Policy & Research Officer

My client is seeking an experienced and motivated Policy & Research Officer to join a dynamic Communications & Public Affairs function within a leading professional representative organisation.

This is an excellent opportunity for a policy professional with strong research, analytical and drafting skills to play a key role in shaping policy positions, supporting public affairs activity, and contributing to the organisation's domestic, EU and international policy work.

Reporting directly to the Communications & Public Affairs Director, you will work across a diverse range of policy priorities, providing high-quality research, analysis and insight to support strategic engagement and advance the interests of the profession.

The Role:

The Policy & Research Officer will be responsible for monitoring and analysing political, legislative and policy developments, conducting research, supporting stakeholder engagement and producing high-quality written materials for a range of audiences.

The role will also coordinate elements of the organisation's EU and international policy activity, including engagement with relevant European and international professional bodies and committees.

Key Responsibilities:

Research & Insights

• Conduct high-quality research to inform policy positions, consultation responses and strategic projects.
• Analyse expert reports, monitor the work of European and international bodies, review comparative approaches across jurisdictions, and synthesise quantitative and qualitative data.
• Undertake ongoing parliamentary and legislative monitoring, including tracking debates, legislation, reform initiatives and public consultations, primarily at domestic level, with EU engagement as required.
• Identify and develop relevant data sources to strengthen policy outputs and organisational insight.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge base of sectoral, political and professional developments.

Policy Development & Analysis

• Draft clear, accurate and engaging policy materials, including submissions, briefings, correspondence, articles, newsletters and digital content.
• Contribute to the development of policy positions and strategic initiatives through robust research and analysis.
• Support public affairs and policy initiatives, including campaigns, stakeholder engagement and cross-functional projects.
• Provide regular updates, analysis and insights to the Communications & Public Affairs Director on emerging policy developments and stakeholder activity.

EU & International Policy

• Coordinate the organisation's EU and international policy work, including engagement with relevant committees and working groups.
• Liaise with European and international professional bodies, including the CCBE and IBA, responding to information requests and coordinating submissions.
• Monitor relevant EU and international policy developments and assess their potential implications for the profession and organisation.
• Support the preparation of materials and briefings for international policy engagement.

Stakeholder & Committee Support

• Support committees, working groups and Council through agenda-setting, preparation of papers and meeting materials, and coordination of policy and public-facing outputs.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior stakeholders and representatives from a range of organisations.
• Contribute to collaborative projects across the Communications & Public Affairs function and the wider organisation.

Public Affairs & Communications

• Draft articles, reports, policy updates and member communications.
• Assist with the development and implementation of Communications & Public Affairs campaigns.
• Contribute to public affairs activity and stakeholder engagement across relevant policy areas.
• Undertake other duties as required to support the objectives of the Communications & Public Affairs function.

About You

We are looking for someone who combines strong policy and research capability with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

You will ideally have:

• At least three years' experience in a relevant policy, research, public affairs or related role, preferably within a professional representative body, membership organisation or public affairs environment.
• A strong understanding of, and practical experience within, the justice, political and/or media landscape, together with an appreciation of policy-making within member representative organisations.
• A degree in a relevant discipline such as Politics, Public Policy, Economics, Business,Media/Communications or Law.
• Excellent research, analytical and drafting skills, with the ability to critically evaluate information, identify key issues and exercise sound judgement.
• The ability to understand, distil and communicate complex information clearly and effectively across different formats and to different audiences.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, networking and reporting skills.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, work independently, use initiative and solve problems effectively.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively with colleagues and stakeholders across different teams and professional backgrounds.
• Proven experience managing a broad range of internal and external stakeholder relationships, including engagement with senior stakeholders.
• The ability to engage constructively with people who hold diverse perspectives and viewpoints.