At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead external engagement, manage press inquiries, and coordinate communication strategies.
- Company: Join the Office for Budget Responsibility, a key player in UK economic forecasting.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Diverse workforce encouraged; support available for any potential obstacles.
- Why this job: Work on high-profile issues with direct access to senior staff and impactful projects.
- Qualifications: No specific experience required; enthusiasm and willingness to learn are key.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 € per year.
Job Description
Are you looking for a new challenge, working in a small team with the flexibility to work across a range of high-profile issues? If so, we'd love to hear from you!
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) was established by the Chancellor in May 2010.
We provide official independent forecasts of the economy and public finances to inform the Government’s fiscal policy decisions, examine the impact of the Government policy decisions on the public finances, and assess the prospects for achieving the Government’s fiscal targets.
We publish reports on long-term fiscal sustainability, fiscal risks, and trends in welfare spending, and run a wider work programme of research and analysis into economic and fiscal issues.
The OBR is comprised of the Budget Responsibility Committee (BRC) who are currently supported by civil servants including economists, public finance analysts and business support staff.
As we are a small organisation with a flat structure, all roles offer direct exposure to senior staff and the opportunities to manage relationships with stakeholders across government and to project manage work programmes.
You would get the chance to work flexibly across a range of high-profile issues, responding to policy developments and other demands.
We encourage applications from candidates who may be concerned they have less experience in some of the desired criteria and recognise that gaps can be developed on-the-job.
The OBR is committed to having a diverse workforce that brings together the best people across government. If you have any concerns, we are happy to discuss any potential obstacles you think you might face.
About the Team
The Strategy, Operations and Communications team are responsible for the organisation and delivery of all the OBR’s publications, office management functions and internal and external communications. It is a central team that is directly involved in everything the OBR does, including liaison with our Treasury sponsor team, supporting the Budget Responsibility Committee and representing the department at international events.
About the Job
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing press, parliamentary and public enquiries: monitor and co-ordinate responses to all incoming enquiries across a wide range of analytical issues and stakeholders. This will include reactive and pro-active direct engagement with journalists, MPs, parliamentary committees, think tanks, international organisations and the public.
- Leading on FOI: work across the OBR to develop effective systems to ensure timely and accurate responses to requests for information, including drafting or coordinating responses, while providing expert advice on the application of FOI legislation to the BRC and staff across the office.
- Organising media contact for the Budget Responsibility Committee: deliver press conferences, media engagements and interviews alongside the OBR’s key publications, including the official forecast for the UK economy and public finances, which is published alongside the Government’s Budget.
- Leading on strategic engagement with external analytical stakeholders: co-ordinate regular engagement with the OBR’s external advisory panel, analytical roundtable contributors, international partners and sister organisations, and other stakeholders. This will require pro-active engagement across the OBR to identify useful and engaging areas of discussion.
- Contributing to the delivery of OBR outputs across multiple channels: ensure effective use of appropriate channels to make OBR publications accessible to a wide range of audiences, including our internally managed external website and social media.
About You
In the small communications function at the OBR you will work directly with senior leadership to promote good public understanding of our forecasts and other key outputs. This role will work with analysts across the OBR to maintain engagement with a range of important stakeholders. The breadth of the role will require a collaborative approach across the OBR by drawing on expertise from analysts and ensuring others understand their contribution to the communication strategy.
This role is expected to evolve in line with changes to the team structure in the next two years which might require increased focus on digital channels and/or broadening of the role to include line management, delivery and project management across other comms related areas of the office.
Some of the Benefits our people love!
- 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years), plus 8 public holidays and the King’s birthday (unless you have a legacy arrangement as an existing Civil Servant).
- Flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours)
- Access to a generous Defined Benefit pension scheme with employer contributions of 28.97%
- Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme and season ticket advances
- A range of active staff networks, based around interests (e.g. analysts, music society, sports and social club) and diversity
For more information about the role and how to apply, please follow the apply link.
If you need any reasonable adjustments to take part in the selection process, please tell us about this in your online application form, or speak to the recruitment team at hrrecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk
External Engagement Lead employer: OBR
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where employees can engage with high-profile economic issues while enjoying flexible working arrangements. With a commitment to diversity and professional development, the OBR provides ample opportunities for growth and collaboration within a small, supportive team, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land External Engagement Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Office for Budget Responsibility's recent publications and reports. Understanding their key outputs will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of public finance and communications. Attend relevant events or webinars where you can meet people who work at OBR or similar organisations, as personal connections can often lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current economic issues and government policies. Being well-informed will allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and showcase your ability to handle the analytical aspects of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with stakeholder engagement and communication strategies. Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed relationships or communicated complex information, as this is crucial for the External Engagement Lead position.
We think you need these skills to ace External Engagement Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the specific duties of the External Engagement Lead.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that not only introduces yourself but also explains why you are passionate about the role and how you can contribute to the OBR's mission. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your suitability.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, focus on showcasing your experience in managing communications, engaging with stakeholders, and handling public inquiries. Use quantifiable achievements to illustrate your impact in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for a role that involves communication.
How to prepare for a job interview at OBR
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the External Engagement Lead position. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, such as managing press enquiries and leading on FOI. This will help you articulate how your skills align with the role during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As this role involves significant interaction with various stakeholders, be prepared to demonstrate your communication skills. Share examples of how you've effectively engaged with different audiences in the past, whether through media engagements or public speaking.
✨Highlight Your Analytical Experience
Given the analytical nature of the OBR's work, be ready to discuss your experience with data analysis and how it informs decision-making. Provide specific examples of how you've used analytical skills to drive results in previous roles.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers. Inquire about the team's current projects, the challenges they face, or how they measure success in the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and the organisation.
