Policy Officer, Digital & Physical Infrastructures

We are looking for a talented Policy Officer to join our team to support the development of influential evidence-based policy advice that shapes the UK government’s approach to developing, maintaining and governing the infrastructures and technologies that will take us into the future.

The economic and social challenges we face are increasingly complex and connected. Working across digital and physical domains, engineers are uniquely placed to offer solutions that accelerate us towards a more sustainable society and inclusive economy that works for everyone. To inform the development of impactful policies, we work across sectoral and disciplinary boundaries to collate evidence from innovators, researchers and business leaders at the forefront of their fields, partners in the National Engineering Policy Centre, a partnership of the UK’s 42 professional engineering organisations, and seek to build public listening into our work.

The role

This role would be joining the Digital and Physical Infrastructures policy team, one of three thematic engineering policy teams alongside Climate and Sustainability and Health and Resilience. The team develops expert advice on how to develop, maintain and govern the infrastructures and technologies, providing an engineering perspective on UK policy priorities. Working across the team’s current projects on the sustainability of artificial intelligence and ageing infrastructures and building on work in autonomous systems, data sharing and the built environment – this role is about supporting the delivery of high-impact policy projects by bringing diverse experts together across disciplines and clearly communicating the evidence, insights and advice in engaging ways.

Who are we?

Engineering matters. It shapes our everyday lives, from our ability to turn the lights on, have a hot shower and commute into work to the mobile phones we rely on to keep connected. It also plays a vital role in addressing some of the biggest challenges facing society today, from climate change to global health pandemics and cyber threats.

The Royal Academy of Engineering is a charity that harnesses the power of engineering to build a sustainable society and an inclusive economy that works for everyone. In collaboration with our Fellows and partners, we’re growing talent and developing skills for the future, driving innovation, building global partnerships, and influencing policy and engaging the public. Together, we’re working to tackle the greatest challenges of our age.

With a diverse workforce and an inclusive and supportive culture, we look to attract candidates from wide and different backgrounds who have a passion for the role engineering plays in society. Our aim is to make the Academy the best place to work for the staff we have and those we seek to attract.

Our policy work is largely delivered through the National Engineering Policy Centre, which brings engineering thinking to the heart of policymaking, creating positive impacts for society. It is a partnership of 42 professional engineering organisations that cover the breadth and depth of our profession, led by the Royal Academy of Engineering. Together, we provide insights, advice, and practical policy recommendations on complex national and global challenges.

Why work for the Royal Academy of Engineering?

We’re looking for people who are driven to make the world a better place. If you’re passionate about what you do and want to work collaboratively with talented colleagues to make change happen now and for future generations, we want you to get in touch.

This is the perfect time to join us. We have a dynamic, visionary CEO, a strong leadership team and an ambitious and exciting strategy. The value we bring as experts in our field and change agents is highly recognised and makes the Academy a motivating place to be. Our work today builds on a long, proud history with a focused and ambitious future, which we’d love you to be part of.

We are looking for talented people who want to make a difference to join our team – is this you?

Company benefits

The Academy offers a fantastic package of additional benefits, including:

• BUPA cash plan
• Private medical insurance
• Access to an employee assistance programme
• Independent financial advice
• Non-contributory pension scheme with 10% employer contribution
• Life assurance, 4x annual salary
• Health and wellbeing programmes
• Generous holiday allowance
• Wellbeing days and office-wide Christmas leave
• Significant investment into your personal and professional development
• Regular social activities
• Subsidised restaurant

Location

Our light, spacious head office is based in a fantastic location in central London with views over St James’s Park and close to the West End. We operate hybrid, flexible working practices with a baseline for office-based working of a mandatory weekly team day plus further days each week as required for the role and the Academy.

How to apply/Interview process

To find out more and to apply, please visit our website. As part of your application, you will be asked to upload a CV and a supporting statement explaining your interest in this role and how you fit the experience, knowledge, and skills profile.

Closing date: 4 August 2024.

Interview date: w/c 12 August 2024.

The Academy is committed to making reasonable adjustments to remove barriers that hinder applicants from applying or staff from working effectively and comfortably.