Hours per week 37 Months Duration 36 Flexible Options Although full-time hours are available, applications from those interested in working part-time hours are also welcomed. If suitable applications are received, this post could be filled on a job-share basis.
Job Description
Main Purpose of the Job
The John Innes Centre is a world-leading centre of excellence in plant and microbial sciences.
Its strategic vision for Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet sets out our ambitious long-term goals for the game changing impact of its science globally – driving a step change in agricultural productivity, developing new products from plants and microbes and ensuring that agriculture is sustainable in the face the climate emergency.
This role will deliver a framework of policy and public affairs activities as outlined in the John Innes Centre’s Engagement Strategy. The role will ensure that the JIC has clear routes to provide evidence to inform and influence priority areas of policy and that staff and students across the JIC are effectively supported to successfully engage with policy makers.
Key Relationships
This post sits at the interface between the JIC and our policy stakeholders. External relationships will include policy makers (including politicians and civil servants), collaborators and funders. Internally, the post-holder will work closely with a broad range of scientists and technical staff, with the senior management team, and with comms and knowledge exchange professionals. You'll also be working closely with policy and public affairs professionals at other organisations across the Norwich Research Park, and other collaborative organisations.
This post reports to the Head of Strategic Engagement.
Main Activities & Responsibilities
To deliver a programme of policy and public affairs activity for the organisation, as outlined in the JIC’s Engagement Strategy, and support updating the strategy at its renewal. To scan the horizon for changes of policy, practice or demand to help ensure that the JIC understands the wider policy context for its work and frames its vision in the context of long-term global demands. To work with staff across JIC to prepare credible policy positions on topics which impact JIC research, researchers or translation of our research. To provide responses to relevant consultations and calls for evidence. To plan and deliver effective public affairs strategies to inform and influence policy makers on priority topics. To organise public affairs events and meetings with policy-makers and collaborators. To work closely with partner organisations on joint policy projects, including partners on the Norwich Research Park, at other BBSRC funded institutes and other relevant organisations across the sector. To ensure professional support for staff in their delivery of policy and public affairs through timely briefings, training and advice. To work with the Communications and Engagement team to convey accurate and engaging messages about the JIC’s policy positions externally – to the public, journalists and other stakeholders As agreed with line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the role.
Person Profile
Education & Qualifications
Requirement Importance A degree in a relevant subject or equivalent experience Essential A postgraduate degree in a relevant area Desirable
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
Requirement Importance A developed understanding of the research policy environment Essential Broad scientific awareness across subjects and disciplines relevant to the work of JIC Essential Effective project management Essential An understanding of the research environment Desirable
Requirement Importance Experience of successfully engaging with the UK government and its agencies or experience of working within UK Government and its agencies Essential Experience of effectively managing multiple stakeholder interfaces, successfully building relationships Essential Experience of engaging with complex scientific content and communicating it effectively for non-scientific audiences Essential Experience of writing policy reports or briefings Essential Excellent planning and organisational skills with demonstrated ability to effectively manage competing priorities/deadlines Essential Experience of working with researchers to draw up policy positions Desirable Experience of working on the science/policy interface Desirable Experience of working with communications teams to achieve strategic policy outcomes Desirable
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
Requirement Importance Outstanding written communication skills Essential Experience of working collaboratively with stakeholders at all levels including with senior leadership team Essential Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and influence at all levels Essential Able to present a positive image of self and the institute Essential
Additional Requirements
Requirement Importance Attention to detail Essential Promotes equality and values diversity Essential This is an outward-facing post and may involve travel within the UK to engage with stakeholders Essential Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required Essential Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the John Innes Centre, ensuring it is a great place to work Essential
Who We Are
The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial genetics, carrying out fundamental and strategic research, to train scientists and making our findings available to society.
Our research makes use of a wide range of disciplines in the biological and chemical sciences including; cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics and molecular biology.
We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive working environment for all. We have a diverse and multicultural scientific community and thrive on our European and international links, appointing staff from across the world. Any candidate who would like further information on current or anticipated immigration requirements can contact the HR Team on +44 (0)1603 450888 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk.
We are proud to hold a prestigious Athena SWAN Gold award , recognising the impact of our work in promoting gender equality in science. We are also a proud member of the Stonewall Diversity Champion’s programme , a founding signatory of the Tecnician Commitment and, as a Disability Confident employer, guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.
We are an equal opportunities employer, actively supporting inclusivity and diversity. As a Disability Confident organisation, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. We are proud to hold a prestigious Athena SWAN Gold award , recognising the impact of our work in promoting gender equality in science. We are also a proud member of the Stonewall Diversity Champion’s programme , a founding signatory of the Tecnician Commitment and, as a Disability Confident employer, guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.
We are proud to hold a prestigious Stonewall Diversity Champion’s programme , as a foundation signatory in the Tecnician Commitment and, as a Disability Confident employer, guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.
We are proud to hold a prestigious Stonewall Diversity Champion’s programme , as a foundation signatory of the Tecnician Commitment and, as a Disability Confident employer, guarantee to offer an interview...
Interviews will be held on 26 November 2026.
Please note, this post does not meet UKVI requirements to provide visa sponsorship.
The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852), limited by guarantee (registered in England No. 511709).
Policy and Public Affairs Manager
Salary: £47,450 - £58,000 per annum depending on qualifications and experience
Contract: 36 months, full-time
Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK
Closing date: 15 November 2026
Reference: 1006225
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Policy and Public Affairs Manager to join the Strategic Engagement team at the John Innes Centre.
About the John Innes Centre:
The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial sciences. We nurture a creative, curiosity-led approach to answering fundamental questions in bioscience, and translate that knowledge into societal benefits. Our strategic vision, Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet, sets out our ambitious long-term goals for the game changing impact of our science globally – driving a step change in agricultural productivity, developing new products from plants and microbes and ensuring that agriculture is sustainable in the face the climate emergency. ...
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Policy and Public Affairs Manager in Norwich employer: John Innes Centre
The John Innes Centre is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration in the field of plant and microbial sciences. Employees benefit from access to cutting-edge technology, diverse training opportunities, and a commitment to personal and professional growth, all within a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusivity. Located in Norwich, the Centre not only promotes a family-friendly workplace but also actively engages in initiatives that inspire the next generation through science, making it a rewarding place to contribute to meaningful societal impacts.
