Policy and Public Affairs Officer in London

Policy and Public Affairs Officer in London

London Full-Time 36345 - 43110 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Turn evidence into influence and support modern universities' interests.
  • Company: Join MillionPlus, a champion for the UK's modern universities.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 27 days leave, and a competitive salary.
  • Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in higher education policy and public affairs.
  • Qualifications: Relevant degree or experience in policy, research, or public affairs.

The predicted salary is between 36345 - 43110 £ per year.

Turn evidence into influence - and help champion the UK's modern universities Million Plus is looking for an experienced, proactive Policy and Public Affairs Officer to join our small, high-impact team.

You will track the political and higher education landscape, turn complex policy and data sets into clear and accurate insight, and help to inform persuasive papers, briefings, reports and campaigns that strengthen the voice of modern universities.

Million Plus champions the contribution of the UK's modern universities and represents its members shared interests.

You will play a pivotal role supporting our Head of Policy & Research in the delivery of our policy and research strategy; and assist our Head of Public Affairs in advocating for the interests of modern universities, and Million Plus members in particular, to parliamentarians, government officials and key sector stakeholders.

What you'll do

  • Monitor policy, political and parliamentary developments and flag risks and opportunities quickly.
  • Analyse qualitative and quantitative evidence, identify trends and translate findings into reasoned, accurate and accessible insight.
  • Produce clear data visualisations (tables, charts, graphs, key statistics) and collate institutional case studies for inclusion in reports, campaigns and social media.
  • Draft and contribute to high-quality, evidence-led, policy and parliamentary briefings, meeting papers, consultation responses and research reports for a broad range of audiences.
  • Support stakeholder engagement with member universities, government, parliamentarians and higher education sector bodies.
  • Help deliver public affairs activity, events and meetings, including agendas, papers, minutes and follow-up actions.
  • What you'll bring
  • A relevant degree and/or substantial experience in policy, research or public affairs.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to make complex information clear, reasoned and compelling.
  • Strong research, policy and data-analysis skills, including confidence gathering evidence and producing clear visualisations.
  • First-rate organisation: you can manage a busy workload with competing priorities, meet deadlines and keep projects and activities on track.
  • Sound judgement and initiative - you work effectively on your own and know when to seek guidance.
  • Confident relationship-building skills with senior colleagues, stakeholders and officials.
  • The resilience and professionalism to thrive in a busy, collaborative small-team environment.
  • Experience taking accurate minutes and action notes, plus a working knowledge of Microsoft 365, including Word, Excel and Outlook.
  • A clear commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and enthusiasm for evidence-led policy that advances a cause.
  • It would be an advantage if you have Experience in a membership organisation or the higher education sector.
  • Experience monitoring and analysing higher education policy and parliamentary developments.
  • Knowledge of data-analysis tools such as Power BI or an equivalent platform.

What we offer

  • A full-time, permanent role with meaningful exposure to UK higher education policy and public affairs.
  • Hybrid working, with office attendance in London on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and home working on the remaining days, subject to business needs.
  • 27 days' annual leave, plus bank holidays and seven university closure days.
  • The opportunity to make a visible contribution in a supportive, fast-moving team.
  • £36,345 to £43,110 p. a. inclusive of London Allowance
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Policy and Public Affairs Officer in London employer: London Metropolitan University

London Metropolitan University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises diversity and collaboration. As an Associate Lecturer, you will not only have the opportunity to shape the next generation of educators but also benefit from professional development and support in a dynamic academic environment located in the heart of London.

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Contact Details:

London Metropolitan University Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Policy and Public Affairs Officer in London

Dive into Local Government Events

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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 London Metropolitan University 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 Policy and Public Affairs Officer in London

Policy Analysis
Public Affairs
Data Analysis
Evidence Gathering
Clear Communication
Report Writing
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 London Metropolitan University 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 London Metropolitan University

Get to Know Public Sector Values

Before your interview with London Metropolitan University, 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 London Metropolitan University.