We are a not-for-profit organisation committed to increasing the diversity and numbers of young people entering engineering and technology to meet the future workforce needs, as well as promoting roles that help us work towards net zero and drive environmental sustainability.
We are looking for a pro-active Public Affairs Advisor to be part of EngineeringUK’s busy policy and public affairs team. If you are interested playing a part in enabling more young people from all backgrounds to be inspired, informed and progress into engineering and technology through driving forward EngineeringUK’s engagement with politicians and enjoys collaborating with others to advocate for change, we want to hear from you. In this role as Public Affairs Advisor, you will work closely with the Head of Policy and Public Affairs to develop and enact EngineeringUK’s public affairs strategy and engagement. You will represent the organisation externally in meetings with political and policy stakeholders and work with public affairs teams across the engineering sector and beyond to advocate for improvements in the education and skills sector.
About EngineeringUK
Our purpose is to drive change so more young people choose engineering and technology careers.
Our vision is that the UK has the workforce needed for engineering and technology to thrive, to improve sustainability and to achieve net zero.
Our mission is to enable more young people from all backgrounds to be informed, inspired and progress into engineering and technology.
In the UK, we don’t have enough engineers and demand is going up. So, we need more young people to realise there could be a future for them in engineering and technology. To really thrive, we need a stronger, more diverse and representative workforce and for that we have to do things differently to make engineering more appealing.
We are a not-for-profit working with hundreds of organisations across business, education, professional institutions and the third sector so we can all grow the future talent pool together. We drive that collective effort through research and evidence, leadership, activities for schools and advocacy, with a focus on long-term sustainability.
We guided by a series of values that we apply to all our activity:
- We are inclusive and care about diversity. We understand that we have different needs and create opportunities for everyone's voice to be heard
- We are collaborative. We listen, share and work in partnership to achieve our vision
- We are curious and keen to learn. We challenge ourselves and others to innovate and experiment
- We are insightful. We evaluate what we do and draw on research to make decisions and to improve our collective understanding
- We are driven by a strong sense of purpose. We are determined to make an impact and achieve our goals
About the role
Working closely with colleagues in the policy and public affairs and the research teams you will drive forward EngineeringUK’s engagement with politicians, policy makers and other political stakeholders, ensuring that EngineeringUK’s policy views are heard across Westminster, Whitehall and in the regions. This will mean developing clear engagement strategies and plans with the support of the Head of Policy & Public Affairs focused on nurturing our relationships with MPs and Peers. You will monitor political and policy developments in Westminster and the regions, working closely with policy colleagues in the team, and brief MPs and Peers using EngineeringUK’s research and policy reports and recommendations, ensuring that EngineeringUK’s views are heard in debates in Westminster and across Whitehall. As the Public Affairs Advisor you will represent EngineeringUK in meetings with some of our key partners, including the public affairs group of the National Engineering Policy Centre, supporting them to take forward joint projects.
The role is London based at the EngineeringUK offices at 10 Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6EN and may involve some travel in the UK. We believe that hybrid working has many benefits and are pleased to offer flexible working with a minimum of 2 days (or 40%) a week and the option for a flexible start and end to the working day. Further details on our flexible working practices can be discussed at interview or you can reach out to a member of our HR team.
Person specification
Essential skills/competencies
- A good understanding of politics and political processes in Westminster and Whitehall;
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including a proven ability to write confidently and concisely for a variety of audiences;
- Proven ability to work independently and prioritise in response to many competing demands and time, but also take direction, be flexible and work collaboratively with others, contributing to team decisions and facilitating cross-organisational working;
- Proactive approach to working;
- Excellent interpersonal skills with a clear ability to build relationships;
- Team player and happy to collaborate with others;
- Commitment to our mission and values, you will be able to engage with our values and work in a way that supports our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion;
- Understanding of regional politics and political processes;
- Experience and interest in developing policy positions.
Education/level of experience
- Educated to degree level or equivalent, or similar ability gained through work experience relevant to the role;
- Experience and a good understanding of working with politicians and other political stakeholders across different parties;
- Experience of representing organisations externally at meetings and events;
- Demonstrable experience in simplifying complex policy messages for a wider audience.
Desirable
- Understanding and/ or experience of the politics and political processes in the devolved administrations and local government;
- An understanding and/ or experience of STEM education and skills policy;
- An existing network of relevant political and policy stakeholders.
EngineeringUK is committed to being an inclusive workplace, where everyone feels they belong. This is supported by the dedicated work we are doing to ensure our policies and practices are inclusive and that our staff are trained to be able to fulfil this commitment.
EngineeringUK is committed to being an inclusive workplace, where everyone feels they belong. This is supported by the dedicated work we are doing to ensure our policies and practices are inclusive and that our staff are trained to be able to fulfil this commitment.
We value the benefits of a diverse workforce and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. Our recruitment process is designed to be as accessible and inclusive as possible and to ensure people are individually assessed regardless of their backgrounds or characteristics. We are an equal opportunities employer and are open to flexible working, including job share.
What can we offer you?
- Competitive salary;
- 28 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), in addition we normally close for the Christmas week;
- Competitive pension (10% employer contribution);
- Annual bonus opportunity;
- Flexible working;
- A vibrant office with terrace overlooking the Thames embankment and Tower Bridge;
- Employee Assistance Programme;
- Life Insurance (4 x salary);
- Long term illness/incapacity insurance cover (permanent health insurance or PHI);
- Annual private health check for all employees over 40 once they have completed their probationary period and to employees over 35 after 3 years’ service;
- Discounted gym membership;
- Yearly flu vaccination.