Policy Advisor

Are you interested in contributing to policy that makes a difference for the chemical sciences and the world in which we live?

Then consider applying to join us as a Policy Advisor on a permanent basis.

You will be an in-house expert on key policy issues impacting the chemical sciences. This is an exciting, fast-paced role, offering you the opportunity to work on topical policy issues and scope cutting-edge policy research, in order to support chemistry and the chemical sciences to make a difference. You will manage policy research, analyse a range of evidence, manage relationships, develop recommendations and work with stakeholders to influence policy in areas relevant to the chemical sciences.

You will lead on new and ongoing projects including responses to government and work with other teams throughout the organisation, including membership, careers and professional standards, education, industry, parliamentary affairs and communications.

The role is available on a full-time or potentially on a part-time basis (minimum of 28 hours) if role requirements can be met. The contractual base for this role is Cambridge or London.

At the RSC we embrace flexibility and offer hybrid working, which means our teams come together when they need to collaborate. It is expected that you will attend the office one day per week, with the addition that you may need to attend more regularly for in-person events and meetings. This role will involve UK travel and some evening and very occasional weekend work. If you need flexible working arrangements, please outline this in your application.

Knowledge and skills required

Essential:

Policy knowledge: a strong understanding of how UK public policy is made, a first degree in science, economics (or a related field) or equivalent experience and a good working knowledge of the skills landscape, innovation in science, small and medium enterprises and/or policy.

Analytical: ability to seek and evaluate detailed, complex quantitative and qualitative information and to make recommendations and judgements on the basis of this evidence

Influencing and partnering: ability to build and maintain productive working relationships inside and outside your organisation, to interact effectively and to influence policy, people and decision-makers across a range of levels, sectors and relevant organisations.

Communication: ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with policy and other audiences, to write high quality material to tight deadlines and to organise effective interviews, focus groups, workshops and other large meetings for the purpose of gathering evidence and input.

Innovating and problem-solving: a proactive approach to solving problems, developing new approaches to your work, delivering to challenging deadlines including effective project and task planning effectively prioritising across multiple projects and deadlines.

Desirable:

An academic or professional background which demonstrates a significant knowledge or experience of chemistry or chemistry related sectors

Demonstrable understanding of the impact public policy has on chemistry research, chemistry-intensive companies and the chemistry workforce.

Direct experience of working in a relevant role in the civil service the wider public sector, in higher education or a research organisation, a relevant charity, or in a think tank.

Proven ability to manage contracts and external contractors.

If you are interested in this role, please apply before the end of the closing date. When applying, you will need to provide an up-to-date CV and as a cover letter (in no more than 500 words) telling us about your relevant knowledge, skills and competencies and why you are applying for this role.

Interviews will be scheduled on 15-16 September.

About the RSC

The Royal Society of Chemistry is a not-for-profit organisation with a thriving international community of around 60,000 members in over 100 countries, an internationally renowned publisher of high-quality chemical science knowledge and the professional body for chemists in the UK, with a reputation as an influential champion for the chemical sciences.

Our purpose is ‘to help the chemical sciences community make the world a better place’. We believe that people thrive in institutions and organisations where they feel they belong, and diversity of thought, perspective and experience are essential for individuals and organisations to be successful. Through our long-term commitment to inclusion and diversity, we have developed multiple interventions, demonstrating a thought-leadership position to drive change in the culture of chemistry. Our Inclusion and Diversity strategy pushes us harder and further than ever before. We aim to increase the diversity of people choosing the chemical sciences and fulfilling their potential for a truly inclusive community.

Visit our Work For Us website to learn more about us, our benefits, equal opportunities statement and inclusive culture pledge.

At the RSC, we recognise the benefits of a diverse workforce and welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds to apply. We particularly encourage applications from disabled and ethnic minority candidates.

As a part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we endeavour, where possible, to offer an interview to candidates meeting the essential criteria of the role, who has a substantial physical/mental impairment which impacts their ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.

We are committed to making our recruitment processes accessible to all and as part of this, we are flexible in the ways we give and receive information. If you would like to apply using a different format, please contact the Recruitment Team at [email protected] or on +44 (0) 1223 432229 and we will do our best to put any reasonable adjustments in place.

If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Disability Confident

About Disability Confident

A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .