At a Glance
- Tasks: Influence public policy and advocate for people affected by MS in Scotland.
- Company: Join a vibrant charity dedicated to supporting the MS community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Remote work options available with a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while shaping important policies.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy development and strong communication skills required.
A high number of candidates may make applications for this position, so make sure to send your CV and application through as soon as possible.
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours a week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Home Based in Scotland
Salary: Starting from £26,384 per annum plus excellent benefits
Salary Band and Job Family: Band 1, Charity
You will start at our entry point salary of £26,384 per annum, increasing to £28,033 after 6 months service and satisfactory performance and to £29,682 after a further 6 months.
About us: We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus. Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research and provide award-winning support and information. Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. We offer a vibrant, progressive working environment where you'll be able to make a difference.
About this job: We’re looking for an enthusiastic and talented policy and public affairs professional to join our team. You should have experience of working to develop policy and have the ability to communicate our position to a wide range of audiences across Scotland. In this exciting role you will work with the MS community to influence change in public policy, continuing to make the case for improvements in the treatment, care and support of people affected by MS. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who understands the political and policy environment in Scotland, who has experience in external facing influencing roles, who is outcome-focused and delivers tangible results. The successful candidate will work closely with the MS community, the Scottish Policy and Communications team as well as key external partners such as MSPs and their teams.
Closing date for applications: 9:00 on Monday 1st of June
Equal Opportunities: We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and or from ethnic minority backgrounds. We’d be grateful if you downloaded and completed the equality and diversity monitoring form and submit it with your application.
Disability Confident Employer: We’re a Disability Confident Employer and we’re committed to promoting equality and diversity. You can ask for reasonable adjustments as part of both our recruitment and new starter onboarding processes. If you need any help or adjustments to apply for this role, please contact us. You can also ask for the application materials to be sent to you in a different format.
More about our employee benefits:
- Encouraging work-life balance
- 38 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), pro-rata for part-time
- More annual leave entitlement, based on length of employment
- Smart working options (with the opportunity to work remotely and find a smart working pattern that suits both you and us)
- Flexible working options
- Caring for you and your family
- Generous sick pay entitlement
- More sick pay entitlement, based on length of employment
- Opportunity to buy and sell annual leave in each calendar year
- Free access to a GP virtually 24 hours a day/7 days a week
- Enhanced leave for new parents
- Free access to a confidential 24 hours a day/7 days a week helpline service for both you and your family
- Special leave options (such as up to 5 days paid leave for domestic or personal emergencies a year)
- 10 days paid disability leave a year, pro-rata for part-time
- 10 days paid carers’ leave a year, pro-rata for part-time
- Cycle to work scheme
- Death in service scheme
- New family-friendly benefits, including paid leave for miscarriage or stillbirth, fertility treatments, and antenatal appointments for both parents
Thinking about your finances:
- Enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme
- Discounted season ticket loan and interest-free emergency loans
- Give as you earn to support other charities of your choice before tax
- New employee portal including lifestyle savings vouchers and personal wellbeing
Enriching your life at work:
- Personalised development plans with a wide range of training courses
- Yearly internal apprenticeship opportunities
- New, modern offices that embrace working together both in-person and remotely
- Various opportunities to influence how we internally operate
- Active and supportive internal employee networking groups for collaboration and peer support
- 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering for MS Society activities during normal working hours
- 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering with other charities
Safeguarding: We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses our services. We recognise our particular responsibility to make sure vulnerable adults and children are protected.
Your right to work in the UK: You must have the right to work in the UK to work in paid employment with us. You’ll need to share documents showing you’re eligible to work in the UK if we offer you employment. We currently don’t have a Sponsor Licence agreement with the Home Office and aren’t able to support you with your visa applications.
Remote working/work at home options are available for this role.
Policy and Public Affairs Officer (Scotland) employer: MS Society UK
As a leading charity dedicated to supporting individuals affected by MS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values our people as our greatest asset. Our vibrant and progressive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering generous benefits such as flexible working options, extensive annual leave, and tailored development plans. With a commitment to equality and diversity, we provide a supportive environment where you can truly make a difference in the lives of others while enjoying a fulfilling career from the comfort of your home in Scotland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy and Public Affairs Officer (Scotland)
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to people in the MS community and related fields. Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups to connect with potential colleagues and influencers. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect job!
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Research organisations like ours and reach out directly. Express your interest in working with us and share how your skills can make a difference. A little initiative goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by knowing our mission inside out. Familiarise yourself with our work and the challenges faced by the MS community. This will help you articulate how you can contribute to our goals and show that you’re genuinely passionate about the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in the interviewer's mind. It’s also a great chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the position and remind them why you’re the right fit for the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Policy and Public Affairs Officer (Scotland)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your CV Spot On:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Policy and Public Affairs Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience in policy development and public affairs, and don’t forget to showcase your communication skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about working with the MS community and how your background makes you the perfect fit for this role.
Showcase Your Understanding of Scotland's Political Landscape:Since this role is all about influencing change in public policy, make sure to demonstrate your knowledge of Scotland’s political environment. Mention any relevant connections or experiences that could help us in our mission.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at MS Society UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the current policies and public affairs relevant to MS in Scotland. Research recent developments, key stakeholders, and the political landscape. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also your commitment to making a difference.
✨Tailor Your Examples
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to influence policy and engage with diverse audiences. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly and effectively.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your passion for supporting the MS community shine through. Share why this role matters to you personally and how you envision contributing to the organisation’s mission. Authenticity can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, upcoming projects, or how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the organisation is the right fit for you.
