Government Relations Officer

Pearson - UK; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading global education company is seeking an International Government Relations Officer to support public policy initiatives and engage with stakeholders across multiple regions. This hybrid role requires strong event planning, government affairs experience, and excellent communication skills. You'll coordinate international outreach, manage stakeholder engagement, and support high-level meetings. Ideal candidates will have a proactive mindset and an understanding of global education policy. This opportunity provides a pathway to a career in international public policy.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in government affairs, public policy, or a related environment.
• Strong event planning and coordination experience in a relevant context.
• Fluency in a second language is preferred, with a third language a strong advantage.

Responsibilities

• Support international government relations and public policy activity across LATAM, APAC, and EMEA.
• Assist with the planning, coordination, and delivery of high-level meetings and events.
• Draft and contribute to policy briefings, consultation responses, and presentations.

Skills

Government affairs experience

Public policy understanding

Event planning

Stakeholder engagement

Excellent communication skills

Job description

Pearson is the world’s leading learning company, supporting millions of learners, educators and governments across the globe. As education systems undergo rapid digital, regulatory and policy change, our relationships with governments and international institutions have never been more important.

We are now seeking an International Government Relations Officer to join our International Government Relations (IGR) team, supporting senior leaders as they engage with governments, regulators and multilateral organisations across Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

This is a rare opportunity to sit at the heart of a truly international public policy function and play a hands‑on role in shaping how Pearson is seen, heard and trusted by decision‑makers around the world.

Location: This is a hybrid position that offers the option to work from home; however, candidates must be able to attend and work from our central London office as required.

Contract: Part time, 30 hours per week (4 days, Monday -Thursday)

The role

In this highly visible and fast‑paced role, you will support the delivery of Pearson’s international government relations and public policy activity. You will help ensure that Pearson is consistently and professionally represented across global education forums, policy discussions and government engagements.

Working closely with senior Government Relations leaders, you will help coordinate international outreach, manage stakeholder engagement activity, and produce high‑quality policy and briefing materials that inform and influence education policy worldwide.

What you will do

• Support international government relations and public policy activity across LATAM, APAC and EMEA, helping to raise Pearson’s profile and credibility with governments and multilateral organisations
• Assist with the planning, coordination and delivery of high‑level meetings, policy roundtables and international events, ensuring compliance with protocols and regulatory requirements
• Maintain and manage stakeholder engagement systems, including contact databases, policy trackers and events calendars
• Draft and contribute to policy briefings, consultation responses, presentations and ministerial correspondence
• Manage team calendars and coordinate complex schedules across multiple time zones
• Organise meetings, prepare agendas and materials, capture actions and ensure timely follow‑up
• Act as a key point of contact for internal communications, ensuring accurate and timely information flow
• Coordinate with membership organisations and international partners to support joint initiatives and events
• Provide high‑quality administrative and project support to keep the global IGR function operating smoothly

Who we are looking for

We are looking for someone who combines policy awareness, international outlook and exceptional organisational skills.

You will bring:

• Demonstrable experience in government affairs, public policy or a related environment
• Experience supporting or working with government, regulatory or public sector stakeholders
• Strong event planning and coordination experience, in a government, education institution, public affairs agency or multilateral organisation ideally in a international context
• An understanding of how international and multilateral organisations operate
• The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑moving, politically sensitive environment
• An interest in or understanding of global education policy and systems
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Fluency in a second language is preferred; a third language is a strong advantage
• A proactive, “can‑do” mindset, with the confidence to take initiative and anticipate needs

Why join Pearson?

You will be part of a globally connected team influencing how education is shaped at national and international level. The work you do will directly support Pearson’s ability to operate, grow and innovate in regulated education markets worldwide.

This is an ideal role for someone who wants to build a long‑term career in international public policy, government relations or global education, while gaining exposure to senior decision‑makers and high‑profile global initiatives.