We are currently recruiting a Policy and Public Affairs Assistant for a Permanent contract.
This role is hybrid, both working from home and in our London hub. The team is in the hub at least once a week, plus as and when required for any other external meetings/events.
We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly between home and the hub to suit their needs and preferences, in line with our hybrid working policy.
Colleagues are able to work their hours flexibly, in line with core business hours and requirements. We also offer formalised flexible working agreements.
The starting salary is £36,575 per annum.
To apply, please send a CV and cover letter to HRsupport@actuaries.org.uk by the closing date of Friday 20 September.
Interviews will take place from the end of w/c 23 September.
Purpose of the job
To provide dedicated support across the Policy and Public Affairs function.
Dimensions
- Coordinate and support the team’s stakeholder engagement, both internally and externally.
- Proactive horizon scanning to identify and exploit opportunities for the IFoA to advise key decision makers and policymakers on policy development, including managing the IFoA’s political monitoring services.
- Provide coordination and administrative support to Policy and Public Affairs team.
- Coordinate Policy and Public Affairs content for the General newsletter and other member communication channels.
- Provide secretariat support to the team’s strategic oversight committee.
Principal accountabilities
- Work with the Head of Public Affairs, the Campaigns Manager and the Policy Team to develop and deliver high-quality public affairs campaigns for a range of stakeholders.
- Provide co-ordination, briefing and organisational support to the IFoA’s external stakeholder engagement programme.
- Monitor the political and parliamentary environment for relevant activity and provide input on relevant parliamentary processes and opportunities to influence.
- Represent the IFoA at external events to build contacts and connections with other stakeholders and organisations.
- Work with Policy team to write briefings and correspondence for parliamentarians on relevant topics.
- Create content for and actively update the Policy and Public Affairs pages of the IFoA website.
- Support the co-ordination of the IFoA’s Honorary Fellowships and medals, using them as an opportunity to broaden the IFoA’s reputation and influence.
- Take the administrative lead on the consultation response process
- Assist in the preparation of reports, papers and presentations, including ad hoc policy research.
- Support the team to organise meetings, take minutes and organise travel arrangements.
- Maintain office systems, including data management and team processes.
- Prepare papers for, attend, and take minutes of meeting as required.
- Assist in the organisation of policy and thought leadership events in liaison with the Events and Policy teams.
- Other administrative duties that support the Public Affairs and Policy team to meet its objectives.
- Work with the Head of Public Affairs to ensure the IFoA complies with the requirement of lobbying registers in England & Wales and Scotland (and any other legislation or regulations which may be relevant to our work in this area).
Main contacts
Head of Public Affairs, Head of Policy and Research, Director of Membership, Policy Managers (4), Campaigns Manager, Media Manager, Communities and Engagement Team, CEO’s and Presidents’ office, Communications team.
Decisions
The post holder will be expected to take decisions on administrative processes. They will be expected to follow and keep up to date with the organisation’s administrative and facilities procedures, where appropriate.
Complexity
- Will have a good understanding of the UK political environment, and preferably parliamentary process, including how it relates to the IFoA’s policy priorities.
- Will need to engage with policy issues to a level that enables them to understand the basic points being made.
- Will be required to manage the team’s working methods and processes to forestall problems and to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
- Will act as a first point of contact across the Executive and externally for the Public Affairs and Policy team and directing queries accordingly.
Impact
The post holder will work closely with colleagues across the team to ensure that:
- the team’s messages are appropriately communicated to the membership
- the IFoA’s messages reach relevant parliamentarians and other external stakeholders
- reports and consultations are prepared in a timely fashion
- meetings are organised and travel arrangements are made
- minutes are taken and actions are completed
Knowledge and experience
- an understanding of, and interest in, politics and the policymaking process. Knowledge of parliamentary process is desirable.
- an interest in, understanding of or willingness to learn about some of the IFoA’s key social and policy issues, such as climate change, retirement savings, artificial intelligence, health and social care.
- Good verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
- ability to set up and maintain administrative systems
- strong organisational skills
- ability to quickly get to grips with complex information
- high degree of tact, diplomacy and discretion both operationally and personally
- ability to remain calm and competent under pressure
- ability to work as part of a team and independently, depending on the task
Additional information
The post-holder will be required to be flexible about working hours. The role is based in London and the job-holder may also be required to attend events in different locations and out of normal office hours from time to time.
IFoA’s values
The role holder must be an ambassador for and demonstrate the IFoA Values in all aspects of their work.
- Member-focused: We put members at the heart of everything we do
- Action-oriented: We work hard, we work smart, and we take pride in getting things done, valuing action over perfection
- Forward- and outward-looking: We’re always looking to be bold and improve, innovate and take the next step
- Team-driven: We work in partnership, advancing together as one IFoA
The post-holder should be a team player, who values the importance of building positive working relationships with colleagues within the team and across the Executive. They should understand the vital role that our members have in helping us define our approach to policy and take a “can-do” attitude when engaging with our membership community. They should feel confident working across a range of different work-streams and should understand the importance of engaging with individuals at all levels in a professional and respectful manner. Ultimately, the post-holder should be an action-orientated, pro-active individual and with an intellectual curiosity and interest in how organisations like the IFoA can affect positive social change through public policy.
Alternative format and adjustments
Please email the HR Team if you require:
- any information regarding our vacancies in an alternative format
- any adjustments to support you to fully participate in any part of the application and recruitment process
Any information shared will be used only to enable us to make reasonable adjustments to support candidates to participate in the recruitment process. It will not inform selection decisions.
You can reach us at HRsupport@actuaries.org.uk.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion
The IFoA encourages applicants from a variety of backgrounds and experience and welcomes diversity with regard not only to protected characteristics but also diversity of thought. Diversity, equity and inclusion are more than just words for us. That’s why we are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels included and respected, and where no one is unfairly discriminated against. Consequently, we promote diversity, equity and inclusion in all our policies, practices and procedures, and actively encourage applications from a diverse range of potential candidates. All applications for our roles are considered on merit alone, and if you don’t meet all the criteria but believe you have something to offer, we want to hear from you. For more information on our commitments, please see our DEI strategy page.
