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- Tasks: Assist in developing policy and conducting research on emerging issues in communications.
- Company: Ofcom is the UK’s communications regulator, shaping how we stay connected.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the telecoms and media sectors while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy-making or horizon scanning is essential; strong communication skills are a must.
- Other info: Open to applicants from all backgrounds, including those returning to work after a break.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Ofcom Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
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Ofcom Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
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Please note that this role will close at 00:01 on Tuesday 26 August, and therefore we advise getting your application in by no later than midnight on Monday 25 August.
About Ofcom
As the UK’s communications regulator, we’re delivering vital work that helps keep the UK connected and shapes the future of how we’ll stay connected with each other.
Our work covers everything from phones and broadband, through to TV, radio, the postal service, wireless devices and making the online world a safer place. And we need people of all backgrounds, skill sets, and experiences to help us achieve our goal of making communications work for everyone.
About the team you’ll be part of
The Strategy & Policy team is responsible for setting Ofcom’s overarching strategy and driving the direction of Ofcom’s work across all the sectors it regulates. We undertake horizon-scanning, from thinking about what the development of the next-generation of wireless technologies and generative AI means for the communications sector, to assessing the future of TV distribution. We anticipate the future for the online world and the communications sectors, so that Ofcom can rise to the challenge that the digital transformation poses to making communications work for everyone. We draw insights from research and analysis of the sectors we regulate to ensure that Ofcom has the right evidence to prioritise work and make decisions. We work collaboratively across Ofcom, helping teams to think strategically about policy outcomes, making the most of Ofcom’s research and insights.
We do this by:
- Providing market and policy insight – we work to understand what the telecoms, media and technology sectors will look like in the future to inform Ofcom’s policy work and strategic direction;
- Defining Ofcom’s corporate strategy – we work with senior management and the Board to define Ofcom’s future direction;
- Providing thought leadership on emerging policy issues – we work with other teams to establish Ofcom’s position on new or cross-cutting policy issues; and
- Driving Ofcom’s priority policy projects – we develop and steer major projects that set the future direction of regulation in our sectors.
The purpose and scope of the role
As an Associate in the team, you will help to steer the development of policy across Ofcom’s work, including in online safety, broadcasting, telecoms, spectrum and post. In doing so, you will conduct research and analysis to improve Ofcom’s understanding of emerging policy issues. You will lead the drafting of relevant documents for internal and external audiences to outline policy issues and implications (e.g. presentations to senior management, consultation documents for external audiences). You will contribute to the delivery of some of the team’s priority projects, and work with colleagues from across the organisation to develop consensus on Ofcom’s strategy, policy and future direction.
You will gain a breadth of experiences working across the teams’ functions on an exciting range of emerging policy issues in the telecoms, media and technology sectors. The work you do will have a real, long term impact in sectors that affect all of us.
Your Key Responsibilities
- Strategy development : You will assist in projects across the team\’s responsibilities, on tasks including carrying out research, preparing written outputs, coordinating inputs from relevant colleagues, and creating slide packs for presentation. You may also be asked to lead small projects or workstreams within projects.
- Problem solving: You will conduct research and apply evidence to develop strategies on a wide range of strategic issues including across our regulated sectors and related to the organisation’s strategic direction. You will think creatively about policy, commercial or corporate strategy problems and develop effective and evidence-based solutions to them.
- Time management : You will plan effectively and manage work to ensure the timely delivery of key outputs, with the ability to remain flexible in the face of change. This may at times extend to project management and the delegation of work to others.
- Scanning horizons : You will have an eagerness to learn about potential future developments in the telecoms, media and technology sectors. You will grasp the bigger picture and implications for Ofcom and share these insights with colleagues and potentially externally.
- Promotion of Ofcom\’s values: You will promote the Ofcom’s values of excellence, agility, empowerment, collaboration and respect in how you work.
The skills, knowledge and experience you’ll need for success
Candidates should be able to demonstrate experience in at least one of the following areas and should highlight this in their application:
- Policy-making
- Horizon Scanning
The key skills for this role are:
- Evaluating problems: ability to analyse evidence to evaluate a problem that has complex business, legal, economic, consumer and technology dimensions. Ability to think creatively about strategic problems and consider evidence-based solutions.
- Articulating ideas: excellent writing and verbal communication skills to explain the rationale and key messages in a clear and concise way. Ability to convey information and ideas effectively to varied audiences, tailoring messages as appropriate.
- Executing plans: planning and organisational skills to manage delivery across a variety of projects and workstreams, and incorporate insights from colleagues.
- Harmonising work: ability to build and maintain good working relationships with a broad range of colleagues across Ofcom and external stakeholders. Collaborate as part of a team to add value in partnership with others across the Strategy & Policy Team, Strategy & Research Group, and experts across Ofcom.
- Ability to take in and analyse evidence from different sources and produce high quality reports
Inclusivity Statement
Ofcom has a clear mission: to make communications work for everyone. To be able to deliver on this, we want our organisation to reflect the diversity of background, experience, upbringing and thought that exists across the UK. We aim to recruit from the widest pool of candidates possible – no matter your social background, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, or disability. We also warmly welcome applicants who are returning to the workforce after a break – for whatever reason. If you have taken time away and are ready to rejoin, we look forward to reviewing your application.
Where positions are listed as full-time, we remain open to reduced hours, part-time arrangements, job shares, and other flexible working options. From day one, we champion flexible work arrangements to accommodate individual needs. You can read more about our Rewards, Benefits and Well-being on our careers page.
Our recruitment processes prioritise accessibility and inclusivity. If you need adjustments, information in an alternative format, or prefer to apply in a different way, please contact us at or call 0330 912 1378.
As a Disability Confident Leader, we offer interviews to disabled applicants who meet essential criteria for advertised roles. Learn more about this scheme here.
Seniority level
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Seniority level
Associate
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
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Job function
Analyst
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Industries
Telecommunications and Broadcast Media Production and Distribution
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Associate, Strategy & Policy employer: Ofcom
Contact Detail:
Ofcom Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate, Strategy & Policy
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Ofcom's current policies and strategic initiatives. Understanding their recent projects and priorities will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the telecommunications and media sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with individuals who work at Ofcom or similar organisations, as they can provide valuable insights and potentially refer you for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on emerging trends in technology and policy-making. Being knowledgeable about topics like generative AI and online safety will allow you to contribute effectively to discussions and showcase your analytical skills during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your problem-solving approach. Be ready to share examples of how you've tackled complex issues in previous roles, particularly those that required a blend of creativity and evidence-based solutions, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities of the Associate role.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate, Strategy & Policy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and skills required for the Associate, Strategy & Policy position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences that align with these requirements.
Showcase Relevant Experience: Emphasise any experience you have in policy-making or horizon scanning. Provide specific examples of projects or tasks where you demonstrated your ability to analyse complex issues and develop strategic solutions.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that articulates your passion for the role and Ofcom's mission. Use clear and concise language to convey your ideas and ensure it reflects your understanding of the telecommunications and media sectors.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ofcom
✨Understand Ofcom's Mission
Before your interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of Ofcom's mission to make communications work for everyone. Familiarise yourself with their current projects and how the Strategy & Policy team contributes to this goal. This will show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
As an Associate, you'll be expected to conduct research and analysis. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully gathered and interpreted data to inform policy decisions. Be ready to discuss how you can apply these skills to the challenges Ofcom faces.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific instances where you've tackled complex problems, especially those involving multiple dimensions like legal, economic, or technological factors. Be prepared to explain your thought process and how you arrived at effective, evidence-based solutions.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Excellent communication is key for this role. Practice articulating your ideas clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. You might be asked to present your thoughts on a policy issue, so consider preparing a brief presentation to demonstrate your ability to convey information to varied audiences.
