International Affairs Lead

Job Overview

About the BMA

The British Medical Association (BMA) is the trade union and professional body for doctors in the UK.  We represent, support and negotiate on behalf of all UK doctors and medical students. 

Join the BMA at a crucial time for doctors and the NHS and be part of a team working for better pay and conditions for the profession.

About the role

We're looking for an International Affairs Lead to join our Communications and Policy Directorate. The successful candidate will lead the BMA's membership of international bodies: World Medical Association, Commonwealth Medical Association, Standing Committee of European Doctors (CPME) and other European medical organisations. The team also has responsibility for a wide range of other global health policy areas.

The successful candidate will be the lead staff member for the BMA's International committee and will advise on International Affairs and international stakeholder relationships to BMA executive leadership. They will also line manage a Senior Policy Advisor and collaborate closely with colleagues in Public Affairs to lobby domestically and internationally on BMA policy positions.

You will need to be able think on your feet to adapt strategies to developing situations at global conferences, you will need to act with tact and diplomacy when dealing with other national medical associations and you will be working to finesse BMA statements on sensitive geopolitical situations.

The role will include significant travel to European and global medical body general assemblies. Travel is expected to be at least six trips per year but this may vary.

To be successful in the role, you'll ideally have:

• Significant practical experience in the development of strong international stakeholder relations
• Experience in the development of evidence-based policy
• Development and delivery of influencing strategies
• People management and development experience
• Understanding of international issues concerning healthcare policy
• Ability to present policy reports (written and verbal) to a variety of internal and external audiences
• Influencing and relationship building skills
• Analytical skills with a good eye for detail

Why work for us?

We offer a wide range of benefits including:

• 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)
• Onsite gym and subsidised café at BMA House
• 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

Anonymous recruitment

The BMA endeavours to be an inclusive employer, ensuring fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for roles. To support our aims, we use specific software to remove all personal identifying information from CVs and applications.  Personal information such as name, date of birth, age and gender are anonymised and will only become visible to hiring managers if you are selected for interview.

Whether the role needs you to work at home, in an office or in a hybrid way, we`ll provide all the support you need.  

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, please apply through our website. However,  if you require any reasonable adjustments or additional support at any point during the application process, please email recruitment@bma.org.uk.

Diversity & Inclusion Monitoring:

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

BMA is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of 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.

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