Job Overview
This vacancy is open to all Civil Service employees and employees of accredited non‑departmental public bodies (NDPBs) who were appointed on merit following a fair and open competition or through an exception in the Civil Service Commissioners' rules.
Role Details
Position: Strategic Communications Specialist
Function: Communications & Engagement Function within the Enablement group.
Location: 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf London, E14 4PU. This role can only be worked in the UK.
Type: Full‑time, permanent.
Working: Flexible hybrid – a minimum of 8 days per month in the office, up to 12 days depending on business needs; remainder remote.
About the Agency
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) enhances and improves the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research. Our Communications and Engagement Function is a multi‑award‑winning team that consistently delivers value and supports the Agency’s mission.
What’s the role?
- Lead delivery of complex communications strategies across major programmes and priorities, supporting organisational priorities.
- Develop and drive communications for a high‑profile programme to improve how patients access and understand information.
- Lead communications for a major business and digital transformation programme.
Key responsibilities
- Developing and delivering integrated communications plans aligned to programme and organisational objectives.
- Providing expert communications advice to senior leaders, programme teams and wider internal and cross‑government stakeholders.
- Planning and managing the delivery of communications activity across media, digital and stakeholder channels.
- Creating high‑quality content including messaging, engagement and briefing materials.
Who are we looking for?
- Communicating and Influencing – Excellent written and oral communication, influencing, and challenging staff and external contacts at all levels.
- Managing a Quality Service – Experience of maintaining multiple projects/programmes while mitigating risks and proactively identifying solutions.
- Demonstrable track record of developing communications and engagement strategies and delivering complex projects/programmes and campaigns using a range of communications tools.
- Excellent experience in engaging and mapping key stakeholders to communicate key messages, with a customer‑service focus.
Person Specification
Behaviour Criteria
- Communicating and Influencing – excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and challenge at all levels.
- Managing a Quality Service – experience of maintaining multiple projects/programmes while ensuring risks are mitigated and proactively identifying solutions.
Experience Criteria
- Track record of developing communications and engagement strategies and delivering complex projects/programmes and campaigns.
- Experience in engaging and mapping stakeholders to communicate key messages, demonstrating positive customer service.
- Proven ability to work well under pressure in a complex business and political environment.
Technical Criteria
- A relevant qualification and membership of CIM, CIPR or other professional body, desirable.
- Knowledge and understanding of the health or regulatory landscape, desirable.
Communications Specialist – Strategic Communications employer: Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Canary Wharf, London. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the agency provides opportunities for professional development and collaboration with leading experts in healthcare and research. The hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance, while the agency's focus on innovation and public health ensures that employees contribute to meaningful projects that enhance the well-being of millions.
Contact Details:
Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency Recruitment Team
