The IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) is one of the world’s leading professional societies with 167,000 members across 150 countries. We are currently seeking an organised and proactive Policy Advisor to join the policy team.
As a Policy Advisor, you will work with IET volunteers, staff and staff from other engineering institutions to provide expert understanding and analysis on a wide range of engineering policy issues of interest to the IET. The IET is a respected and trusted advisor to government on Transport and Manufacturing issues, and has excellent existing relationships with government and select committees, as well as a track record of significantly impacting policy making. As a Policy Advisor you will be working to inform and influence government departments and parliament.
The ideal candidate will have experience in public policy and the policy making process as well as experience in organising meetings and writing meeting notes. As a Policy Advisor you will be experienced at communicating with senior stakeholders and be able to read and communicate engineering and technology documents effectively. A large part of this role will see you preparing submissions, producing technical guidance to members of the public, preparing reports for publication, media presentation and supporting policy panels on specialist topics.
Educated to degree level and with an interest in engineering and technology, you will be able to demonstrate excellent initiative, supporting the Principle Policy Advisor in managing multiple projects and activities. This is a dynamic and exciting role within a friendly and knowledgeable team - all seeking to make a real impact. We are looking for a driven, self-starter who will be able to get stuck in and be a valuable part of this versatile team.
Main Duties and Responsibilities (summary)
- To assist the Principal Policy Advisor for transport and manufacturing;
- To provide secretariat support for the activities of the Policy Panels;
- To prepare submissions on matters of concern to the IET and its members for Government and other decision-making bodies, as part of public consultations or otherwise;
- To produce and maintain technical fact sheets and guidance as required to members and the public and prepare technical reports for publication;
- To prepare reports to Government and the media to inform, influence and advise on significant issues of current importance, including the key topics of: technical and vocational education in the UK and engineering skills;
- To arrange parliamentary briefings and meetings.
Person Specification:
Essential
- Educated to degree level in Science, Engineering or Social/Political Science, together with a broad engineering interest and wide-ranging technical knowledge;
- An interest in, and knowledge of, public policy, politics and government issues;
- Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to assimilate complex information quickly and produce written papers to a high standard of presentation and argument;
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish credibility with senior personnel from industry, academia and government;
- Competence in MS Word, email and the Internet.
Desirable
- Understanding and experience of UK transport or manufacturing policy;
- Experience of policy formation and/or public affairs work including informing and influencing MPs, Ministers and Civil Servants.
This role will be working out of the London and Stevenage Offices. Up to 6 months fixed term contract.