Public Affairs Manager, Obesity Health Alliance (FTC 12 months)

Job Introduction

The Obesity Health Alliance (OHA), is a coalition of 45 health charities, medical royal colleges and campaign groups, hosted by Diabetes UK. We work together to influence government policies on healthy weight and create an environment that facilitates health. Over the next two years we have the opportunity to secure strong evidence-based new legislation that could fundamentally re-shape our food environment as well as launch our own landmark long-term strategy for further positive change. We now need an experienced and passionate public affairs professional to develop and deliver coordinated public affairs and influencing strategies for the OHA.  This is a high-profile policy area, working with an established coalition of leading health organisations with the opportunity to secure significant change to improve population health.

This role is advertised as full time however we would consider part time hours working 3 days a week, working 21 hours, or 4 days a week, working 28 hours. The salary advertised would then be pro rata’d to the following:

When working 4 days, 28 hours:

• £33,433.60 - £37,148 if based in Wells Lawrence House office (London) or our South East Regional office
• £30,939.20 - £34, 653.60 if home-based or based in another regional or national office

When working 3 days, 21 hours:

• £25,075.20- £27,861 if based in Wells Lawrence House (London) or our South East regional office
• £23,204.40 - £25,990.20 if home-based or based in another regional or national office

Interview Date: 15 May 2021

Role Responsibility

This role will devise and manage public affairs and stakeholder influencing activity on behalf of the OHA. Working closely with our alliance partners (including Cancer Research UK, British Heart Foundation and medical royal colleges), the role involves building impactful relationships and securing support for our policies, focused on food marketing, with key decision makers and influencers across Westminster, Whitehall and beyond.

You will use your existing health-focused relationships with policy-makers and knowledge of the political environment to leverage opportunities to secure landmark new regulation. As well as building on existing political opportunities, you will devise and deliver a long-term influencing strategy for the OHA.

The Ideal Candidate

You will have an excellent understanding of political processes and significant experience of developing health-focused campaign strategies and stakeholder influencing plans, with an ability to build strong relationships and influence at a senior level. You will be a self-starter, very confident working under your own initiative and competent at managing multiple projects and re-prioritising in order to identify and respond to emerging opportunities.

Package Description

What we can offer you: 

• Generous annual leave starting at 25 days plus bank holidays 
• A Cash Healthcare Plan (giving you up to £1,500 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
• 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

Diabetes is the most devastating and fastest growing health crisis of our time.  There are currently more than 3.9 million people in the UK diagnosed with diabetes, and just under 1 million more with undiagnosed type 2.

We are working to make sure that those affected by diabetes get the best care and support they need to live well with their condition and avoid life-changing complications.  We're leading the way by funding critical research, improving healthcare and treatment so we can reach our vision of a world where diabetes can do no harm.

Diabetes UK staff are motivated and experienced and extremely passionate about helping people affected by diabetes.  We have been fighting for people with diabetes for more than 80 years and changed millions of lives thanks to the new treatments, technology and policy changes we've been behind.

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

We're a diverse bunch and as a charity we recognise and respect the value of everyone.

We've recently been awarded a One Star Accreditation status by Best Companies.  And this year we were named 65th in the top 100 not-for-profit organisations in the Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For list. 

We're committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expect all staff and volunteers to actively support this commitment.

We have a vision of a world where diabetes can do no harm.  If you’d like to be part of that, why not join us? 

To learn more about the work we do please visit our website

Diabetes UK