Public Affairs Officer

Stafforce Recruitment; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous pension

27 days holiday + bank holidays

Hybrid working: 3 days in office

Private medical insurance

Life assurance 4x salary

Income protection

Enhanced family-friendly benefits

Season ticket loan

Employee discounts

Employee assistance programme

Job summary

Stafforce Recruitment is partnering with a leading scientific research and life sciences organisation in Central London to recruit a Public Affairs Officer. The role focuses on building relationships with MPs, government officials and stakeholders to influence policy and to translate research into accessible policy messages.

You will identify opportunities, produce policy briefings and support events and the organisation’s public affairs strategy.

Qualifications

• Experience in public affairs, policy, or government relations.
• Good understanding of Westminster, Whitehall and UK politics.
• Experience engaging with MPs, government departments or senior stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, especially policy briefings/reports.
• Strong relationship-building with senior decision-makers.
• Proactive, able to manage workload and take initiative.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with MPs, officials and external stakeholders.
• Monitor political developments and identify opportunities to influence policy discussions.
• Produce engaging policy briefings, reports, presentations and communications.
• Support the organisation's public affairs strategy and raise its profile with decision-makers.
• Translate complex research into clear, accessible policy messages with internal teams.
• Organise and support policy events, roundtables, stakeholder meetings and visits.
• Build relationships across the wider research, healthcare and life sciences sectors.
• Track engagement and demonstrate the impact of public affairs activity.

Skills

Public affairs

Policy

Stakeholder engagement

Relationship building

Policy briefings

Independent work

Job description

Public Affairs Officer | Scientific Research & Life Sciences

£40,000-£45,000 + Excellent Benefits + Generous Employer Pension

Location: Central London

Hybrid Working: 3 days in the office | 2 days from home

Holiday: 27 days + bank holidays

Contract: Permanent | Full-Time

Looking for a Public Affairs role where you can make a real impact?

Stafforce are working with a well-established organisation within the scientific research and life sciences sector to recruit an experienced and proactive Public Affairs Officer. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys building influential relationships, working closely with policymakers and helping to shape important conversations around science, healthcare and public policy. You’ll have the opportunity to take ownership of your work, contribute ideas and play a key part in strengthening the organisation’s profile and influence.

The Role

You’ll be responsible for developing relationships, identifying opportunities to influence policy and ensuring important research and evidence reaches the right audiences.

• Building and maintaining relationships with MPs, government officials, policymakers and key external stakeholders.
• Monitoring political developments and identifying opportunities to influence policy discussions.
• Producing engaging policy briefings, reports, presentations and stakeholder communications.
• Supporting the organisation's public affairs strategy and raising its profile with key decision-makers.
• Working with internal teams to translate complex research into clear, accessible policy messages.
• Organising and supporting policy events, roundtables, stakeholder meetings and visits.
• Building relationships across the wider research, healthcare and life sciences sectors.
• Tracking engagement and demonstrating the impact of public affairs activity.

What we’re looking for

We’re keen to hear from experienced public affairs professionals who are confident working independently, building relationships and taking initiative.

Ideally, you’ll bring:

• Proven experience in public affairs, policy, government relations or a similar role.
• A good understanding of Westminster, Whitehall and the UK political landscape.
• Experience engaging with MPs, government departments, policymakers or senior stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, particularly producing policy briefings and reports.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the confidence to engage with senior decision-makers.
• A proactive approach, with the ability to manage your own workload and identify opportunities.
• Experience within healthcare, scientific research, life sciences, higher education, charities or membership organisations would be highly relevant but not essential.
• An interest in how research and evidence can help influence public policy.

What’s in it for you?

• Very generous employer pension contribution
• 27 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays and up to 6 additional business closure days.
• Hybrid working - 2 days working from home each week.
• Private medical insurance to support your health and wellbeing.
• Life assurance worth 4x your annual salary.
• Income protection and critical illness cover.
• Enhanced family-friendly benefits, including maternity, paternity, neonatal and adoption pay.
• Holiday flexibility - option to buy or sell up to 5 days.
• Interest‑free season ticket loan and a range of employee discounts.
• Employee Assistance Programme offering confidential wellbeing support.

Why consider this opportunity?

This is a great chance to join an established, purpose‑driven organisation working in an interesting and important sector. You’ll be given the opportunity to make an impact, work with a wide range of stakeholders and build your experience within a respected research‑focused environment.The role offers a great balance of independence, variety a nd collaboration, alongside an excellent benefits package and hybrid working arrangement.

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About Us

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we’re happy to discuss flexible working options.

We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Nicholas Associates Group of companies