An exciting opportunity has arisen for two Policy Advisors to join our dynamic and well-respected Policy and Public Affairs Team.
We want to ensure people affected by dementia benefit from progress in research, by providing evidence and insights to influence decision-makers. This ranges from making the case to increase investment in dementia research, making the case for earlier, more accurate diagnosis of the diseases that cause dementia, through to preparing health systems and to be ready for future dementia treatments.
We work closely with key stakeholders, including government and other decision makers, to shape policy on dementia prevention, research, and access to future treatments.
At a historic time in the field, with the first drugs that tackle Alzheimer’s becoming available, this is a fantastic opportunity for the post-holder to develop specialist knowledge, working closely with the Policy Manager, and to contribute to significant projects that can change the future of dementia.
We are offering two permanent, full-time positions with a focus on; early and accurate diagnosis and clinical engagement and health systems.
Each role will require weekly attendance at our offices on Granta Park near Cambridge, with occasional travel to meetings and events in London and other locations.
Main duties & responsibilities
- Develop and maintain up to date and detailed knowledge of the policy landscape for a given policy area to position Alzheimer’s Research UK as a thought leader and enable us to effect positive change.
- Proactively identify and develop opportunities to engage with relevant stakeholders.
- Co-ordinate and manage assigned projects within the policy team.
- Gather and synthesise necessary evidence, including statistical information, health policies, and scientific outputs to develop insights, working with colleagues across the organisation as appropriate.
- Use insights to develop a range of outputs, such as scoping activities, briefing documents, literature reviews, reports, summaries and presentations for internal and external audiences.
- Develop relationships with internal and external stakeholders to help shape, deliver and influence the outputs of the projects, ensuring ongoing good communication with key stakeholders.
- Use public and patient involvement approaches to support insight development as appropriate.
- Analyse, interpret and present data using both quantitative and qualitative techniques as appropriate.
- Contribute to a range of submissions to government departments and their agencies, parliamentary committees, and other UK and international organisations as appropriate.
- Help develop and roll-out influencing and project ideas with key audiences that deliver against Alzheimer’s Research UK’s policy objectives.
- Support the work of Public Affairs colleagues to strengthen existing and emerging relationships with political and other parliamentary stakeholders. This will include helping to draft parliamentary questions, promoting tweets, sharing insight across and beyond the team.
- Undertake any other relevant duties and projects delegated by the Policy Manager in line with the responsibilities of the post.
What we are looking for
- Understanding of policy influencing approaches and processes.
- An analytical and evidence-based approach, with the ability to identify and solve a range of problems with minimal guidance.
- Ability to write professionally, with the skills to adapt communications for different audiences.
- Ability to work with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to analyse and interpret complex data to identify key messages.
- Ability to manage a broad programme of work with multiple projects and to balance competing priorities.
- Excellent and adaptable personal communication skills, with the ability to communicate and engage with people at all levels, in a range of face to face and online settings.
- Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise a changing workload.
- Diplomacy and influencing skills.
- Experience of building constructive relationships with stakeholders across multiple organisations, especially within a health or research policy setting.
- A passionate, proactive, and curious approach.
- Professional and hard-working team player.
- Able to remain calm under pressure.
- Able to show initiative and adaptability in a complex and changing policy environment.
The closing date for applications is the 12th May 2024, with interviews likely to be held week commencing the 20th May 2024. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity as the closing date may be brought forward at any time. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.
