as you will be unable to save your application and return to it later.

Application questions

• Why do you want to work for Green Alliance? Summarise the skills and experience you would bring to the role.
• Tell us about a topic within resources or climate policy that you are most interested in and why it matters. Summarise one of the key challenges and provide a policy solution to address it.
• Give an example of when you have worked independently to deliver an output, such as a report or presentation, that had a persuasive effect on its audience.
• Tell us about an example of a project you helped deliver. How did you manage your time and any stakeholders, and what strategies did you use to overcome any major challenges?

We recommend that each answer is no longer than 300 words. Where you can, give examples of the experience, knowledge and skills you have gained through employment, study or voluntary activities.

To apply:

• Prepare your answers to the four questions above.
• Click on "Apply for this job" below. You will be asked to confirm that you are legally authorised to work in the UK.
• Cut and paste your answers to the four application questions online. Upload your CV.
• Review and submit your application. You will receive a confirmation email to acknowledge your application.

Right to work

All applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer visa sponsorship, so you will be required to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK during the recruitment process. We are unable to sponsor the renewal of work visas for people who have short-term permission to work in the UK.

Terms and conditions

• This post is a permanent contract. We are happy to consider flexible working arrangements.
• Salary band: £36,192 - £39,936. Starting salary will be commensurate with experience.
• Location: Green Alliance's office is in central London and is wheelchair accessible. We support hybrid working; our staff are usually in the office for two days a week. We will provide IT hardware and other equipment needed for working from home; you will need to provide good internet access.
• Hours: 35 hours per week with some flexibility; the post holder would be expected to work occasional evenings for time off in lieu.
• Holiday: 25 days per year in addition to statutory holidays and the period between Christmas and New Year.
• Pension: Green Alliance provides an auto-enrolment pension with Aviva. All employees receive a pension contribution up to 7.5 per cent of gross salary which may be paid into this scheme or another of their choice.