The International Longevity Centre – UK (ILC-UK) is a futures organisation focused on some of the biggest challenges facing Government and society in the context of demographic change.
We ask difficult questions and present new solutions to the challenges and opportunities of ageing. We undertake research and policy analysis and create a forum for debate and action.
Much of our work is directed at the highest levels of Government and the civil service, both in London and Brussels. We have a reputation as a respected think tank which works, often with key partners, to inform important decision-making processes.
Our policy remit is broad, and covers everything from pensions and financial planning, to health and social care, housing design, and age discrimination. We work primarily with central government, but also actively build relationships with local government, the private sector and relevant professional and academic associations.
We are an intergenerational and solutions focused in our approach, our work is evidence based and all our reports include targeted recommendations for future action.
Over the last year, we have enjoyed great success both in terms of our impact and reach:
- Producing over 35 reports;
- Holding over 50 high level events and conferences;
- Featuring in every UK national newspaper, in international publications, contributing to national TV and radio debates, and reaching an international Twitter audience of more than 5 million.
The ILC-UK is part of the ILC Global Alliance. The alliance is a multinational research and educational consortium, united in a common purpose to understand and address the consequences of population ageing and advancing longevity.
Candidate Specification
Political interest in our areas of concern have never been higher. We work on some of the most pressing current policy issues including how social care could be funded, how young people will be able to have a reasonable retirement income, how communities could work for all ages, and how we can afford health in the context of demographic change. This role will need to help ensure ILC-UK maximises visibility in this time of opportunity.
We need a Political Advisor with excellent analytical and written skills, a track record of political project management and delivery, with a strong passion and understanding for UK public policy. The post holder should be able to interpret and understand research to disseminate to a wider audience. You must be able to work at a rapid pace, with both the Research and Public Affairs teams. You must also be able to work on multiple projects at the same time with competing deadlines. Ideally candidates should have experience in client liaison and project development, though this is not essential.
This role would suit an individual with experience in political engagement who also has experience in responding to governmental consultations and who can develop ILCs networks and alliances, enhancing the visibility of our research.
Key Responsibilities
- Enhancing our political reputation: Developing and leading our political engagement strategy to ensure we have strong links with key opinion formers to promote the work of the ILC-UK;
- Enhancing the visibility of our research: Maximising the potential influence of our research and expertise through the dissemination of research, engagement with key stakeholders and other activities, such a media engagement;
- Delivering political projects and contributing political input to research projects: Taking responsibility for the implementation and overall management of political, advisory and public affairs projects. Supporting the Research team to disseminate through political engagement;
- Contributing to ILC-UK’s broader community life: Contributing to ILC-UK internal and external meetings and events, and more broadly the intellectual and social capital of the organisation.
Key Skills
Essential
- Experience of working with and in Westminster and/or Whitehall;
- Strong knowledge of Parliamentary procedure and the workings of Whitehall;
- Good project management experience;
- Understanding of the external political environment and political development as they may affect ILC-UK;
- Ability to understand and interpret research and disseminate it to a wide variety of audiences;
- Track record of influencing stakeholders and understanding the opportunities and risks of working collaboratively with other stakeholders;
- Ability to write engaging articles, briefs and reports for different audiences;
- Experience of working on policy and political events;
- Ability to work independently in a highly-pressured environment and to tight deadlines;
- Ability to offer support and guidance to more junior members of the team;
- Ability to work under pressure, managing multiple tasks with competing deadlines;
- Good IT skills and knowledge of using social media for political purposes.
Desirable
- Experience of responding to governmental and other consultations;
- Experience of producing funding proposals/undertaking fundraising;
- Experience of undertaking media interviews;
- Experience of working with non-governmental organisations and/ or international agencies;
- Demonstrable interest or experience of working on ageing related issues and a knowledge or interest of public policy environment in this field including policy development and the political process.
Post Information
The ILC-UK envisages this post to be a full-time position but is happy to consider part-time arrangements, secondments or permanent placements for the right candidate.
Duration
The post is initially offered on a year contract, with the strong possibility of extension and increase for the right candidate, who will then develop their own programmes of work. Start date ASAP.
Location
Normal place of work will be at the International Longevity Centre-UK (ILC-UK) in Westminster, London.
Hours
5 days a week, 35 hours (flexible for the right candidate).