Senior Policy Adviser (Maternity Cover)

The Royal Society is seeking an enthusiastic person to join as a Senior Policy Adviser on our health programme within the People and Planet policy team for a 12 month Maternity Cover contract. This position is suitable for an efficient and dynamic person who forms excellent working relationships with a range of stakeholders and is confident in delivering a number of concurrently running work streams. It would suit someone with an interest in and good working knowledge of the health landscape who wishes to make a tangible difference across society.

The People and Planet policy team deal with issues ranging from human health to biodiversity and the environment, and currently comprises 11 members of staff in the team within a Section of approximately 50 in Science Policy. This pivotal role involves working closely with the Head of Policy to implement a strategy for our human health programme – focussed on the principle of prevention – devising and delivering appropriate programmes of work to enact that strategy. It will involve working closely with world-class experts from the Society’s Fellowship and beyond, convening working groups, synthesising evidence and presenting it in accessible and persuasive manner for both technical and lay audiences. The post holder will have experience at the science/policy interface and an active interest in public health or a relevant discipline.

As a Senior Policy Adviser at the Royal Society you will be responsible for leading projects and programmes of work. You will be adept at networking, motivating colleagues, building interdisciplinary relationships and advising committees, senior staff and Fellows. You will have experience of assessing and reporting on technical information in a clear and concise manner, writing influential documents for diverse audiences. A creative thinker and effective problem solver, you will have experience in one or more relevant areas of science policy or a proven ability to transfer between policy domains. Your work in this role will be varied and highly visible. This role also requires occasional domestic UK travel and early morning/late evening commitments. It has the possibility of line management.

This Senior Policy Advisor role is primarily focussed within the People and Planet Team, but many of the issues it deals with will have clear overlap with work led by the Society’s other major policy themes – data, education, emerging technology and policy for science. You will be expected to have the versatility and breadth of skills to support work in other programmes as the need arises. Whilst the Society’s policy work is led by the science policy team, we also work closely with colleagues in Communications, Public Affairs, Public Engagement, International Affairs and Industry Programme teams to deliver outcomes.

We typically undertake the following activities on topics that reflect the Society’s priorities:

• Projects: Analysing the scientific evidence relating to major policy issues in collaboration with other experts
• Reports & publications: Producing reports, statements, consultation responses and other publications on a regular basis
• Events: Bringing together policymakers and scientists to discuss current topics in science policy

This position is suitable for an efficient and dynamic person who forms excellent working relationships with a range of stakeholders, and is confident in delivering a number of concurrently running work streams. It would suit someone with an interest or working knowledge of the health landscape and wishes to make a tangible difference across society.

About the Royal Society

The Royal Society is the independent scientific academy of the UK. The Society’s mission is to recognise, promote, and support excellence in science and to encourage the development and use of science for the benefit of humanity. Science is vital to many areas of policy making and the Society seeks to ensure the government and the public have access to impartial and independent expert advice to inform debate and guide good decision making. The Royal Society provides independent, timely and authoritative scientific advice to UK and international decision makers. We champion the contribution that science can make to economic prosperity, quality of life and environmental sustainability, and are a hub for debate about science, society and public policy.

The Science Policy section comprises around 50 staff working across a range of themes and policy areas, according to scientific and policy priorities. It works in partnership with businesses, national academies, learned societies, charities and government, and deploys a wide range of channels and approaches – from the delivery of major reports to rapid shorter statements, the creation of influential networks, skilful use of the Society’s digital and media channels, and well-founded programmes of events. The Society continues to develop and look for innovative approaches that will increase its influence in national and international policy debates.

Reports to: Head of Policy- People and Planet

Line manages: N/A

Location: Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AG plus hybrid remote working

Pay Band: E

Salary: £55,400 per annum

Contract type: 12 month fixed term Maternity Cover

Hours: 35 hours per week (full time)

Closing date for applications: 9am, 20 May 2024

Interviews will take place on 6 June 2024. Interviews will be face to face at our office: The Royal Society, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AG

*Please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.