Senior Public Affairs Officer

British Medical Association

Hours
40 hours per week

Length of contract
12 month

About the Organisation

British Medical Association (BMA) is a professional association and trade union for doctors and medical students in the UK. It is prominent and influential at the heart of the current debate over the future of healthcare provision. The BMA speaks for doctors at all stages of their careers and is a leading voice on a wide range of professional and political issues affecting medicine and health.

About the role

We are looking for a skilled communicator with excellent influencing skills to play a key role in promoting the aims and priorities of the organisation, to carry out high-level public affairs and engagement work. The Senior Public Affairs Officer will have strong political acumen and a demonstrable, in-depth understanding of current health policy and the political landscape across the UK.

Sound political judgement is necessary along with the ability to interpret complex information and identify risks and opportunities. The role is with our Communications and Policy Directorate and works closely with colleagues across media, social media, and policy teams.

Responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities:

• In designated areas, and under the management of the Head of Public Affairs, plan and lead the BMA’s work to influence parliamentary and stakeholder audiences and achieve the required objectives of the organisation.
• Identify, organise and attend meetings with elected BMA representatives and politicians.
• Keep abreast of key political and health policy developments, and proactively identify public affairs opportunities to engage with stakeholders to promote BMA policies and influence priorities.
• This includes lobbying MPs, peers, and other stakeholders.
• Produce a variety of written communications, for example, parliamentary briefings, select committee submissions, responses to legislation, web copy, PQs, and debate summaries.
• Regularly liaise with parliamentarians and other stakeholders through a diverse range of communication channels and maintain excellent relationships.
• Represent BMA policy externally at stakeholder meetings and proactively identify opportunities for joint working with comparable organisations.
• Plan and oversee organisation of meetings and functions involving MPs, peers and other stakeholders, including the BMA presence at party conferences.
• Lead on development of content and updates on public affairs activities for members.
• Lead integrated communications projects with a significant public affairs angle, liaising with communications colleagues in the wider directorate.
• Liaise with communications staff in devolved nations and BMA regional staff, keeping them up to date with legislative changes and political developments which may affect them. 

Skills, Competencies & Experience

• Professional experience in public affairs activities, including the direct lobbying of politicians (essential)
• Proven ability to develop and deliver effective public affairs campaigns and achieve clear policy-influencing objectives
• In-depth knowledge of legislative procedures and understanding of policy-making processes and lobbying opportunities
• Established contacts with MPs, their staff across all parties, and stakeholders
• Excellent political awareness
• Good understanding of health-related policy and trade union functions
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for a variety of communication outputs such as briefings, senior-level correspondence and internal documents
• Ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy, influencing and negotiating skills in dealing with stakeholders
• Excellent research and analytical skills (analysing legislation and policy documents)
• Ability to prioritise and manage own workload effectively, including the organisation and planning of work
• Ability to adapt and be flexible to emerging situations

Compensation & Benefits

• 30 days holiday entitlement plus bank holidays and a BMA company day
• Double matching pension contributions up to 12% of salary
• Additional leave entitlement for volunteering or moving house (after completion of probationary period)
• On-site gym and subsidised café at BMA House
• Access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with free confidential counselling, a helpline and specialist support available
• BMA Law - discounted rates for employees requiring legal services such as will writing/conveyancing
• Multiple flexible benefits and discounts through our employee benefits platform
• Lots of Learning and Development/training opportunities via our internal learning hub
• Season ticket loan (up to £10,000) after completion of probationary period

Conditions of employment

• Please note, we are unable to provide sponsorship under the UK points-based immigration system, and we do not hold a sponsorship licence.

Working locations

• Hybrid model, working in the London office and remotely

How to apply

• To apply, please upload an up-to-date version of your CV and supporting information setting out your suitability for the role. If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, please apply through our website
• If you require any reasonable adjustments or additional support at any point during the application process, please email [email protected]

Policies

BMA is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination based on age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives, and knowledge as we recognise that diversity makes us stronger.

Our ambition is to work together to promote a more inclusive environment, which attracts everybody, and signals our commitment to celebrate and promote diversity.

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