Associate Consultant, Public Affairs

Associate Consultant, Public Affairs

Full-Time 42750 - 52250 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
L

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support client accounts by monitoring political developments and providing insightful analysis.
  • Company: Lexington, a leading strategic communications consultancy with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, cycle to work scheme, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Hybrid working model with a vibrant office in Holborn, London.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make an impact in public affairs while developing your career.
  • Qualifications: 1-2 years experience in politics, public affairs, or communications with strong analytical skills.

The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.

Lexington is a leading strategic communications consultancy with offices in London and Manchester. We work with global businesses, organisations and institutions to deliver positive change and shape the future.

Public affairs is at the heart of Lexington. Our team works with clients across a wide range of sectors, helping them navigate complex political and policy environments, engage effectively with stakeholders, and influence decision-making. Our clients include organisations such as British Airways, Mars, The Football Association, Live Nation Ticketmaster and Anglian Water.

At Lexington, we believe in bringing together talented people who are curious, ambitious and collaborative. We foster a culture where people are supported to develop their skills, take ownership of their work and build meaningful careers.

We are looking for an Associate Consultant to join our growing Public Affairs team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with some experience in politics, public affairs, research, communications or a related field who is looking to take the next step in their career. Whether your experience comes from Westminster, government, a political party, a membership body, consultancy or an in-house role, we are interested in people who are passionate about politics and public policy and eager to develop their careers in consultancy.

As an Associate Consultant, you will play a key role in supporting client accounts across a variety of sectors. You will monitor political and policy developments, provide insightful analysis, support stakeholder engagement programmes and contribute to the delivery of integrated public affairs campaigns. You will work closely supporting your Consultants and other senior colleagues with account management and delivery. The role offers significant opportunities for learning and professional development, alongside exposure to some of the most interesting political, regulatory and reputational issues affecting businesses and organisations today.

Key responsibilities

  • Monitoring political, policy, media and commercial developments relevant to client interests
  • Analyse government announcements, consultations, legislation and parliamentary activity
  • Produce high-quality written materials including political briefings, stakeholder profiles, reports and client updates
  • Conduct research and provide insight to support client campaigns and engagement programmes
  • Support the development and delivery of stakeholder engagement plans
  • Help prepare clients for meetings, events, roundtables and parliamentary engagement
  • Contribute to client meetings and support in account delivery
  • Support new business activity through research, insight and proposal development
  • Build and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues, clients and external stakeholders

What we're looking for

We are seeking someone who combines strong political awareness with excellent communication skills and a genuine enthusiasm for public affairs. You'll be naturally curious, highly organised and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. You will be someone who enjoys understanding complex issues and translating them into clear, actionable advice for clients. You must have the legal right to work in the UK to be considered for this role.

Essential skills and experience

  • Some experience in a political, public affairs, policy, research or communications role (1-2 years)
  • Good understanding of UK politics, government and policymaking
  • Excellent written communication skills with strong attention to detail
  • Ability to analyse complex information and identify what matters most
  • Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing deadlines
  • A proactive and collaborative approach to work
  • Confidence working with a range of stakeholders and building professional relationships

Location

Our office is based in Holborn, London. We operate a hybrid working model and typically expect colleagues to spend at least three days per week in the office.

Benefits

  • Competitive salary
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • 25 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays)
  • Development voucher

Equal opportunities

At Lexington, we believe in creating an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. We pride ourselves on our inclusive culture, one based on collaboration, purpose and professional development at every level. Lexington is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, national origin, religion, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age or any other basis protected by law.

How to apply

For your application to be considered, we request that both your CV and a short cover note be sent to Chris.Thomson@lexcomm.co.uk. We intend to close applications on the 18th September. However, depending on the number of applications we receive, this may happen earlier.

Associate Consultant, Public Affairs employer: Lexington

Lexington is an exceptional employer for those looking to kickstart their career in public affairs, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment in the heart of Holborn. Interns benefit from hands-on experience in monitoring political developments while being supported by a friendly team that values collaboration and professional growth. With opportunities for mentorship and regular learning sessions, this role not only provides a competitive salary at the London Living Wage but also paves the way for potential future employment in a thriving consultancy.

L

Contact Details:

Lexington Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate Consultant, Public Affairs

Dive into Local Government Events

Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Lexington, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!

Join Relevant Networks

Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.

Utilise Your University’s Resources

If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Lexington and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.

Stay Updated with Government Initiatives

Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Associate Consultant, Public Affairs

Political Awareness
Communication Skills
Research Skills
Analytical Skills
Attention to Detail
Organisational Skills
Stakeholder Engagement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.

Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.

Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Lexington and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.

How to prepare for a job interview at Lexington

Get to Know Public Sector Values

Before your interview with Lexington, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.

Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge

Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.

Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration

The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!

Prepare Real-Life Examples

Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Lexington.