Policy Officer - 6 month fixed term

Shape the future. Empower a profession. Make global impact. At IChemE (Institution of Chemical Engineers), we’re more than a professional body — we are a powerful, global movement of over 32,000 chemical, biochemical and process engineers who are solving some of the world’s biggest challenges. From climate change and clean energy to food security and health, our members lead the way in creating a safer, more sustainable world. We champion excellence, ethics and innovation.

Do you want to make a difference by helping to engineer a sustainable world? If so, come and join the IChemE as a Policy Officer showing how chemical and process engineering is fundamental to solving the problems facing the world today. Chemical engineers work at the forefront of some of the world’s greatest challenges – energy security and transition, food security, health security and more. The Institution of Chemical Engineer’s policy team gathers and uses the knowledge and insight of chemical engineers working at the cutting edge of these problems to help governments, policymakers and other decision makers make better choices and create a more sustainable future. In this role you will make a difference in these vital policy conversations in the UK and internationally.

Requirements

• We are looking for a positive, proactive individual with a strong background in science or engineering policy to join our policy team.
• You will be driven, innovative and creative as well as committed to helping deliver IChemE’s vision of a sustainable future for us all.
• Helping to create and develop evidence-based organisational policy positions including production of corresponding policy documents, other materials and activities.
• Leading the IChemE’s response to appropriate policy consultations and requests for evidence including liaising with subject matter experts in IChemE’s Communities of Practice, Special Interest Groups, the Learned Society Committee, wider IChemE membership and others as appropriate.
• Identifying wider opportunities to engage with government decision makers and partnership organisations.
• Maintaining and continually developing a network of relevant contacts within government, external agencies, relevant fellow institutions and scientific societies, and the wider policy ecosystem.
• Promoting understanding of IChemE’s policy work and its impact among the organisation’s membership and wider engineering community.

Other information

This is a fixed term role for 6 months. The role is based in our London office but with a UK-wide remit and an opportunity to work internationally – such as engaging with policy and decision makers with other countries where IChemE is particularly active such as Australia and New Zealand. You should have at least 1 year’s experience working in a similar policy or STEM focused role (or equivalent experience), with a good knowledge of the British political system and policy landscape. You should also have a willingness to be involved in parliamentary engagement. You need good written and oral communication, with experience of delivering effective policy events such as roundtables and report launches. You should be a self-starter with a drive to succeed.

The closing date for all applications is midnight on 1 March 2026. IChemE reserves the right to interview exceptional candidates and make an offer of employment before this date should we wish.

Salary £35,000 - 38,000 depending on experience. 37.5 Hours per week (Monday – Friday, with core hours being from 10:00-12:00 and 14:30-16:00). The role will be mainly office based (London - SW1P 1PR). IChemE’s main UK office location is Rugby however there is a small office located in central London where this role would be based. Due to the nature of the role some activities and networking opportunities could take place in other areas of the UK. A willingness for occasional business travel is essential. Only candidates eligible to work in the UK will be considered.

IChemE benefits of employment include

• Annual performance reviews
• Training and development opportunities
• Company contributory pension scheme that matches employee contributions by 1.5 times up to a maximum capped 12% employer contribution
• Life assurance linked to being an active member of the pension scheme
• 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) for full time members of staff
• Company paid sickness leave after 6 months employment and increased at intervals based on length of service
• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
• Health cash plan (cash back on optical, dental, physio and more)
• Financial support to help cover the cost of professional membership subscriptions if relevant to your role
• Free parking and refreshments at our Rugby Office