Public Affairs Officer in London

About the Natural Source Waters Association

The Natural Source Waters Association (NSWA) is the trade association representing natural source water producers in the UK as well as leading importers, across regulatory, health and environmental matters. Natural source waters come from protected underground sources and must be safe to drink from source as they cannot be chemically treated, unlike tap water which comes from a variety of sources, such as reservoirs and rivers, and undergoes an industrial process to make it safe to drink. They are classed as Natural Mineral Waters, Spring Waters or Bottled Drinking Waters. Natural source waters provide the healthiest drink on the shelf with the lowest environmental footprint of all soft drinks. Members of the Natural Source Waters Association are instrumental in protecting 350,000 acres of land in the United Kingdom, the equivalent of the Peak District National Park.

The role will report into Senior Communications Manager in delivering the Natural Source Waters Associations strategic goals. These include a focus on raising the profile of the NSWA as well as delivering our objectives on health and sustainability among policymakers.

The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years' relevant public affairs experience.

• Role requirements
• Sound knowledge of the UK policy landscape, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of parliamentary processes and government structures.
• Proven experience in parliamentary, political, or public policy environments, effectively navigating political dynamics to help drive impactful initiatives.
• Ability to quickly grasp emerging policy issues, assessing their relevance and implications for the NSWA and its members, ensuring timely and informed responses.
• Expertise in stakeholder mapping and engagement, including ability to develop relationships and collaboration across diverse sectors.
• Proficient in social media management, particularly on platforms such as X and LinkedIn, leveraging digital tools to enhance organisational visibility and engagement.
• Exceptional organisational skills, adept at planning and executing meetings and events that align with strategic objectives, ensuring seamless operations.
• Outstanding time management capabilities, balancing multiple tasks efficiently while maintaining high standards of quality.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to build and nurture strong relationships with stakeholders.
• Exceptional presentation skills, proficient in crafting and delivering compelling narratives through written and visual communication.
• Responsive and adaptable, demonstrating a proactive approach to managing diverse tasks and adjusting to changing priorities effectively.
• Strong team player, capable of working independently while contributing positively to team dynamics and group objectives, fostering a collaborative environment.

• Main responsibilities
• Policy scanning: Manage and maintain the policy tracker and events calendar, being proactive and thinking strategically to seek out opportunities for the category.
• Carry out ad hoc research activities and data analysis, to support the development of NSWA's policy focus.
• Stakeholder tracking: Monitor key stakeholders for developments in their activity both online and offline, thinking strategically in seeking opportunities for engagement, to help raise the profile of our organisation and objectives.
• Campaign management: Draft submissions for Government health and environmental consultations, draft briefing papers for stakeholder meetings and policy announcements/developments, create supporting campaign materials with agency support.
• Social media and website management: Devising and implementing social media plans (X and LinkedIn focused) working with the Public Affairs agency to ensure alignment with key events, content creation and publication, reporting against measurable targets for review with manager and members, website management: updates and uploads.
• Meetings and events: Events organisation/administration (working with agency) and attendance at relevant parliamentary/political events, support in the management and logistics for NSWA events, diarise annual calendar of members' meetings, manage and deliver efficient, well-prepared meetings for NSWA, including agenda drafting, minute-taking and presenting.
• Media monitoring: Monitor daily media alerts for potential opportunities and issues for the category and work with Senior Communications Manager to prepare responses.
• Relationship management of service providers i.e. media monitor, public affairs monitor, website host, IT support.

Please send a CV and cover letter outlining your experience to kinvara@naturalsourcewaters.org.uk. Applications close 3 July for interviews week commencing 13 July.