About this role
Job summary
The Policy Manager helps the Health Research Authority (HRA) to make change happen. This is a key role within the Policy and Partnerships Directorate, leading projects, engagement and public involvement activities that form part of the Policy and Partnerships Directorate's busy work plan.
Main duties of the job
Working collaboratively to develop policy through desk research and the development of policy positions. This includes gathering, analysing and sharing complex information from different sources to inform policy development.
Independently plan and manage projects, from initiation through to delivery by managing the project team and delegating tasks where appropriate, manage risks and report progress as required.
Keeping abreast of latest developments in the health and social care research environment, sharing knowledge with colleagues and identifying any necessary responses.
Managing and influencing external stakeholders including patients, the public and research professionals through policy projects and engagement forums.
Represent the HRA at conferences, training events and meetings with stakeholders.
About us
Working at the HRA, we are reminded daily of how important life is. As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for you, not just us and the work we do.
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know from experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger, more creative workplace that helps us to deliver the best services. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of our community: age, disability, gender identity and expression, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and other diverse characteristics, and we have policies in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process.
When applying to work here, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement - if it works for us, we will do our best to make it work for you.
Job description Job responsibilities
This role sits within the Policy and Partnerships directorate which is made up of three teams: policy and engagement, communications and public involvement. We provide support and advice across the organisation on communicating with staff and external audiences, engaging with stakeholders and involving patients and the public in our work. To find out more and to understand the full duties of the role, please refer to the job description attached. In submitting your application with us, please note the following: We currently do not accept applications via recruitment agencies. We do not hold a sponsorship licence and are unable to offer employment under any sponsorship arrangement. Where applicants fail to demonstrate how they meet any one of the essential criteria of the person specification, the application will not be shortlisted. You will be considered based only on the information in your application form. CVs will not be considered. The HRA reserves the right to close this vacancy early should it receive a sufficient number of applications.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Relevant degree qualification or equivalent through demonstrable experience
Desirable
Relevant Masters degree or equivalent
Knowledge, Skills and Expertise Essential
Knowledge of the UK health and care system Knowledge of the UK research environment and research governance system Knowledge of legislation relevant to research Knowledge of a range of stakeholders with an interest in health and social care research and established connections with them
Experience Essential
Managing and developing health or research policy in a public sector organisation Project management experience, including planning, risk management, reporting on progress and evaluating benefits Producing well-drafted reports, papers and other communications using language suitable to the audience Stakeholder engagement experience, including developing engagement plans, running stakeholder groups and incorporating feedback into the policy development process Supporting committees or stakeholder groups, including liaising with members and writing minutes
Knowledge, Skills and Expertise Essential
Good analytical, judgement and interpersonal skills Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to convey complex information in a clear and accessible way to different audiences Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities
Analytical and judgement skills Essential
Ability to analyse complex information and distil key points Ability to understand and interpret guidance and legislation Ability to use judgement in giving policy advice, assessing options and managing stakeholders
Interpersonal skills Essential
Good networking and influencing skills: an ability to build and maintain stakeholder relationships Negotiation skills, including an ability to say no Diplomacy and sensitivity: able to handle difficult situations and diffuse tensions Collaborative: supporting and seeking support from colleagues where work sits across departments
Other Essential
Self-motivated, proactive, innovative, with ability to work independently and on own initiative Flexible and adaptable, able to adjust priorities against a background of uncertainty Resilient, able to maintain clear direction in face of criticism and controversy
Employer details Employer name Health Research Authority
Address Health Research Authority
Home Based
BS1 6PN
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.hra.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)