Senior Policy Advisor

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to ensure progress and innovation in dementia research translates into tangible benefits for people living with dementia? If so, join our dynamic and well-respected team in the UK’s leading dementia research charity. We’re striving for a cure, by revolutionising the way we treat, diagnose and prevent dementia.

With the first drugs that tackle Alzheimer’s disease becoming available, this is an historic moment for the field. However, there is much to do to highlight the challenges ahead to ensure the health system is ready for these treatments. There has never been a better time to join us!

You will bring knowledge and experience of policy development, research and analysis. As a Policy Advisor in our dedicated Policy and Public Affairs team, you will be able to apply your skills, passion and proactivity to some significant projects that can change the future of dementia. Alongside colleagues, you’ll work closely with key stakeholders, including government and other decision makers, to shape policy decisions on early detection and dementia prevention, research, diagnosis and access to future treatments.

We are offering two permanent, full-time positions with a focus on; Early detection and prevention and Clinical engagement and health systems.

Each role will require weekly attendance at our offices on Granta Park near Cambridge, with occasional travel to meetings and events in London and other locations.

Main duties and responsibilities of the role:

·       Develop and maintain detailed knowledge of the policy landscape to position Alzheimer’s Research UK as a thought leader.

·       Analyse, interpret and present data using both quantitative and qualitative techniques as appropriate.

·       Proactively identify opportunities to engage and develop relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

·       Use insights from horizon scanning, data analysis and stakeholder mapping to develop a range of outputs such as: consultation submissions; briefings; scoping activities; literature reviews; reports; summaries and presentations for internal and external audiences.

What we are looking for:

·       Understanding of policy influencing approaches and processes.

·       An analytical and evidence-based approach, with the ability to identify and solve a range of problems with minimal guidance.

·       Ability to write professionally, with the skills to adapt communications for different audiences.

·       Ability to work with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

·       Ability to analyse and interpret complex data to identify key messages.

·       Ability to manage a broad programme of work with multiple projects and to balance competing priorities.

·       Excellent and adaptable personal communication skills, with the ability to communicate and engage with people at all levels, in a range of face to face and online settings.

·       Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise a changing workload.

·       Diplomacy and influencing skills.

·       Experience of building constructive relationships with stakeholders across multiple organisations, especially within a health or research policy setting.

·       A passionate, proactive and curious approach.

·       Professional and hard-working team player.

·       Able to remain calm under pressure.

·       Able to show initiative and adaptability in a complex and changing policy environment.

Additional Information:

Ways of working: As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.

Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals.  This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.

Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD. 

Salary: Circa £29,000 per annum, plus benefits.

Please download the Vacancy Pack for more information.

The closing date for applications is the 25th February 2024, with interviews likely to be held week commencing the 4th March 2024. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity as the closing date may be brought forward at any time. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone is able to be themselves and reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures.  Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via the channels on our website.

How to apply:

Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment System which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV and covering letter to your application and track the status of your application.

About Alzheimer’s Research UK:

Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure.  Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope. 

There has never been a more important and exciting time in dementia research. With promising new drugs in clinical trials that slow the progression of the diseases that cause it, and revolutionary new ways to diagnose them on the horizon, we are now at a tipping point. Working with the smartest minds globally and across the UK, with industry and academia, Alzheimer’s Research UK is uniquely placed to invest in the very best research identifying barriers to a cure and knocking them down so that there are more and better treatments for everyone with dementia. For the first time in history, we can see a future where people with dementia can get a swift and accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments that could slow or even stop their disease. We stand for everyone affected by dementia. We stand for a cure. 

In 2022, we were incredibly proud to be awarded a 3-star accreditation by Best Companies which recognises ‘World Class’ levels of workplace engagement and were also listed in the prestigious Best Companies lists:

• 48th in the 100 Best Large Companies to Work For in the UK.

• 19th in the 100 Best Companies to Work For in the East of England.

• 3rd in the 50 Best Companies to Work For in the Charity Sector.

In addition, we were also shortlisted for a special award recognising the work undertaken on reducing our environmental impact.

In 2021, we were awarded the HR Management award by The Charity Times for our Wellbeing initiatives throughout the pandemic.

In 2020, we demonstrated our commitment to changing the way we think and act about mental health in the workplace and signed the Time to Change Employer Pledge. 

ARUK really does look after its people, where you will be able to add value and make a difference. 

To view further details about working for us and the benefits we offer, please visit Alzheimer’s Research UK