Parliamentary Officer

Age UK's international arm, Age International, has a new opportunity for a Parliamentary Officer to make an impact in our small but mighty team! The successful candidate will be joining us at an exciting time in UK politics in the run up to the General Election, as we help to prepare the next UK Government on the key issues affecting older people across the globe.

Age International is the UK member of the HelpAge global network and a member of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC). Our role is to advocate, increase awareness and raise funds for international programmes from the UK public, the UK Government and grant-making institutions. We are passionate about creating change for the future for older people across the world.

Age International supports older people and fights ageism globally. Right now, millions are struggling to get by because communities, both local and national, have abandoned them. We work to change futures and attitudes, because every person - regardless of age - has the right to a dignified life. We amplify the voices of older people in Parliament and, by doing so, we have made a commitment to fight for rights, work with all communities and find a solution where often none seems possible.

We have a refreshed strategy and a strong track record of influencing UK Government policy on issues affecting older people in low and middle-income countries.

This Parliamentary Officer role is a great opportunity to achieve meaningful change by building our profile and relationships with MPs and Peers and bringing the voices and experiences of older people in low and middle-income countries into Parliament. You will also be collaborating closely with Policy, Campaigns, Communications teams and colleagues across the organisation to help Age International supporters to demonstrate their concern to Parliamentarians about the inclusion of older people in the UK's international development work.

You will keep abreast of what is happening in Parliament, advising colleagues on opportunities for bringing issues facing older people to the attention of policy makers, briefing MPs, Peers and their staff on a range of issues Age International is prioritising. You'll also help to build a strong base of support in Parliament for Age International's policy agenda.

We're looking for someone who can take the initiative, bringing their knowledge and experience of working with Parliamentarians to strengthen our existing relationships and build new alliances. You'll need to be passionate about social change, bringing together an ability to translate complex material into compelling narratives, an ability to identify strategic opportunities, and an eye for detail.

We offer hybrid working from our offices in the City of London. As part of this role, you'll be required to attend the London office a minimum of one day per week. You'll also need to have the ability to carry out external meetings at the Houses of Parliament in Westminster as required.

Please note: Interviews will take place remotely on the 5th and 6th March with shortlisted candidates.

Age UK Charity Job Grade 7.

Must haves:

Skills

• Commitment to working as part of a team to positively influence UK Government policies that affect older people in low- and middle-income countries.
• Excellent knowledge of, engagement and interest in, UK political and parliamentary affairs.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including social media, with a high level of attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with ability to collaborate across the political spectrum and with diplomacy.
• IT literate.
• Ability to prioritise workloads, set and meet deadlines, and balance conflicting demands. A self-starter.
• Sensitive to issues of equity, diversity and inclusion and willingness to promote Age International's values.

Experience

• Experience of working in a political or Parliamentary setting and / or project managing Parliamentary or political work.
• Experience of communicating complex issues in relevant, politically informed and engaging way to Parliamentary and related audiences.
• Experience of setting up and managing parliamentary monitoring systems.
• Experience of collaborative team working (both with internal colleagues and externally with coalition allies), ideally within a charitable / NGO environment.
• Experience of writing briefings and other materials to communicate key points to external and internal audiences e.g. briefings ahead of meetings, manifesto text.
• Experience of researching, analysing and communicating complex political and policy issues.
• Experience of attending political events e.g. Party conferences or briefings.
• Experience of building constituency-level engagement with MPs and prospective parliamentary candidates.

Great to haves

• Knowledge of issues facing older people in low and middle-income countries.
• Knowledge of international development policy agendas.

What we offer in return

• Competitive salary, 26 days annual leave + bank holidays + annual leave purchase scheme
• Excellent pension scheme, life assurance, health cashback plan and EAP
• Car Benefit Scheme, Cycle to Work Scheme and Season Ticket Loan
• Techscheme - buy any tech from Apple or Currys, up to £1000, and spread the cost over 12 months, interest free
• Blue Light Card Scheme
• You Did It Awards - recognition awards from £100-250.

Additional Information

Attendance at external events may be required. Many of these take place outside core office hours in central London. Attendance at Party political conferences and some domestic travel may be required e.g. to constituencies.