At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead policy development and public affairs strategies to protect children online.
- Company: Join the NSPCC, a leading voice for child safety in the UK.
- Benefits: Opportunities for growth, impactful work, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture focused on meaningful change for children.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives by influencing laws and policies.
- Qualifications: Strong public affairs skills, excellent communication, and policy development experience.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Every childhood is worth fighting for.
This is our belief.
It drives us.
And it motivates our Child Safety Online team to maintain our position as an influential and informed voice at every level.
Join us and lead progress that means more.
Context and background
The Policy and Social Change Directorate exists to ensure the laws, policies and systems that babies, children and young people need to protect them from abuse, harm and neglect are fit for purpose.
Grounded in evidence, and shaped by children's lived experience, we influence laws, policies and systems across the UK so they are effective in preventing, identifying and responding to abuse, harm and neglect.
Using our research and insights, our policy work sets out solutions and we challenge political decision-makers and those with power to make the changes children need – including through mobilising campaigners and supporters so children's safety is at the heart of public and political debates and babies, children and young people in the UK are protected from abuse, harm and neglect.
The Child Safety Online team works to influence laws and regulation, carry out research, and amplify children's views and experiences to help tackle the abuse and harm children and young people experience online.
Job purpose
We are seeking a Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer to play a leading role in the Child Safety Online team to ensure legislative and policy frameworks in England and the UK are fit for purpose in preventing online abuse and harm to children.
The Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer will lead the development of new policy positions and delivery of public affairs strategies to achieve regulatory, policy and legal change which tackles abuse and harm to children online.
This will involve evidence-based policy development, being responsible for thematic policy areas, and playing a key role in forming and delivering public affairs and influencing strategies.
You'll be able to demonstrate that you can hit the ground running and deliver high impact policy outputs and public affairs initiatives to ensure the NSPCC delivers real change in the best interests of children and continues to be seen as a credible and authoritative voice on online harms.
Key duties and responsibilities include
- Develop and implement high impact public affairs and parliamentary strategies to support the delivery of our objectives to keep children safe online.
- Scope and deliver high quality, evidence-based policy outputs, developing innovative solutions to complex problems.
- Use strong project management skills to plan the delivery of policy development and aligned public affairs work, planning both your and colleagues' time effectively.
- Represent the NSPCC on relevant internal and external advisory groups, meetings, and stakeholder events.
Person specification
- Strong public affairs and influencing skills, including excellent knowledge of parliamentary processes, sound political judgement, and proven ability to influence and build support amongst a variety of stakeholders – including Parliamentarians, civil servants, and regulators.
- Excellent policy development skills, with demonstrable experience forming credible, evidence-based positions and producing policy outputs on complex and highly nuanced subject matter.
- Excellent communication skills including the ability to write clearly, concisely, and persuasively in a variety of formats for a range of audiences and very good oral presentation skills.
- Strong analytical skills with proven ability to collate data from various sources, analyse findings and present them clearly and accurately to make a clear and compelling case for policy and legislative change.
- Strong interpersonal skills to build and influence external networks and deal effectively and persuasively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Confidence in working as part of a team, with experience of working collaboratively with colleagues to help ensure the successful delivery of projects.
- Ability to work on own initiative with strong organisational and project management skills and demonstrable experience of delivering on competing priorities within a time-pressured environment.
- Knowledge of online safety policy and the current policy and regulatory landscape.
- Support for the NSPCC's mission and values.
Join us and you'll become part of a team that cares about the work they do and the people they work with.
You'll discover opportunities to grow, along with challenges and a shared purpose that'll bring the best out in you.
And you'll get to find your own way to make a difference that means more, and that impacts millions of young lives.
Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer in London employer: NSPCC
At NSPCC, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children across the UK. Our hybrid work model allows for flexibility while fostering a collaborative and supportive culture in our Shoreditch office, where you will have the opportunity to build your own pipeline of partnerships and contribute to transformative initiatives. With generous benefits, including 29 days of annual leave and a strong focus on employee wellbeing and development, joining our team means being part of a mission-driven organisation that values your growth and contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer in London
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like NSPCC, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like NSPCC and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for NSPCC and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at NSPCC
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with NSPCC, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for NSPCC.
