Policy Manager in Newcastle upon Tyne

The Policy Manager helps the Health Research Authority (HRA) to make change happen. This is a key role within the Policy and Partnerships Directorate, leading projects, engagement and public involvement activities that form part of the Policy and Partnerships Directorate's busy work plan.

Main duties of the job

• Working collaboratively to develop policy through desk research and the development of policy positions. This includes gathering, analysing and sharing complex information from different sources to inform policy development.
• Independently plan and manage projects, from initiation through to delivery by managing the project team and delegating tasks where appropriate, manage risks and report progress as required.
• Keeping abreast of latest developments in the health and social care research environment, sharing knowledge with colleagues and identifying any necessary responses.
• Managing and influencing external stakeholders including patients, the public and research professionals through policy projects and engagement forums.
• Represent the HRA at conferences, training events and meetings with stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Relevant degree qualification or equivalent through demonstrable experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Expertise

• Knowledge of the UK health and care system.
• Knowledge of the UK research environment and research governance system.
• Knowledge of legislation relevant to research.
• Knowledge of a range of stakeholders with an interest in health and social care research and established connections with them.
• Good analytical judgment and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to convey complex information in a clear and accessible way to different audiences.
• Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Ability to analyse complex information and distil key points.
• Ability to understand and interpret guidance and legislation.
• Ability to use judgment in giving policy advice, assessing options and managing stakeholders.
• Good networking and influencing skills: an ability to build and maintain stakeholder relationships.
• Negotiation skills, including an ability to say no.
• Diplomacy and sensitivity: able to handle difficult situations and diffuse tensions.
• Collaborative: supporting and seeking support from colleagues where work sits across departments.
• Self‑motivated, proactive, innovative, with the ability to work independently and on own initiative.
• Flexible and adaptable, able to adjust priorities against a background of uncertainty.
• Resilient, able to maintain clear direction in face of criticism and controversy.

Experience

• Managing and developing health or research policy in a public sector organisation.
• Project management experience, including planning, risk management, reporting on progress and evaluating benefits.
• Producing well‑drafted reports, papers and other communications using language suitable to the audience.
• Stakeholder engagement experience, including developing engagement plans, running stakeholder groups and incorporating feedback into the policy development process.
• Supporting committees or stakeholder groups, including liaising with members and writing minutes.

Equal Opportunities

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of our community: age, disability, gender identity and expression, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and other diverse characteristics, and we have policies in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process.

Employment Details

Full‑time Flexible working Home or remote working possible.