Policy & Public Affairs Manager - Northern Ireland

Job Introduction

Diabetes UK are excited to recruit for the role Policy & Public Affairs Manager.  As Policy & Public Affairs Manager you’ll help us achieve our vision of a world where diabetes does no harm. Leading on the development and delivery of policy, public affairs and influencing activity you’ll work alongside people living with, and at risk of, diabetes and collaborate with colleagues within the Northern Ireland team and across the UK to drive change. 

We have a friendly and inclusive working environment here at Diabetes UK and are proud of our hybrid approach which allows great flexibility in the way that we work. This means that you can balance your working time between home and the office, subject to the needs of your role.

Interview(s) date: 3rd December 2024

Please note that all job offers are subject to you providing acceptable evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK. You might find the following resources useful:

• To view a full list of accepted documents and the checks employers are required
  to make click here
• To view guidance on proving your right to work to an employer click here

 If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@diabetes.org.uk

Role Responsibility

To lead on the development and delivery of policy, public affairs, knowledge, and insight in order to drive influencing and campaigns in pursuit of our strategic outcomes. The role also has a key focus on supporting the National Director in external engagement, influencing, networking and partnership working to improve outcomes for people living with, and at risk of, diabetes in Northern Ireland. 

As Policy & Public Affairs Manager, you will play a key role in interpreting and navigating the current political and healthcare environment in order that we may have greatest traction to improve diabetes care in Northern Ireland. You will collaborate with colleagues in Northern Ireland and across the UK ensuring alignment to our organisational priorities and that our campaigns and policy positions are developed and delivered to ensure maximum impact for systems in Northern Ireland

Main responsibilities: 
    To lead the development and delivery of Diabetes UK NI’s policy and public affairs strategy, working collaboratively with UK colleagues.
    To produce informed policy reports, consultation responses and briefings on all matters related to diabetes care or prevention 
    To lead the delivery of Diabetes UK NI political influencing activities, including relationship management with decision makers and providing secretariat support to the Northern Ireland Assembly's All Party Group on Diabetes.
    To support (or deputise for as required) the National Director in external engagement and partnership working, bringing astute political influencing, networking and relationship building/management skills.
    To use research, knowledge and lived experience insight to inform all policy, public affairs and care improvement work. 
    To act as a (media) spokesperson for Diabetes UK NI as required
 

The Ideal Candidate

You’ve got experience of working in an influencing role within public affairs, lobbying local government and elected representatives, experience in Health and social care policy and the system. You can build strong relationships with a wide range of people and use these relationships to influence change. You’re great at communicating verbally and can produce top-notch reports as well as compelling cases for change. You’ve got an eye for detail and can translate complex data and policy to help inform our strategic decisions. You’re up for joining a small team at a time of change and being part of shaping our future direction. 

Package Description

What we can offer you: 

• Generous annual leave starting at 25 days plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time)
• A Cash Healthcare Plan (giving you up to £1,600 towards a range of out of pocket health expenses like new glasses, dentist, chiropractor or osteopath appointments) 
• Early finish Friday and flexible working as part of our approach to activity based working (not applicable to roles with fixed shift patterns)
• 2 Days TOIL in recognition of fixed shift patterns (pro-rata for part-time)
• Discounts on gym membership
• Employee assistance programme to give you support on any issues that come up in life  
• Annual season ticket loan* (on completion of your probation period and if contract is permanent or longer than 12 months)
• Very active social scene including sport teams, gardening and other activities 
• Generous pension provision, life assurance and income protection insurance
• Cycle to work scheme* (eligible for scheme if contract is permanent or longer than 12 months)

*Some benefits aren't available until you've passed your probation period and are dependent on the length of contract.

About the Company

For nearly 5 million people with diabetes in the UK, there’s no day off. At Diabetes UK, we fight day in, day out for better care, treatment and support. We won’t stop until diabetes can do no harm.

With more people than ever living with diabetes and millions more at risk of developing type 2, our work has never been more needed. We make sure they get the care and support needed to live well with diabetes and avoid devastating complications.

We fund critical research, which has led to life-changing discoveries – like the first insulin pen and programmes to put type 2 diabetes into remission. Now, we want to do this for everyone and find a cure.

We can’t do any of this without you. Our staff are passionate and determined about helping everyone affected by diabetes. For over 85 years, they’ve been behind vital policy changes, as well as new treatments and technologies to make living with diabetes easier every day.

But there’s more to do. And you can be part of it.

We’re a really diverse bunch and we recognise and respect your value as an individual. As well as helping people with diabetes, you’ll be part of one of the top 30 Best UK Charities to Work For, and one of the top 75 Best Large Companies in London.

We’re committed to protecting and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and we need our staff and volunteers to support this.

Our vision is a world where diabetes can do no harm. Join us today, and together, we can make that a reality.

To find out more about what we do, check out our website.

Diabetes UK