At a Glance
- Tasks: Research and draft impactful policies to enhance women's health across the UK.
- Company: Join RCOG, a leader in women's healthcare advocacy and professional development.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25 days leave, free lunch, and a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in women's health while collaborating with passionate professionals.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy roles, strong communication skills, and a commitment to equity in healthcare.
- Other info: Hybrid role based in London with opportunities for personal growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a talented Policy and Public Affairs Officer to join our team. This position is based in the Policy and Public Affairs department and the team sits under the Executive Director of External Affairs. In this role, you will research and draft high-quality policy work and strategically engage stakeholders across the sector, including MPs and the Government to disseminate evidence-based policy positions and solutions to improve women’s health across the UK.
Responsibilities:
- Research, develop and draft high-quality policies, policy briefings, reports and position statements
- Build collaborative relationships with teams across the College and with external partners
- Support our Public Affairs work, including monitoring the political environment and opportunities, developing briefings and coordinating events and meetings
- Support the effective functioning of the Policy and Public Affairs team, championing the College’s mission and values across all of our work.
About you
We are looking for a driven and passionate policy professional to join our Policy and Public Affairs team to help to develop and disseminate evidence-based policy positions and solutions to improve women’s health across the UK. This position is well-suited to a proactive and detail-oriented individual who is capable of working across a range of policies that impact women and girls.
You will report directly to the Policy Manager and will provide support to the wider Policy and Public Affairs team, contributing to the effective functioning of the team and advancing the work of the RCOG to ensure we continue to be at the forefront of policy debates which affect women’s health. If you are committed to making a real difference to the health of women and girls and have a well-developed understanding of policy development in the healthcare sector and how to influence in political spaces, we would be excited to hear from you.
Requirements:
- Demonstrable experience of working in a policy or public affairs role, with an understanding of Government systems and Parliament
- Effective interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build rapport and influence stakeholders at all levels
- High-quality research and writing skills, with the ability to analyse complex information quickly and convey information clearly
- Successful track record of working across multiple priorities and meeting tight deadlines
- A collaborative mindset with commitment to equity in healthcare and the values of the RCOG.
As a key member of the team, you will be located in our offices in London Bridge. The role will be hybrid with flexibility to work from home but with a requirement to come into the office and travel to Parliament as and when is needed. We offer a friendly, values-led working culture with an excellent benefits package that includes:
- Agile and flexible working environment and free lunch onsite
- 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and office closure from 25 December to 1 January
- 10% pension contribution after probation
- Enhanced wellbeing and family support
- Interest-free bike and season ticket loans after probation
- Tailored Learning and Development and study leave
- Affinity staff networks
- Life assurance and income protection schemes
- Lifestyle discounts
For a full list of the benefits we offer, please visit our careers site.
How to apply
Click on Apply to be taken to our recruitment platform, Applied. Please visit our careers website to download the full Job pack.
Closing date: 10.00 am on Monday 16 June 2025. We encourage candidates to apply early and reserve the right to close the advert and appoint before the closing date. Please note that the start date for this role is August 2025.
If you have any additional questions about the role or how to apply, please contact the People Team.
We believe that diverse teams will deliver the best outcomes for women's healthcare and we strive to be an inclusive employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly encourage candidates from underrepresented groups, including those from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds and people with disabilities. To find out more, please see our Diversity Policy and Equal Opportunities Policy.
If you require any adjustments to apply for this role or need the job advert in an alternative format, please contact us. We are happy to support with reasonable adjustments to accommodate individual needs throughout the recruitment process.
Please note: We are only accepting applicants with a right to work in the UK; we are unable to sponsor people requiring a work visa.
About us
The RCOG is a professional membership association dedicated to improving women’s health care across the world. We do this by setting standards for clinical practice, providing doctors with training and lifelong learning, and working with partners to advocate for women’s health and health care across their life course. We are a global leader in this specialist area, supporting 17,500 members in the UK and internationally. We are a values-led organisation placing high standards, innovation, openness, inclusiveness and trust at the centre of all we do.
Policy and Public Affairs Officer employer: RCOG - Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Contact Detail:
RCOG - Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy and Public Affairs Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with current policies and issues affecting women's health in the UK. This will not only help you understand the context of the role but also enable you to engage in informed discussions with stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the policy and public affairs sector, especially those focused on healthcare. Attend relevant events or webinars to build connections that could provide insights and opportunities related to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the political landscape and any upcoming legislation that may impact women's health. This knowledge will be crucial when discussing policy positions and engaging with MPs and government officials.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your collaborative mindset by seeking out volunteer opportunities or projects that involve working with diverse teams. This experience will showcase your ability to build relationships and champion equity in healthcare.
We think you need these skills to ace Policy and Public Affairs Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in policy and public affairs. Focus on your research, writing skills, and any previous roles that involved stakeholder engagement, especially in healthcare.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for improving women's health and how your background aligns with the role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your understanding of government systems and your ability to influence stakeholders.
Showcase Research Skills: Provide examples of high-quality policy work you have done in the past. Highlight your ability to analyse complex information and convey it clearly, as this is crucial for the role.
Demonstrate Collaborative Mindset: Emphasise your experience working collaboratively with teams and external partners. Share instances where you built relationships to achieve common goals, particularly in a policy context.
How to prepare for a job interview at RCOG - Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
✨Know Your Policy Stuff
Make sure you brush up on current policies affecting women's health in the UK. Be prepared to discuss recent developments and how they relate to the role, as this will show your passion and understanding of the sector.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Since the role involves engaging with various stakeholders, practice how you would approach building relationships with MPs and other key figures. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully influenced or collaborated with others.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your research and writing abilities. You might be asked to analyse a piece of policy or draft a brief during the interview, so have examples ready that highlight your analytical skills and clarity in communication.
✨Emphasise Your Collaborative Mindset
The job requires working across teams, so be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated in previous roles. Share specific instances where teamwork led to positive outcomes, especially in high-pressure situations.