Public Policy Officer

Expires

15th June 2022

The University of Portsmouth is an ambitious institution with a track record of success. One of only four universities in the south east of England to achieve a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework and ranked in the top 150 in the Times Higher Young University World Rankings.

Given the increasing public and political focus on universities, their public policy function is becoming more important and not only to advocate for and influence external stakeholders. It is increasingly important that University’s decisions are appropriately informed by the changing and challenging political and policy environment. Whether it is new regulation around student outcomes, free speech, minimum quality thresholds, fees, or ‘levelling up’ there will be plenty to get your teeth into.

Now is also an excellent time to join the University which is two years in to an ambitious Vision that, by 2030, we will be the UK’s top modern university and one of the top 100 young universities in the world.

You will report directly to the Head of Policy who reports directly to the Vice-Chancellor. The role will involve a variety of activities including policy briefings, horizon scanning, meeting MPs, organizing VIP visits and writing regular updates to stakeholders.

This is an ideal development role for anyone who has a strong interest in working in public affairs and public policy. No prior experience of the Higher Education sector is required and it is expected that you will be equally interested in politics, public affairs, and public policy.

You will be comfortable with rapidly changing work priorities, using your initiative, making judgements, defending them, giving advice with incomplete information, and working across the University with people of different seniority. You will get the support you need to develop your public policy skills and to give you the confidence necessary for the role.

The role is flexible, with a mixture of homeworking and working at the University, as well as occasional travel to other cities, usually London. The University does not have a presenteeism culture but you are expected to come to the University when requested for events, in-person meetings etc.

If you are interested please email Dean Machin, Head of Policy (dean.machin@port.ac.uk) to arrange an informal conversation.

Employment type: Permanent

Employment basis: Full-time

Directorate – Planning Department

Salary: £31,406 – £35,326 per annum

Post number: ZZ005215-2

Date published: 13 May 2022, Closing date: 12 June 2022

Interview date: 18 July 2022

As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons and all appointments will be made on merit. As we are committed to the principles of the Race Equality Charter Mark, we would particularly welcome applications from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community who are currently under-represented at this level in this area.

The University of Portsmouth believes this role may be eligible for sponsorship with UKVI under the Skilled Worker Route visa. Please familiarise yourself with the requirements set out before applying for this role. If you are unable to meet the requirements for sponsorship you will need to confirm details of an alternative visa to work in the UK when applying for this role.

Anonymous shortlisting will be carried out for this role as part of our commitment to equality and diversity, ensuring a fair and consistent approach to recruitment. Personal details will not be disclosed to the shortlisting panel. If you’ve been asked to upload further documents, they should not contain identifying information.

We kindly ask that candidates do not send CVs or cover letters as these will not be considered.

It is the policy of the University to only accept applications submitted using the University’s application form.

All applications for this position will be processed and conducted in compliance with UK legislation relevant at that time.

To find out more about the University of Portsmouth and this role, click here and apply on-line