Public Affairs Officer

AVS Newcastle ltd; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 27,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading humanitarian organization based in London is seeking a Public Affairs Officer to shape policy and foster relationships with MPs. This role involves drafting briefings, coordinating events, and driving engagement around humanitarian issues. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills and experience in public affairs. This position offers flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

Benefits

Flexible working

36 days annual leave

Up to 6% contributory pension

Learning & Development opportunities

Employee discounts

Wellbeing support

Cycle2Work scheme

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of how the UK Parliament and Government operate.
• Proven experience in developing and delivering public affairs strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, tailored to parliamentary audiences.
• Confidence in organising impactful events and managing multiple projects.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and build effective relationships.
• Commitment to inclusive practice and promoting diversity in all aspects of work.

Responsibilities

• Building relationships with MPs and peers across political parties to support engagement.
• Drafting and sharing briefings for parliamentary business and meetings.
• Coordinating responses to parliamentary activity and suggesting proactive engagement.
• Working with policy teams to ensure public affairs supports evidence-based goals.
• Organising and delivering events that amplify voices from communities.
• Collaborating with communications teams to align messaging.

Skills

Understanding of UK Parliament

Experience in public affairs strategies

Excellent communication skills

Event organisation

Project management

Team collaboration

Commitment to diversity

Job description

Location: London (Hybrid) – Regular office attendance every Thursday at our UKO office, with additional ad hoc meetings as required.

Salary: £27,810 to £29,305 per annum, pro rata (plus ILW if residing & working in London).

Hours: 28 per week.

Contract: Fixed term contract (12 months).

Are you ready to shape policy and influence change on humanitarian issues at the heart of Government and Parliament? Do you believe policy can be a force for good—and want to help shape it to support people in crisis around the world? Join us in a pivotal role where you'll help drive our parliamentary engagement strategy across both domestic and international humanitarian priorities. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation and the wider sector, you'll build strong relationships with MPs and peers, draft compelling briefings, and coordinate impactful events—including our presence at Party Conferences. You'll be part of a dynamic team that champions evidence-based policy, amplifies voices from communities, and ensures our public affairs work is aligned and effective. This is a chance to make a real difference, using your skills to support people in crisis and help us spread the power of kindness.

Interested? The closing date for applications is 23.59 on Wednesday 5th November 2025. Interviews commencing 21st November 2025.

What will a day in the life of a Public Affairs Officer involve?

• Building relationships with MPs and peers across political parties to support engagement on humanitarian issues.
• Drafting and sharing briefings for parliamentary business and meetings.
• Coordinating responses to parliamentary activity and suggesting proactive engagement opportunities.
• Working with policy teams to ensure public affairs activity supports evidence-based policy goals.
• Organising and delivering events that amplify voices from communities and the Red Cross Movement.
• Collaborating with communications and media teams to align messaging and maximise impact.

To be a successful Public Affairs Officer, what will you need?

• A strong understanding of how the UK Parliament and Government operate.
• Proven experience in developing and delivering public affairs strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, tailored to parliamentary audiences.
• Confidence in organising impactful events and managing multiple projects.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and build effective relationships.
• Commitment to inclusive practice and promoting diversity in all aspects of work.

In Return For Your Commitment And Expertise, You'll Get

• Flexible working: Remote and hybrid working, flexitime, compressed hours, and job sharing.
• Holidays: 36 days annual leave, pro rata (including bank holidays) + option to buy 5 extra days.
• Pension scheme: Up to 6% contributory pension.
• Learning & Development: A range of career & learning opportunities.
• Discounts: Blue Light Discount Card, Tickets For Good & employee benefits platform.
• Wellbeing Support: Peer Supporters, CiC (EAP) & Headspace App.
• Cycle2Work: Lease a bicycle through the scheme.

We are proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme for UK-based roles. During your application, you'll have the option to apply under the scheme.

At the British Red Cross, we value diversity and maintain an inclusive environment for all staff and volunteers. We champion our teams in bringing their true selves to work, free from discrimination. This is achieved through reporting and assistance from our internal networks: Race and Ethnic Equality (REEN), LGBT+, Disability and Wellness (DAWN), Gender, Carers, and Young Staff Network.

Together, we are the world's emergency responders.