At a Glance
- Tasks: Support policy work and influence decision-makers for heart health in Scotland.
- Company: Join the British Heart Foundation, a leading charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on public health and engage with key stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of Scottish politics, strong communication skills, and a passion for policy.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
As a Policy and Public Affairs Officer, you’ll support the British Heart Foundation’s policy and public affairs work across Scotland, helping to influence decision-makers and advance our priorities.
Working within the Devolved Nations Policy and Public Affairs team, you’ll engage with the Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament, charity sector and clinical community to help deliver BHF’s objectives.
You’ll contribute to influencing plans, monitor political and policy developments, prepare high-quality briefings and consultation responses, and identify opportunities to raise awareness of issues affecting people with heart and circulatory diseases.
You’ll also help organise events, build relationships with key stakeholders and represent BHF at meetings, conferences and parliamentary events.
Working collaboratively across the organisation, you’ll help ensure BHF’s policy positions are evidence-based, relevant to Scotland and effectively communicated to a range of audiences.
About you As our ideal candidate, you’ll have: Knowledge of the political environment and devolved government in Scotland.
A strong interest in policy and public affairs, with relevant experience desirable.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues clearly.
Experience producing high-quality written content for a variety of audiences.
Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
Effective interpersonal and influencing skills, with the confidence to engage a range of stakeholders.
The ability to work independently whilst contributing positively as part of a team.
Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office, and a willingness to learn Microsoft 365 Copilot.
If you’re a proactive and collaborative individual with an interest in policy and public affairs, and you're looking to make a meaningful impact in the fight against heart and circulatory disease, we’d love to hear from you.
Belonging at BHF By embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment, we strengthen our ability to achieve our mission of saving and improving lives, ensuring our work reflects and serves the needs of every community across the UK.
Working arrangements This is an 18 month fixed term contract to cover an internal secondment.
This is a hybrid role, where your work will be split between your home and at least one day per week, on average, in our Edinburgh Office.
This may vary from time to time, so you will need to work in a flexible way to unlock your best work for our cause.
Benefits and development At BHF, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to support our colleagues’ wellbeing and professional growth.
Interview process The interview process may take place in-person or virtually via MS Teams. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Policy and Public Affairs Officer (Scotland) in Edinburgh employer: South West Community Chaplaincy
South West Community Chaplaincy is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and growth. As a Housekeeping Assistant at Galanos House, you will enjoy flexible hours, generous holiday allowances, and a fulfilling role that directly contributes to the quality of life for residents in Southam, Warwickshire.
Contact Details:
South West Community Chaplaincy Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy and Public Affairs Officer (Scotland) in Edinburgh
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Policy and Public Affairs Officer (Scotland) in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Community Chaplaincy
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from South West Community Chaplaincy.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show South West Community Chaplaincy that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
