Partnerships Policy Lead

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.

Partnerships Policy Lead – International Function

This is a full‑time opportunity, on a permanent promotion basis. The role will be based in 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf London, E14 4PU. We are currently implementing a flexible, hybrid way of working, with a minimum of 8 days per month working on site to enable 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.

Who are we looking for?

Oursuccessful candidate will:

• Communicate and influence
• Deliver at pace
• Work together
• See the big picture
• Have experience in a relevant area of the civil service

Key responsibilities

• Lead on elements of the development and implementation of work plans for specific streams of activity under the programme of work, and organise the biannual CEO meetings.
• Convenient cross‑Agency working and strategy groups to develop, refine and implement changes required to MHRA’s operational model.
• Lead the Agency’s relationship with key regulatory agencies, providing advice and ensuring the delivery of programmes of high‑priority work through briefings and bilateral meetings.
• Act as the lead point of contact for coordinating MHRA’s overall response to incoming reactive requests for assistance and/or expertise from international partners and/or UK government departments.

Person specification

Behaviour Criteria

• Seeing the big picture (A, I)
• Working together (A, I)
• Communicating and influencing (A, I)
• Delivering at pace (A, I)

Experience Criteria

• Experience in a relevant area in the civil service or other organisations, giving an understanding of working in the public sector and experience with a varied portfolio of work. (A, I)

Assessment process

Method of assessment: A = application, T = test, I = interview, P = presentation.

Online application form includes questions based on the behaviour, experience and technical success profiles. 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.

In the instance that we receive a high number of applications, we will hold an initial sift based on the lead criteria of candidates demonstrating the behaviour of delivering at pace.

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 the application 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.

Disability related adjustments

If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk as soon as possible.

Dates

Closing date: 11 th January 2026

Shortlisting date: from 12 th January 2026

Interview date: from 19 th January 2026

If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questions, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk.

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.

Security Checks

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.

Vaccination and Health Surveillance

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.

Additional Screening

Applicants who are successful at interview will be subject to pre‑employment screening and 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.

Other Information

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.

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

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, you should contact Florentina Oyelami at Florentina.Oyelami@mhra.gov.uk.

Agency Overview

The agency consists of c.1300 staff working across two main centres and peripatetically across the UK and abroad. The agency is made up of Corporate, Digital & Technology, Enablement, Healthcare Quality & Access, Partnerships, Safety & Surveillance and Scientific Research & Innovation.