Policy Officer

9 month FTC

My client is looking for an experienced Policy Officer to work with the Public Policy team in the delivery of education objectives for post 16 education awareness. You will work for this membership body who supports researchers and academic related professional services. Reporting into the Head of Equality and Policy - you will research, write and prepare presentation papers for committee meetings, policy makers, politicians, media and conferences.

Key objectives of role

• To contribute to the work of the public policy team in delivering on the union's professional and educational objectives for further, higher, adult and prison education.
• To produce accessible research and briefing material, either from commission or own inquiry, in order to promote the union's case to a wider audience, including politicians, policy makers and the media.
• To represent the company's policy to members and key external stakeholders, including through the preparation of consultation responses, contributing to conferences, as directed by the Head of Equality and Policy.
• To prepare briefing materials for senior officials and officers, as well as branches and members.
• To provide input to committees and other relevant union meetings, through the writing and presentation of papers and providing occasional administrative support for meetings.
• To liaise with colleagues in other teams, including the press, parliamentary, campaigns, further and higher education teams, as required.

Key skills/experience

• Familiarity with the structure of post-16 education in the UK and awareness of the main issues facing post-16 education.
• Experience of policy-related research and knowledge of research methods and data sourcing.
• Experience of effectively planning and organising workload (e.g. in order to meet deadlines).
• Experience of using Microsoft® applications to a level that ensures the effective fulfilment of the role.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively (verbally and in writing) at all levels.
• Commitment to, and ability to apply, the principles of equality and inclusion.
• Ability to positively contribute to the team and work supportively and collaboratively with colleagues.
• Ability to work on own initiative within the parameters of the role.
• Ability to represent the union effectively on external bodies.
• Ability to interpret quantitative data and ability to analyse complex written material.
• Ability and willingness to learn new skills.
• Ability to identify ways that services (e.g. within own area of work) can be improved.
• Ability and willingness to attend work (e.g. meetings, events) outside the normal working week.

To commence: as soon as possible
Duration: 9 months FTC
Salary: £54,240 pro rata.
Location: London NW1 (currently working from home, however the role coudl also be office based - details to be confirmed by the client