Policy Adviser, Health

The Royal Society of Chemistry has an outstanding opportunity for a Policy Adviser for Health to join us on a permanent part-time or full-time (28-35 hours per week) basis.

The Royal Society of Chemistry's purpose is ‘to help the chemical sciences community make the world a better place’. One way we do this is by using evidence to persuade decision-makers on issues that affect the chemical sciences – or where science plays an important part.

We have set up a new Science Policy Unit, as part of our role as a voice for chemistry. The Science Policy Unit (SPU) aims to increase the visibility of chemistry in areas of topical interest, where it can provide unique, timely and authoritative evidence, on many of the UN Sustainable Development Goals linked to environment and sustainability. 

Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing and delivering a range of content to demonstrate the role of chemistry in topical issues such as air quality, antimicrobial resistance and sustainability.
• Identifying new opportunities for the unit and working with the Science Policy Unit Lead to prioritise issues for the unit to develop programmes of work.
• Actioning ‘rapid response’ work to showcase the role of chemistry.
• Conducting stakeholder analysis to determine key experts that will contribute to the work of the unit and building and managing effective relationships with these experts. 
• Engaging these networks on an ongoing basis to understand, capture and translate where chemistry contributes to topical issues such as environment and sustainability.
• Developing and implementing plans for effective evidence gathering and dissemination at RSC conferences and events on the role of chemistry in topical issues.
• Representing the RSC and building strong and credible relationships with key audiences.

What we are looking for:

• Post graduate degree in a relevant science-related area (or equivalent) and knowledge of, and a passion for, the impact that science and chemistry can make on policy relating to health.
• Experience in policy, public engagement or communication, with excellent communication skills to distil, structure and adapt scientific content into written communications aimed at non-specialist audiences.
• Able to interact effectively and to build and manage trusting and long-term relationships with partners and allies.
• Experience of collaborating and working on multiple complex projects with stakeholders to meet challenging deadlines.
• Experience of facilitating workshops or focus group discussions.
• Initiative and the ability to develop new ideas and approaches and proactive in solving problems.

The contractual base for this role is our London or Cambridge office, however we are currently embracing hybrid working, and therefore you will have the opportunity to also work from a location other than this within the UK, as agreed with your line manager. Applicants should be aware that there is an expectation that employees will attend our offices and travel as needed for their role. This role will require frequent travel between our London and Cambridge offices, within the UK, with some international travel and weekend and evening work.

Visit our Work For Us website to learn more about us, our benefits and Equal Opportunities Statement and Inclusive Culture Pledge.

If you are interested in this great opportunity, apply now. When applying, please provide an up-to-date CV and a supporting statement (no more than 500 words) indicating how your knowedge, skills and competencies match the requirements outlined in the job description here.

If you have any questions, please contact us on jobs@rsc.org.