Policy Adviser

We are looked for a talented and enthusiastic Policy Adviser to join our team. If you are looking to build your policy career in a policy environment which will have real impact in promoting sustainable growth in the UK economy, then this could be the role for you.

In this role you will help understand what businesses need from the UK environment in order to innovate, invest and grow, develop evidence based policy recommendations and practical solutions, and seek to effect change through engagement with policymakers and stakeholders.

Based at our London office (Cannon Place), the role will be part of the Tech and Innovation team and, in response to evolving priorities of government and members, will provide opportunities to work on other policy areas and cross-cutting projects.

Our focus is built around sustainable growth, and we're currently focussed on three key objectives (see below), which we call our missions:

• Kickstarting growth - improving the investment environment, reducing the cost of doing business, and restoring business confidence, looking at energy costs, planning, international relations, and regulation.
• Boosting productivity - via skills, tech adoption, health, migration, and workforce planning.
• Accelerating net zero - and supporting energy security by supporting green technologies, renewable energy sources, and decarbonisation.

For each of these missions, the CBI runs a programme of work: engaging and inspiring members, identifying key enabling actions required by the government and building the policy position to support those.

This role is pay band 6,
with a starting salary of £30-35k
depending on experience
and
will report to the Tech and Innovation Policy Manager

To apply for the role, please send your CV and a short covering letter setting out your suitability for the role to by 9am on Friday 31 October.

Key Responsibilities

Work with members to develop the CBI's policy positions:

• Develop a strong grasp of the key policy challenges facing UK businesses, particularly in relation to tech and innovation, and the political environment in which they are seeking to influence
• Work with CBI members to develop policy positions with broad support from employers of all sizes and sectors
• Work on multiple discrete projects (e.g. policy briefs, reports, and consultation responses), with a focus on tech and innovation policy, using project management skills to track progress, manage risk and measure success
• Draft and present papers for senior-level boards and committees
• Draft internal briefings for meetings, demonstrating awareness of political context

Building strong internal and external relationships, including:

• Acting as a point of contact within the CBI for members, staff, and other stakeholders on tech and innovation policy, including advising your line manager and director of relevant debates in the wider political and media landscape
• Working alongside colleagues in other policy teams as well as commercial, marketing and press to maximise the impact of the CBI's tech and innovation policy work
• Meeting with officials in key government departments, including the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Department for Business and Trade and HM Treasury
• Meeting with leaders at CBI member companies to ensure that the Tech and Innovation Team's work reflects business' priorities.

Supporting the CBI's commercial strategy and member value, including:

• Acting as a representative for the policy team's work to support commercial colleagues to recruit and retain CBI members, including strategic accounts
• Contributing to a strong member proposition on policy, including working with commercial colleagues to secure partnerships that grow the CBI's non-subscription income
• Distilling political and practical insight on policy issues into accessible and engaging content for CBI members

Knowledge & Experience

What an individual must know or understand to be able to fulfil the role's requirements

Essential

• Demonstrable interest in politics and public policy
• Enthusiasm for working on tech and innovation issues
• Strong research, communication, organisational and influencing skills
• Awareness of the commercial environment facing businesses

Desirable

• Knowledge of the UK's policymaking process
• Experience working in policy
• Familiarity with the factors affecting business' strategic decision-making

Skills

The practical actions required to be able to fulfil the role's requirements

• Research and using information
  – including quickly picking up new issues and concepts, crafting solutions and advising senior colleagues.
• Written and oral communication
  – including the ability to communicate to a wide range of stakeholders and audiences.
• Interpersonal
  – including the ability to maintain member satisfaction and manage external stakeholder relationships, and to collaborate with a range of internal teams to deliver the team's work
• Planning and Organisation
• including overseeing multiple projects, working independently and with others in a fast-paced environment.