Policy and Communications Officer, Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP). Job in E[...]

Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health policy organization in Edinburgh is seeking a committed Policy and Communications Officer to support efforts in reducing alcohol-related harms in Scotland. The role includes influencing policy, managing projects, and leading communications efforts. The ideal candidate will possess strong advocacy skills, excellent communication abilities, and a degree-level education. Competitive salary of £37,996 plus benefits is offered with a closing date of 18th November 2025.

Benefits

Pension with employer contributions of 9%

23 days annual leave plus public holidays

Life assurance scheme

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted rates for personal events

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level (or equivalent).
• Experience of policy advocacy.
• Demonstrable competence in utilising social media.

Responsibilities

• Monitor relevant policy and political developments.
• Lead agreed projects in a timely manner.
• Represent SHAAP at various events and meetings.

Skills

Policy advocacy

Excellent written communication

Excellent oral communication

Organisational skills

Experience with social media

Education

Degree level education (or equivalent)

Job description

Overview

Vacancy: Policy and Communications Officer, Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP)

Salary: £37,996

Location: Edinburgh

35 hours per week

We are seeking to appoint a committed and adaptable individual to support SHAAP's work to reduce harms from alcohol in Scotland, by using the latest evidence and research to develop effective policy, leading SHAAP's communications and advocacy work, and managing specific projects. As a key member of a small staff team, the Policy and Communications Officer is a varied role and is vital to our aim of influencing policy and practice by communicating research, policy and evidence effectively to a range of stakeholders.

SHAAP consists of a small staff team and a Steering Group of doctors with a strong interest in reducing alcohol harms in Scotland. The post of Policy and Communications Officer is new, and will work closely with the Director and the Research and Projects Co-ordinator.

The Role

Please refer to the Job Description for the full details. The Policy and Communications Officer role responsibilities include:

• To monitor relevant policy and political developments and proactively pursue opportunities to influence alcohol-related policy
• To lead agreed projects in a timely manner
• To represent SHAAP at various events, groups and meetings
• To act as the first point of contact for media enquiries
• To research and produce relevant briefings, reports and publications
• To produce content for and manage the SHAAP website and social media channels
• To work closely with the rest of the team
• To undertake any other reasonable tasks requested by the SHAAP Director/Chair

The Person

Please refer to the Job Description for the full details.

• Educated to degree level (or equivalent)
• Ability to produce reports and papers for different audiences
• Experience of policy advocacy
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Knowledge of, and interest in, alcohol policy
• Highly-organised; able to self-manage and work as part of a team
• Experience of organising events
• Confident at working with journalists
• Demonstrable competence in utilising social media
• Ability to represent SHAAP with external stakeholders

Remuneration Package

The salary for this role will be £37,996per annum plus benefits. Additional benefits include:

• Pension: with employer contributions of 9%.
• Holidays: 23 days annual leave. All employees receive 11 days public holiday/College close downs.
• Life assurance scheme.
• Long-term income protection scheme for those unable to work due to illness.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Discounted rates for use of the venue for personal events.

To Apply

Please go to our website for a full job description and further details.

Please note agencies need not apply.

Closing Date and Interviews

Closing Date: 12pm Tuesday 18th November 2025

Interviews: WC 8th December 2025