Partnerships Policy Advisor in London

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 were appointed to a permanent post through an exception in the Civil Service Commissioners' rules.

We are currently looking for a Partnerships Policy Advisor (NHS) to join our National Partnerships Function within the Partnerships group. This is a full-time opportunity, on a fixed term contract basis until 5th August 2026. The role will be based in 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf London, E14 4PU.

Government departments and agencies are working towards implementing a minimum 60% attendance in office sites. We are currently implementing a flexible, hybrid way of working, with a minimum of 8 days per month working on site to enable the collaboration and contact with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. Attendance on site is driven by business needs so depending on the nature of the role, this can flex up to 12 days a month, with the remainder of time worked either remotely or in the office. Some roles will need to be on site more regularly. Remote working is potentially available for some specific roles. Please discuss this with the recruiting manager before accepting an appointment.

Who are we? The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research. The Partnerships Group takes responsibility for the development of the MHRA's national and international partnerships; for developing a new underpinning legal regime for medicines and medical devices; and for establishing a Partnership function in support to MHRA's wider business development functions. The Group will focus on areas which are of central importance to the Agency's future, contributing to the NHS and priority public health objectives; delivering the Government's Life Sciences Vision and Innovation Strategy; and ensuring continued global leadership through the development of new international partnerships.

What's the role? The aim of this role is to ensure that work within the Partnerships Group supports a holistic approach reflective of relationships with stakeholders to promote an agile and responsive relationship with the wider health ecosystem. There will be real emphasis on delivering together, cross-Group working, alongside communication and influencing with cross-UK partners. This role will be key in providing links between teams and across the Agency and with external stakeholders, as key points of contact, and knowledge that will help shape the support that Partnerships provides to maintain an adaptive and agile approach to our role in the health and care system. There will be great opportunities to support collaboration with experts across MHRA and other health organisations and tackle high profile issues which have an impact on public health, patients, and industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinating national forums for medicines and medical devices, including building a strategic approach to engaging with key partners to deliver outcomes for Horizon Scanning and Information Sharing Working Groups.
• Leading on the management and development of key agreements with UK health system partners and monitor progress of strategic outcomes.
• Leading on or contributing to advice and briefings for senior agency staff.
• Acting as lead contact and expert on key national bilateral partners for the MHRA, including building relationships with UK health system partners including the NHS, supporting the development and delivery of cooperative work plans.
• Support with a broad range of ad hoc queries and issues from external stakeholders, ministerial offices, and Cross-UK partners.

Who are we looking for?

Our successful candidate will have:

• Experience in a relevant area in the civil service or other organisations, which give understanding of working in public sector.
• Desirable: Previous experience working in health, life sciences or regulation environment.

Person Specification

Method of assessment: A=Application, I=Interview

Behaviour Criteria

• Seeing the Big Picture (A, I)
• Communicating and Influencing (A, I)
• Working Together (A, I)
• Delivering at Pace (A, I)

Experience Criteria

• Experience in a relevant area in the civil service or other organisations, which give understanding of working in public sector (A, I)
• Desirable: Previous experience working in health, life sciences or regulation environment (A, I)

Strengths Criteria

• Relationship Builder (I)
• Team Player (I)

If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification.

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The Selection Process

We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates. Online application form, including a statement of suitability, of no more than 750 words demonstrating how you meet the person specification. Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank. Our applications are CV blind, and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application. Please ensure not to include any personal identifying information on your supporting information.

Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles. Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessary skills and experience for the role. Applications are scored based on the statement of suitability provided. You can view the criteria for this role in the job description.

Use of AI in Job Applications

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process, please contact as soon as possible.

Closing date: 25th February 2026

Shortlisting date: from 2nd March 2026

Interview date: from 9th March 2026

If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questions, please contact.

Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here.

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check as well as animal rights and pro-life activism checks. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.

Role

Certain roles within the MHRA will require post holders to have vaccinations, and in some circumstances, routine health surveillance. These roles include:

• Laboratory-based roles working directly with known pathogens
• Maintenance roles, particularly those required to work in laboratory settings
• Roles that involve visiting other establishments where vaccination is required
• Roles required to travel overseas where specific vaccination may be required.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant's details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

Any move to the MHRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility here.

Individuals appointed on level transfer will retain their existing salary and are responsible for ensuring they fully understand the financial implications of any potential move and the impact (if any) on their terms. If an individual is in any doubt, they should seek clarification before accepting a job offer.

Staff joining on promotion will receive up to a 10% increase of their current basic salary, or the pay band minimum, whichever is the greater. The individual will not retain any allowances paid by the former department/Agency, unless there are special circumstances, such as a reserved right to those allowances on transfer.

Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements. If you have any queries, please contact.

In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners' Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment on the basis of merit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact the MHRA Recruitment Team.

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: Civil Service Commission Room G/81 Horse Guards Road London SW1A 2HQ.

About Us

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research. The agency is made up of c.1300 staff working across two main centres and peripatetically across the UK and abroad. The agency consists of Corporate, Digital & Technology, Enablement, Healthcare Quality & Access, Partnerships, Safety & Surveillance and Scientific Research & Innovation.